Essential Oils for Erectile Dysfunction
May 27, 2021
4 mins
Humans have been using essential oils, i.e. highly concentrated plant extracts, for all kinds of various home remedies for centuries. One such example is their use as an aphrodisiac, in order to enhance sexual experience. There is some research that even suggests that when certain odors are strong enough, they can trigger erections in men.
But how do these essential oils and odors compare in effectiveness against prescription medications like Viagra®, Cialis®, or their generic versions?
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Whenever a man becomes aroused, their brain will send signals to their penis that result in their arteries widening, which will allow more blood to flow into the penis. This process will result in an erection. If the amount of blood flow into the penis is restricted for any reason, it can make achieving or maintaining an erection very difficult.
While this can be the result for a variety of reasons, including fatigue or drinking too much alcohol, there might be other influencing factors involved. Should this happen frequently, then it might be the sign of erectile dysfunction.
Some of the most common issues that cause erectile dysfunction are:
Insufficient blood flow that may be the result of an underlying health condition. Conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol can prevent the sufficient flow of blood required for an erection.
Certain medications or conditions such as Peyronie’s disease can cause nerve tissue damage resulting in a difficulty maintaining erections.
Psychological factors, such as depression or anxiety, can create a lack of stimulation or disrupt the signals required between the brain and the penis.
Depending on the cause, erectile dysfunction can be treated in many different ways. ED medication, therapy, and changes in lifestyle are the most effective, but there are also a few natural remedies such as essential oils that can be beneficial for some people as well.
How to Use Essential Oils
First, it’s important to know exactly how to use essential oil. There are many different ways that essential oils can be used in order to set the mood or help with erectile dysfunction, such as:
Bath
Fill a bathtub with warm water. Then mix 12 or so drops of whatever essential oil you are using with one ounce of a carrier oil. Add this mixture to the bath and stir. This will help to disperse the oils as well as release the scents of the oil into the air.
While you can place your whole body into the bath, it’s important to avoid getting any of the water from this essential oil bath in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Make sure not to go any further than neck deep and avoid completely submerging under the water.
Diffusers
One quick and easy way to fill up a room with the scent of an essential oil is by using a diffuser. There are a few different options available when it comes to selecting a diffuser. Some are machine operated while others are candle lit devices that gently warm up an oil and lift the fragrance into the air. Others, like an essential oil stick, will send the essential oil into the air more slowly.
For anyone looking to avoid applying an essential oil directly to their skin, diffusers are a great alternative option. Should you choose this method, be aware of the other people that might unintentionally be exposed to the essential oil whenever it goes airborne such as children, pregnant women, or pets.
On The Skin
It’s very common for an essential oil to simply be applied directly to the skin, where it will be absorbed and inhaled. However, in order to avoid skin irritation, most essential oils will first need to be diluted with a carrier oil first. Additionally, whether an essential oil has been diluted or not, it should never be applied to your genitals.
One popular method for using on the skin essential oils is to give your partner a massage using them. By doing this, you will be releasing the scent of the oil while also stimulating your partner’s muscle systems and boosting their blood flow. One of the strongest aphrodisiacs is physical touch and it can help both of you to get in the right mood for intimacy.
What are the Most Effective Essential Oils for Erectile Dysfunction?
The empirical evidence of how effective essential oils are for treating erectile dysfunction is a little lacking, as it has mostly been done on animals. However, there are enough completed studies to suggest that some of these options will at least have some positive influence on erectile dysfunction.
It’s important to note that all the information below is not quite proven, and that as with all essential oil benefits, should be taken with a grain of salt.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is found in both traditional and modern medicines for a variety of reasons. Studies performed on mice have found that aloe vera extract can be beneficial for treating some sexual dysfunctions as a result of its effect on stimulating cell division along with boosting testosterone production, resulting in a higher count of sperm cells.
Basil
Basil is an herbal medicine and has been known to help treat multiple illnesses. When applied to rats, it’s been shown that basic extract boosted the motility, viability, and overall amount of sperm, as well as helping to reduce overall oxidative stress. A study from 2013 found that basil extract would protect rats against testicular toxicity when they were exposed to various toxic heavy metals. After taking basil, the testicular tissue of the intoxicated rats showed a dramatic improvement. .
Cinnamon
Cinnamon extracts may be responsible for promoting overall reproductive health, boost sperm production, while also improving various sexual functions, according to research performed on rats. Similar studies performed on animals found that cinnamon extract might help to increase the weight of both the seminal vesicles and the testes. Cinnamon will not only increase overall sperm count and elevate the levels of testosterone, it will also increase the viability and motility of sperm.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils used by people experiencing a variety of health concerns, as it is well known for its anti anxiety and soothing effects. The combination of the smell of lavender with the smell of pumpkin pie had a significant effect of blood flow to the penis, according to a study from 2014. An experiment on rats found that lavender oil was effective at reducing the harmful effects brought on by formaldehyde. The rats that inhaled lavender experienced less overall damage to their reproductive systems, including their sperm.
Nutmeg and Clove
Nutmeg and clove are known to be stimulants that can provide several benefits for seuxal behaviors. Traditional medicine in South Asia (known as Unani medicine) has long used nutmeg extract in various remedies, mostly due to its ability to increase blood circulation. One study in 2003 discovered that when male mice were introduced to nutmeg and clove extracts, their sexual activity increased. For example, their mounting behavior was enhanced along with an overall boost to their mating performance.
Rose
It’s said that rose oil can help a person to relax easier and improve their overall mood, according to several animal and human studies. This popular aphrodisiac is also believed to increase self confidence, which will help with sensuality and help to elevate sexual performance. Rose oil helps to boost overall sex drive as a result of increasing the production of testosterone and sperm. One study in 2012 found that rats who had inhaled rose oil appeared to be protected from the hazardous effects of inhaling formaldehyde, specifically problems related to the quality of sperm and levels of testosterone.
Watermelon Seed
Watermelon seed extracts are known to have many antioxidant properties. These have been found to not only protect the sperm health of rats, but to promote it as well. One study from 2013 found that when male rats were given watermelon seed extract on a daily basis over the course of 28 days, they showed a notable increase in their sperm concentration and motility when compared to the rats in a control group.
How Rex MD Can Help
Essential oils have been used for a long time to treat all types of various issues. Although there is more research required, some of them do have properties that can be beneficial erectile dysfunction.
The best treatments for erectile dysfunction are medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. However, using essential oils can potentially be a natural way to further help. Ultimately, these oils don’t typically have side effects or hurt anything, so it may be worth the time to try them out and see if they provide any extra benefits to your sex life.