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10 Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Written by Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC on September 18, 2025

Written by Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC on September 18, 2025 — Reviewed by Hilary Watts

• What Is Erectile Dysfunction?|
• Causes|
• 10 Natural Remedies|

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) happens when you regularly struggle to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. It’s common, especially as men age, but it can also affect younger men. The good news is that in many cases, natural approaches can help.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

ED doesn’t usually come from just one factor—it’s often the end result of several systems being out of balance 1.

• Gut health (a possible root cause). New research shows that gut imbalances (aka dysbiosis) don’t just affect digestion—they may set the stage for many of the known risk factors for ED 2. An unhealthy microbiome can drive inflammation, disrupt hormone production, alter neurotransmitters that affect mood and arousal, and even worsen conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders. In other words, an imbalanced gut is often a precursor to the very problems we know contribute to ED.
• Stress, anxiety, and depression. ED is linked to increased stress and higher cortisol levels 3. Gut imbalances can heighten stress levels through the gut-brain axis, adding fuel to the fire 4.
• Circulation issues. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes all impact blood flow. Each of these conditions is also strongly linked to gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation 5 6. 
• Hormonal imbalances. Low testosterone or thyroid dysfunction can reduce libido and performance—and both may be influenced by gut health 7 8.
• Lifestyle and medications. Smoking, alcohol, obesity, and certain drugs can all interfere with erectile function 9. Again, many of these risks are magnified by poor gut balance.
• Sleep problems. Conditions like insomnia and sleep apnea are linked to ED 10 while also harming microbiome health 11 12.

Big picture: The gut often acts as a silent upstream driver of ED. When it’s unhealthy, the downstream effects can show up as problems with mood, circulation, metabolism, hormones, and sleep—all of which may increase the risk for ED.

10 Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Because erectile dysfunction usually stems from multiple factors, the most effective natural approaches are those that address root causes—not just the symptoms. And since gut health often sits upstream of many other drivers (like hormones, circulation, metabolism, and even mood), supporting the gut with a healthy diet is a key foundation.

From there, adding targeted herbs, nutrients, and lifestyle therapies can provide additional support. Starting with diet changes, here are 10 evidence-based options that may help improve erectile function naturally.

Diet

Healthy daily habits are some of the most powerful natural remedies for ED. Regular exercise, good sleep, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol can all improve circulation, balance hormones, and lower inflammation. But a healthy diet may be the most underrated factor.

Research shows certain anti-inflammatory eating patterns may be particularly helpful for erectile function 13: 

• The Mediterranean diet prioritizes vegetables, healthy fats (like olive oil), fish, and whole grains. This pattern consistently supports vascular health and has been linked to better erectile function 13.
• Low-carbohydrate diets can improve insulin resistance and vascular function, which often underlie ED 14.
• Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular markers that may play into erectile function 15. This eating style has also been associated with a lower risk of ED 16.
• A Paleo diet emphasizes nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods like lean meats, vegetables, and healthy fats, which may help support vascular health 17.

Common to all these eating patterns is a focus on whole foods rich in vital antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—nutrients linked to improved erectile function 13. 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a well-known herb in Ayurvedic medicine, commonly used for improving resilience to stress. It’s also described as a natural aphrodisiac—and modern research is starting to back this up. 

In a small randomized controlled trial (gold-standard type of study), 46 men with low sperm count (a condition that shares root causes with ED) were given either ashwagandha root extract or a placebo for 90 days. The results were striking in the ashwagandha group. In just 90 days, men taking ashwagandha had a 167% higher sperm count and over 50% improvements in semen volume and motility, while the placebo group barely changed 18.

In another randomized controlled trial, men who took 300 mg of ashwagandha for 8 weeks had increased serum testosterone levels at the end of the study 19. 

Now, that’s not to say ashwagandha will work like a drug for everyone. But here’s the key takeaway: Even though these studies measured sperm counts and hormones, what matters most is how men feel and function. In the clinic, I often see that men under high stress benefit most from ashwagandha—not just in their lab results, but in their energy, confidence, and sexual function.

Bottom Line: Ashwagandha may be a powerful tool, especially if stress or hormonal imbalance is part of the picture. And the best marker of success isn’t just a lab value—it’s whether you feel more capable, more energetic, and more yourself.

L-Arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid your body uses to make nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and boosts circulation—both essential for strong erections.

A meta-analysis (detailed study of studies) of 10 randomized controlled trials found that men with mild to moderate ED who took 1,500—5,000 mg per day of L-arginine were more than three times as likely to notice improvements than those who took a placebo 20. On top of that, L-arginine also improved satisfaction with sex, orgasm, and overall sexual function. 

When combined with Pycnogenol® (a pine bark extract), the results were even stronger. In three studies with 184 men, the combo of L-arginine and Pycnogenol® improved almost every aspect of sexual function: erections, orgasm, intercourse satisfaction, and sexual desire 21.

Here’s what stands out to me as a clinician: The benefits from L-arginine weren’t just seen in lab-based erectile scores—they showed up in men’s own reports of satisfaction and performance. And that’s exactly what matters most. Numbers on a questionnaire can be compelling, but if more men are actually having satisfying sex, that’s real progress.

Maca

Maca is a root vegetable from Peru that’s been used for centuries to boost energy and libido. 

In a randomized controlled trial, men who took 1,000 mg of maca for 12 weeks reported noticeable improvements in several key areas. Compared to the placebo group, they had significantly better scores on measures of mood and well-being, erectile function, and urinary symptoms. There was also a marked decrease in the number of men who tested positive for possible hormone deficiency, including testosterone 22. 

Importantly, no safety concerns were reported, and maca didn’t negatively impact hormone levels.

Mental Health Support

For many men, especially younger ones, erectile dysfunction may have more to do with the mind than the body 23. 

Stress, anxiety, depression, and even relationship strain can raise cortisol, tighten blood vessels, and interfere with erections. In fact, one pediatric urology practice reported a 31-fold increase in adolescent males presenting with ED since 2014, with most cases traced back to psychogenic (mental health–related) causes like anxiety and depression 23. 

The good news is that therapy can work. In my clinical experience—and according to early research—the following methods may be helpful:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reframe negative thought patterns and reduce performance anxiety 24.
• Couples counseling to address relationship dynamics that may be contributing to ED 25.
• Stress-management strategies like mindfulness, breathwork, or relaxation training 26.

Sleep

Sleep is one of the most overlooked factors in erectile health. Poor sleep—especially sleep disorders like insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—is becoming recognized as a factor behind ED 10. When sleep is disrupted by things like snoring, airway blockages, or restless nights, it can lead to low oxygen levels, hormone imbalances, and increased inflammation. All of these can interfere with sexual function 27. 

Insomnia and OSA not only increase the risk of ED, but they may also worsen gut microbiota imbalances, creating a double hit: Poor sleep affects hormones and circulation directly, while also driving gut-related inflammation that can contribute to ED 11 12. 

The encouraging part? Improving sleep quality—whether through better sleep hygiene, addressing apnea, or restoring gut balance with a healthy diet, probiotics, and prebiotics—can improve sexual function.

Ginseng

Ginseng has been used for centuries as a natural way to boost energy and sexual performance, and today it’s one of the most researched herbs for erectile dysfunction.

A systematic (methodical) review of nine studies found that ginseng improved erectile function scores by 2–3 points—which researchers say may not be a meaningful change on paper 28.

However, when men were asked whether they could actually have sex, the difference was much bigger. About 321 more men out of 1,000 were able to have sex while taking ginseng compared to placebo 28. In other words, even if the test scores showed only a small improvement, the real-life impact was more noticeable.

This reflects something I see often in the clinic—symptoms and quality of life usually tell us more than test results alone. If a patient is functioning better and feeling better, that’s what matters most.

A meta-analysis of dietary supplements for ED also identified ginseng as one of a few natural ingredients (along with L-arginine and an herbal product called Tribulus) that may support sexual function 29. 

Ginseng may not be a magic bullet, but for some men it provides a real boost—and the most important measure of success is whether your symptoms improve, not just your scores on a test.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help restore balance in the gut—and emerging evidence suggests that a balanced gut microbiome matters a lot for erectile function.

A recent narrative (non-methodical) review highlighted how gut dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) may fuel ED by 30: 

• Raising inflammation
• Disrupting blood vessel health
• Interfering with hormone balance
• Altering neurotransmitters tied to arousal and mood 

By supporting a healthier microbiome, probiotics may help counteract those drivers.

The research here is still in its early stages, but it’s exciting. We already know that probiotics can reduce inflammation 31, strengthen a damaged gut barrier 32, and improve metabolic health 33—processes that may overlap with ED. In the clinic, I often see that when gut health improves, symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and erectile challenges improve as well.

Yohimbine

Yohimbine is an extract from the bark of an African tree that’s been studied for decades as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. It works by affecting certain receptors in the brain and nervous system that are involved in sexual arousal and erection 34.

A meta-analysis found that yohimbine, whether taken on its own or alongside other supplements or medications, may help improve sexual function in some men with ED 34. But it seems to have the most benefit when used as part of a broader treatment plan, rather than as a standalone solution.

Bottom line: Yohimbine shows promise as a supportive option for improving sexual function, especially when combined with other treatments. From a clinical perspective, yohimbine isn’t a cure-all, but the evidence suggests it can be a reasonable option—especially for men who haven’t responded to other therapies.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are fibers that feed your beneficial gut bacteria. While most studies on ED focus on downstream issues—like blood sugar, hormones, or blood flow—we now know that those may be influenced by the microbiome. Feeding the right gut bacteria can reduce inflammation, balance metabolism, and support hormone health—all of which play a role in sexual function.

Prebiotics don’t treat ED directly, but they can help create a gut environment that supports healthy hormones, circulation, and mood. In that sense, they’re addressing the root of several ED risk factors at once.

That said, not everyone tolerates prebiotics well—especially those with sensitive digestion or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Because prebiotics are fermentable fibers, they can sometimes cause gas, bloating, or discomfort as the gut adjusts to their presence. If you’re new to them, it’s best to start with small doses (3–5 mg/day), monitor your body’s response, and consider working with a clinician to find the right type and dose for you.

From Gut to Hormones: A Whole-Body Approach to ED

Erectile dysfunction isn’t just an inevitable part of aging—it’s often a sign of deeper imbalances in the body. Stress, circulation, hormones, sleep, and gut health can all contribute, with the gut playing a surprisingly central role. By focusing on root causes through nutrition, targeted supplements, lifestyle shifts, and gut-centered care, it’s possible to support healthy sexual function and rebuild confidence in the process.

If you’ve been struggling with ED, it doesn’t have to define your life. By addressing your gut health and trying the right natural remedies, many men regain both confidence and function. Schedule an appointment with our clinic.

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