Erectile dysfunction is an issue that regularly affects over 30 million men in the United States alone. It's not always the case, but when an issue is as common as this, there tend to be variety of treatment options available.
One of the most common ways ED is treated is with popular, effective doctor-prescribed medications like sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®) and vardenafil (Levitra®). That's our focus at Rex MD – helping guys get effective ED medications from home.
But other options that can potentially help alleviate erectile dysfunction exist, some of which are botanical or natural and don't require a doctor's prescription. For some men, these botanical alternatives are their first line of attack.
While these options may not be as effective as the tried-and-true medications listed above, they may be worth considering if you have religious, dietary, or other reasons to avoid pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, despite their effectiveness. One of the most common natural supplements for ED is goldenrod.
What is Goldenrod?
Goldenrod (known scientifically as solidago canadensis or solidago virgaurea) is a flowering plant that's been used as an herbal supplement in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Although Goldenrod is native to Europe, the species has spread around the world, and the United States alone now has more than 130 distinct species. The name comes from its small clusters of yellow flowers, which typically bloom in the summer months of August and September. Some varieties have jagged-edged leaves while others have smooth edges.
What Are the Health Benefits of Goldenrod?
In traditional medicine, a wide variety of benefits have been attributed to goldenrod across numerous health conditions; however, scientific evidence to back up some of these uses is insufficient. That's not to say that goldenrod has been proven ineffective, but that not enough evidence exists to answer many of the claims the goldenrod proponents suggest.
While most of the research surrounding goldenrod’s effectiveness in treating medical problems has been limited to laboratory and animal studies, some claims can be made safely as to what goldenrod can do for the human body.
For example, research has found that goldenrod contains polyphenols, which are plant-based chemicals that often act as antioxidants. Their potency will differ by goldenrod strain, but antioxidants are useful in helping to clear free radicals from the human body. Free radicals are the result of pollution, smoking, poor food, and aging, and they're believed to contribute to damaging the body’s cells and increasing the risk of disease or physiological issues.
While many of goldenrod's claims lack scientific evidence, there is evidence to suggest that goldenrod may be effective at:
- Reducing inflammation. A 2009 study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of the goldenrod variety solidago chilensis. Researchers noted that it worked both topically and systemically. This study may lend support to the notion that goldenrod could be effective in treating arthritis and other inflammatory conditions such as hemorrhoids or other topical uses. Older studies also suggested that goldenrod may have antispasmodic effects, which means it could potentially help to alleviate muscle spasms.
- Fighting certain infections. Another study from 2009 focused on plant extracts killing infectious agents in animals. Two specific strains of goldenrod (solidago virgaurea and solidago graminifolia) helped animals infected with Acanthamoeba to survive for up to three times longer than those who were not treated. The extracts used internally and externally were both found to be effective and neither appeared to be toxic. In a rare human study, Italian scientists in 2013 looked at goldenrod and other herbal medicines along with antibiotics in people with urinary tract infections. One group took antibiotics alone while the other group took a combined treatment of antibiotics and herbal medicines. The group with the combined treatments had fewer UTIs and a longer gap between recurrent infections.
- Acting as a diuretic. In Europe, goldenrod is frequently used to treat urinary tract inflammation and to prevent or treat kidney stones. There are older studies that suggest goldenrod has a diuretic effect, but these studies are not supported by additional, sufficient research.
What Does Goldenrod Have To Do With Erectile Dysfunction?
In addition to the health benefits listed above, goldenrod also has some other potential benefits. Studies and research are scant, but goldenrod has a history of being used to boost the effects of intimacy.
While these claims may not be backed by hard science data, goldenrod is believed by some to have the following properties:
- Supporting proper blood flow and circulatory health
- Opening up blood vessels (vasodilation)
- Supporting libido
- Supporting bladder health
- Supporting kidney health
- Releasing emotional blocks
- Promoting intimacy
- Relaxation and calming
While these all sound great, especially in an all-natural product, they lack sufficient evidence to prove out these claims definitively. If goldenrod does accomplish these goals, it would be a compelling natural panacea for addressing erectile dysfunction. We just haven't seen these results demonstrated convincingly to date.
What science has demonstrated is that PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis work with the body’s natural production of nitric oxide to relax muscles in the penis, promoting increased blood flow. The most common PDE5 inhibitors are sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. They've been proven, irrefutably, to be effective at treating erectile dysfunction safely and in millions of men since their approval by the FDA around twenty years ago.
Other Natural Options For Erectile Dysfunction
While goldenrod may not have the science to back up all of its reported claims, there are a few options that do. Here are a few ways that essential oils can be used to spice up life in the bedroom:
- Make a cold or hot water compress and apply the mixture to the lower back and abdomen
- Mix a few drops of oil into a carrier oil and use it to massage the lower back and abdomen
- Use as a spray in the bedroom or intimate area
- Add a few drops of neat oil, the essential oil without a carrier oil, to bedsheets and pillowcases
- Add a few drops of diluted essential oil in a carrier oil to a hot bath
It’s important not to ingest essential oils and to always dilute them with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, before using them on skin in order to prevent irritation.
- Ylang ylang. This oil has euphoric properties and is intended to provide a sense of well-being and enhance self-esteem. Ylang ylang is used to ease frigidity, mood, and tension.
- Rose. Studies have shown that rose oil can ease mood and aid in relaxation in both animals and humans. This aphrodisiac is thought to bring about contentedness and self-confidence that aid in sensuality. Rose oil may increase libido, according to some.
- Lavender. Often the first essential oil that people turn to, lavender has had the greatest effect on penile blood flow in studies with male volunteers. Lavender is known for its soothing and relaxing effects.
- Cinnamon. Animal experiments have shown that cinnamon can be effective in supporting sexual function. A review of studies has shown that cinnamon extract helped to increase the weight of testes and seminal vesicles in animals. Cinnamon is also intended to increase sperm count and testosterone levels.
- Ginger. A study on a male rats has shown that ginger extract had a strong effect on hormonal activity. Ginger is a powerful antioxidant that may protect against oxidative stress and also increase sperm function and concentration in rats.
- Nutmeg and clove. A 2003 study found that nutmeg and clove extracts increased sexual activity in male mice. The extracts enhanced the animals’ mounting behavior and also boosted their mating performance. Nutmeg has been shown to increase blood circulation, which can directly help combat erectile dysfunction.
The Takeaway
Goldenrod may have some benefits in treating erectile dysfunction, but the research is insufficient to prove it definitively.
There are, however, other essential oils and natural remedies that may be able to improve or support your sex life. Research into their effects are limited as well, but numerous studies have demonstrated that essential oils may improve intimacy and more.
At the end of the day, using natural medications and herbal remedies are just not proven to have the same effect as using scientifically supported and well-researched PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra. While there may be some benefits from various oils and aromatherapy, there's not enough evidence to support them as an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.
The most effective natural approaches to improving the symptoms of erectile dysfunction are maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of exercise, and cutting out smoking and drinking. Essentially, quality health and lifestyle can help to avoid and eliminate the symptoms of ED.
In the event that these goals are out of reach or medical intervention is necessary, the best medications for most guys are pharmaceutical, FDA-approved ED drugs such as sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil. Rex MD is here for that, with licensed clinicians who can help you access prescription meds from home. It's all done online – even from your phone. Click here to get started.
Sources
Goldenrod Essential Oil - The Oil Academy
6 essential oils for erectile dysfunction (ED): What works - Medical News Today
Goldenrod: Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations - Very Well Health
