Viagra is the talk of the town medicine when it comes to treating men’s sexual illnesses, especially erectile dysfunction. But is it affordable for everybody to use with its rising price? I believe “NO”, to get the same effectiveness some of the natural Viagra substitutes are mentioned in this article to treat the same.
Viagra is a well-known medication drug used for improving sexual dysfunction, a condition particularly affecting males. Thus, men who experience problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence, premature ejaculation, low semen viscosity, and other associated conditions face a lot of challenges that also affect their sex drive and relationship with their partner/spouse.
However, sexual dysfunction does not only concern men but women as well, because females too, are likely to experience sexual deficits that could hinder their desire for sexual pleasure.
Fortunately, there are various methods that can be used to improve sexual dysfunction both in males and females. While most of these methods are suggested by many doctors, there are natural remedies as well that can be followed in a routine manner in order to effectively enhance one’s sexual desire and sex drive.
Here, we’re going to look at some of the best natural substitutes for Viagra drug that can help treat sexual dysfunction in males.
Treating Sexual Dysfunction with Medications vs Natural Remedies
One of the commonly followed methods for treating sexual dysfunction in men is the use of medications prescribed by doctors. Here, doctors generally recommend their patients take medicines that are available in the form of oral pills, tablets, and capsules, even as far as using condoms that help delay ejaculation, birth control, and prevent contracting diseases and infections etc.
Men with erectile dysfunction or impotency, have difficulty in producing and maintaining penal erections when engaging in sexual activity with a partner. As most men may often experience low sexual desire (libido) due to low testosterone (male sexual hormone) levels, they cannot fully indulge in sexual intercourse with their partners. This sexual deficit can further hinder the relationship between the couple or partners. This could also give rise to one or more psychological conditions, such as embarrassment, anxiety and depression resulting in hypertension high blood pressure and other health problems.
Most doctors, therefore, prescribe medications for erectile dysfunction as an effective option. However, some individuals may also prefer getting over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and sex-boosting products to help increase penis size, enhance sexual desire, delay ejaculation etc. Over-the-counter (OTC) products do not require a prescription from doctors and used at one’s will, though the chances of side effects are positive.
Some Common Medicines
If you’re experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection when engaging in sexual activity with your partner, consult a doctor to get a prescription for an ED medication. Examples of commonly available ED medicines include Viagra, Sildenafil (also present in Viagra), Tadalafil, Vardenafil, Avanafil (Stendra), Cialis, Levitra, Staxyn, Tadarise etc. A lot of these medicines contain phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors that allow for easier blood flow to the penis and achieve firm and prolonged erections. Most of these medications are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and are effective in the treatment of ED.
On the other hand, using natural remedies and alternatives to pharmaceutical medications can also be quite useful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men.
What are the Best Natural Alternatives to Viagra for Boosting Sexual Desire and Sex Drive?
Treating erectile dysfunction in men using natural remedies has minimal or no adverse effects on their body and health as opposed to pharmaceutical drugs that mostly contain chemical compounds.
Aside from taking standard medications prescribed by doctors for enhancing one’s libido and stamina needed during sexual activity, there are various natural alternatives that can deliver efficacy much like Viagra.
1. DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Some of the dietary supplements that can work as natural alternatives to Viagra are:
Leafy Vegetables
Leafy vegetables are both healthy and delicious foods that are organically grown, cultivated and used in cooking a wide range of meals and eaten in salads as well.
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, arugula, kale etc., naturally contain nitrates and offer potential health benefits. They are great supplements that help produce nitric oxide in the body.
Also, vegetables like beets (also beetroot juice), carrots, and celery are good sources of nitrates and provide many health benefits.
Ginger and Honey Together
Ginger and honey are both very beneficial since they contain several compounds that help our body to function normally. They are usually taken in foods and beverages, and can also be consumed raw. Adding ginger and honey together in tea, iced tea, lemonade, fruit juice, salads, and meals acts as a powerful mixture that improves erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation etc., and helps you last longer during intercourse.
Ginger has aphrodisiac properties which help improve testosterone production, boosts reproductive health, reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction, and improves premature ejaculation. These properties make ginger perfect for men who are suffering from premature ejaculation during intercourse.
Honey has antioxidant and aphrodisiac properties, which also makes it effective for men experiencing premature ejaculation. It helps improve sperm count, boosts reproductive health, and treats erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek is an herbal plant bearing small, white aromatic flowers, leaves and pods that contain small seeds having a golden-brown colour. The seeds can help treat conditions in men, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation etc., by acting as an aphrodisiac for boosting testosterone levels, and thus, helps increase interest during sexual intercourse.
Increasing response to sexual stimuli in males can be achieved by using fenugreek seeds in foods, beverages or as supplements. Fenugreek supplements are typically made from concentrated doses of fenugreek seeds. Fenugreek supplements are often used by those looking for a natural way to increase testosterone levels.
Cloves
Cloves are extremely beneficial for people who suffer from sexual weakness due to a lack of sperm count. Their use also helps restore sexual performance in men suffering from erectile dysfunction by improving erectile responses and causing relaxation in the penile muscle.
Clove contains analgesic, anti-bacterial, antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and stimulating properties. These properties make cloves a good choice for both medicinal use and flavouring in foods and beverages.
Chewing one or two cloves before bedtime can help provide relaxation to the body and mind as well. There are several natural substances found in cloves, including Eugenol, which acts as a sedative that aids in reducing tension and anxiety.
Garlic
Garlic is an organic food that has several beneficial properties. It also contains compounds that can increase nitric oxide levels in the body.
Garlic is consumed in both raw and cooked foods. Consuming garlic in one’s daily diet can help improve blood pressure, reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.
Watermelon
Many may even call watermelon a “natural Viagra”. You can eat watermelon by slicing it into several pieces or by making juice of it. Watermelon is not just a delicious summer fruit, it offers many health benefits and keeps the body hydrated. It also has antioxidant properties that help fight the free radicals in the body.
In terms of providing sexual benefits, watermelon is rich in beta-carotene and lycopene. Both these compounds enhance sexual performance. In addition, watermelon contains citrulline, which is an amino acid that functions efficiently as a vasodilator that enhances penile erection and prevents premature ejaculation.
Ashwagandha
It is an herbal plant-bearing edible fruit that can effectively treat sexual problems in men. Ashwagandha has potent effects on testosterone levels and reproductive health and can increase sperm count and motility.
Aside from improving libido, it also improves brain power. This helps you to have better control over ejaculation and boost your sex life. The best way to take Ashwagandha is to consume it in organic form.
It is available as products in the form of supplements and capsules that are purchased from over-the-counter (OTC) and/or e-commerce stores.
Asparagus
Asparagus is an edible plant, particularly its roots and stems have a positive effect on sexual and reproductive activities. Consuming asparagus, especially with milk can significantly increase penile erection and improve premature ejaculation.
In order to gain sexual benefit from asparagus, boil its roots in milk and drink it daily, at least twice every day, for it to take effect. The result is it will help you maintain full control over the muscles of your penis.
2. PHYSICAL EXERCISES
A good solution to cope with the condition is to do plenty of physical exercises on a daily basis. There are different kinds of physical activities that a person can engage with in order to enhance their physical as well as mental abilities. Walking, jogging, running, swimming, sports, and workouts at the gym are great for physical and mental health.
When mental stress gets reduced, it helps in countering a lot of health conditions, including high blood pressure, hypertension, depression, anxiety, and other associated health problems.
Yoga
Yoga is perhaps, one of the best natural exercises and therapy and is part of the Ayurveda method for treating health problems through physical exercises.
It comprises several different types or poses of physical exercises called ‘Asanas’ or poses. These asanas include practising ‘Pawanamuktasana’, ‘Halasana’, ‘Sarvangasana’, ‘Matsyasana’, and ‘Pranayama’ poses of physical exercises. These types of exercises significantly improve the health and normal functioning of the body and mind.
Practising different Yoga poses regularly also helps manage sexual dysfunction in men. For instance, Bandha like ‘moola bandha’ and ‘maha bandha’ help strengthen the reproductive system and calm the mind to tackle the problem of early discharge in men.
3. ABSTAIN FROM SMOKING, ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION
Most men develop erectile dysfunction conditions mainly due to substance abuse and addiction. Smoking, drinking alcohol, consuming illicit drugs, as well as excessive intake of medication drugs can have detrimental effects on the person’s body and mind.
For instance, the combination of medicines and alcohol can have a negative impact on various parts of the body, affecting the blood vessels (capillaries), heart, liver, and the functioning of other systems in the person’s body.
Intoxication and drug addiction are known to cause many issues in the person’s psychological abilities.
4. ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is, in fact, an ancient and traditional method of practising natural medicine and remedies that originated in various parts of Asia. Today, acupuncture is worldwide renowned for its effectiveness in the treatment of many health problems.
Acupuncture involves inserting several needles (usually long, thin needles) into different areas of the body without causing bleeding. The physical stimulation through inserting needles may affect pain processing in the central nervous system and muscles and increase blood flow to certain parts of the body.
This method helps relax muscles, relieve pain and treat an array of health problems effectively.
Wrapping Up
In addition to the natural remedies mentioned above, there are other ways to effectively treat sexual dysfunction problems. Men who often experience challenges when engaging in sexual activity with a partner can make use of the aforementioned natural substitutes of Viagra to enhance their sexual desires, and therefore, deliver maximum performance in sex drive.