Herbs for Male Impotence

“I can’t make love, I have a terrible headache.” This phrase
anxiety.” Do women or men have a higher incidence of inhibited sexual
to talk about it. It’s no joke to many men when it comes to what is called
Other intrapsychic (it’s all in the mind) causes in men for “inhibited
sexual excitement” (impotence) are listed as sexual guilt, fear of

than in human sexuality–an ironic statement, because most of us realize
mental or emotional origin.

which is rare, and “generally indicates severe psychopathology;”
and secondary, “in which erectile dysfunction prohibits completion
of successful sexual intercourse in about 25% (or more) of opportunities.”
levels, or visa versa.

Drugs and their effect on Sexual Performance

which clearly showed that while cocaine (which is considered the ‘cadillac’
of sexual stimulants) and marijuana led to increased sexual interest and
strong decrease in these areas. Common prescription drugs can also lead
sedatives, and tranquilizers.

and ability to have satisfactory intercourse. Statistics and studies do
not support this, however. According to the Merck Manual again, “Aging
is not an inevitable cause of impotence, even into the 70s and 80s.”
I’ve often felt how fortunate I am to not have the same desire in my 40s
as I did when I was 19!

The most common prescription for functional impotence is yohimbine hydrochloride.
The drug originated from a West African tree, Pausinystalia johimbe,
usually without increasing sexual excitement. However, the drug should
such as dizziness nervousness and anxiety (Physicians Desk Reference,


as a major part of my “bag of tricks” in a clinical situation,
as well as personally and with friends and acquaintances. Besides herbal
this diet and the other recommendations will often lead to improvement within
a few weeks.

Herbal Programs

I would organize herbal treatments and
programs under the following categories, depending on the needs of the individual.

  • Relaxing herbs (when anxiety, tension and poor sleep is a root cause)
  • Aphrodisiacs (to increase sexual desire)
  • Testosterone enhancers (where testosterone levels are low)
  • Circulatory stimulants (when circulation is poor, a person is often cold)
  • Adaptogens (when a person is under a lot of stress)
  • Tonics (blood, vital energy and vital essence, when a person is deficient or weak)

Relaxing Herbs

Because nervousness, tension and even anxiety may play a major role in impotence,
relaxing herbs can be of benefit. Herbs such as valerian, passion flower
(I like the name), California poppy, lavendar and wild oats can relax without
lowering sexual desire. The relaxing herb hops should be avoided, however.
Modern studies show that it is estrogenic, and has a long history of use
as an anaphrodisiac (lowers sexual desire).

Valerian should be used as a fresh plant liquid extract (1-2 droppers/3
times daily, or as needed). Passion flower is mild, but effective, and is
usually combined with other relaxing herbs to enhance their activity. California
poppy is one of the best muscle relaxers and scientifici studies show that
it can help relieve mild anxiety. In my experience, valerian and California
poppy are very effective together. Wild oats is well-known as a mild sexual
enhancer and relaxing herb. Use it in liquid extract form (2-3 droppers,
made from the fresh spikelets) or as a powdered extract.


Since time immemorial, people have been looking for that magic herb that
can strongly increase sexual desire and potency. Unfortunately, there is
no one herb that can do miracles, rather there are several that can help
build up sexual energy and vitality. Ginseng is probably the best-known
aphrodisiac. Although there are many types of ginseng, look for either “red
Korean,” or “red Chinese” (Kirin) ginsengs. In my experience,
these are stronger than white, unprocessed types. Ginseng is especially
effective for people over 40 who have weak digestive systems, are not getting
enough nourishment and are deficient, and have little or no sexual desire.
It should be taken daily (10-15 grams), in combination with some ginger
as a tea, liquid extract or powdered extract. To my knowledge, ginseng is
one of the only herbs known to stimulate the production or testosterone
in the body. In my experience, the following herbs are also worth trying
for their aphrodisiacal (is it a word?) properties.

  • Turmeric (powdered extract, liquid extract–1 ddropper 2-3 x daily)
  • Damiana (won’t work unless it’s very fresh–liquid extract only, 40
    drops 3 x daily)
  • Mira puama (German researchers have found some activity, popular in
  • Ginger (warming, stimulating to the circulation and is mildly aphrodisiac–use
    it on a regular basis as a tea or liquid extract in a little water)
  • Chocolate (contains the alkaloids theobromine, and small amounts of
    caffeine)–use the liquid extract, or the unsweetened powder.

Testosterone Enhancers

After a thorough search of the available literature, and from personal experience,
I feel that herbs such as sarsaparilla and wild yam, which are often sold
in body-building formulas as a testosterone source are highly overrated.
Both herbs contain plant sterols, but there is no solid evidence that they
either stimulate or supply testosterone in the body. However there is one
Mexican study, which I can’t confirm, that suggests that sarsaparilla extracts
can have this activity. It may be fun to experiment–it isn’t bad-tasting,
but I’m not giving the story much creedence.

Red Panax ginsengs may be the best bet in this category, and there
is one animal study that shows that ginseng extracts can increase blood
testosterone levels.

Other herbs that may be helpful in a total herbal program can include circulatory
stimulants (ginger, prickly ash bark, turmeric, motherwort), and adaptogens,
which also can help support adrenal function (eleuthero, American ginseng,
ashwaganda, schisandra).

Christopher Hobbs LAc AHG Written by Christopher Hobbs LAc AHG

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