Herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction are one of the best ways to handle erectile dysfunction. Let's see how it compares to prescribed medication, devices and surgery in treating impotence in men.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects men whereby an erection is not achieved or maintained adequately to allow for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can affect a man�s self-image and the relationship he has with his partner negatively as it puts a strain on their communication.

Although much more common in older men over 65, it can also occur in younger men due to stress, problems in a relationship, alcoholism and drug use, obesity, heart disease and the use of certain prescription drugs

The causes of erectile dysfunction can be physical or emotional. Physical causes are those that impede the normal functioning of your body so that an erection does not occur or it is not sufficient enough for sex.

Physical causes include alcohol, smoking, diabetes, liver or kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, a stroke and radiation therapy on the testicles.

Emotional feelings that can lead to erectile dysfunction include, feeling nervous about sex, feeling stressed, including stress from work or family, and problems with your partner. These causes impede blood flow to the penis hence the lack of erection.

For an erection to occur and be maintained, blood has to flow and fill chambers contained in the penis to keep it erect; when this blood does not reach the penis or flows out the erection is lost.

There are three approaches to the treatment of erectile dysfunction; drugs, devices to help with erection or surgery. Drugs are prescribed more often than the other two methods and work well in most cases. Surgery is performed to open up the blood vessels to the penis but it is rarely used. Devices include suction pump, constriction ring and vacuum devices. These are useful for erectile dysfunction due to physical causes.

These treatment options although good leave behind undesirable side-effects and take away the spontaneity of sex. On the other hand, herbal remedies can get a man to erection with no side-effects and be ready whenever his partner is ready.

Horny Goat�s weed is one of the herbs that can help with erectile dysfunction. Discovered in China, it contains icariin which can relax smooth muscle. In laboratory tests on rabbits, it has been demonstrated to relax rabbit penile tissue by nitric oxide and PDE-5 activity. Elsewhere injections of its extract, directly into the penis of the rat results in an increase in penile blood pressure.

Another well known herb is Siberian ginseng found in Russia is famed for its action on stress and for boosting stamina hence its folkloric use for male erectile dysfunction. Other herbs are Saw Palmetto, Sarsaparilla, Liquorice, Kola nut. They all have aphrodisiac properties.