Erectile dysfunction
My husband is suffering from erectile dysfunction, which is starting to take its toll on a previously very happy marriage. Are there any supplements he could take to help restore a normal sex life?
Inadequate blood flow to the penis is a major cause of erectile dysfunction and the herb most often prescribed for circulatory problems is Ginkgo biloba. In one study, reported in the medical journal, Urology, 50 impotent men were given 240mg of ginkgo biloba daily for nine months. Some of the men were also given papaverine, a muscle stimulant that can also help improve erections. The researchers reported that the ginkgo biloba supplement greatly improved sexual performance in both groups, regardless of the papaverine.
Although there is a long tradition of using this herb for circulatory and sexual problems in Asia, science is only now beginning to explain how it works. Molecular biologists at the University of California, for example, believe ginkgo’s primary role in the body may be as a regulator of nitric oxide - which is critical for many body functions, including circulation.
Max Tomlinson, the Sydney-trained naturopath who now practises at The Grove Complementary clinic in London also suggests your husband take liquid linseed oil to increase his intake of the omega-3 fatty acid. The body cannot make this substance and it is one of the more difficult nutrients to source from the diet. Linseed oil is available in capsule form and your husband needs to take 1,000mg, three times a day.
Herbs are often best taken in liquid tincture form, which is the fastest route into the blood stream. Your husband should be aiming to take 30 drops of Ginkgo biloba, three times a day. He will also benefit from taking a tincture of the herb saw palmetto which is now used in most prostate health formulations. Take 20 drops of this tincture, three times a day.
The antioxidant, vitamin E, has also been shown to play an important role in male sexual health. He should take the equivalent of 500ius (international units) a day, with his main meal. Bloating and stomach problems may be a sign of over-fermentation in the body which can also interfere with sexual performance so if your husband complains of a “heavy feeling” especially after eating, suggest he avoids yeast-rich beer and bread for a while and monitor any improvements. If he follows these measures for three months, he should see a dramatic improvement.
For an appointment with Max Tomlinson call 020 7486 0908. Neal’s Yard Remedies make a wide range of herbal tinctures, including Ginkgo biloba (£4.60 for 50ml) and Saw palmetto (£4.95 for 50ml). Call 0161-831 7875 for mail order.