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Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Written by Institute for Natural Medicine Staff

Medically Reviewed by Enrica Rowse, ND

Published February 6, 2026
Last Updated February 6, 2026

Millions of men have erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition characterized by difficulty or inability to maintain healthy erections during sexual intercourse.¹^,² Up to 50% of men ages 40 to 70 experience some form of ED, compared with about 10% of men in their 30s.¹ The condition is more common after age 70, affecting virtually all men in some way.²

As men age, six main factors influence erectile function¹^,³^,⁴:

Declining testosterone levels
Changes in vascular and endothelial health
Co-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity
Lack of physical exercise
Chronic stress or anxiety
Prescription medications (e.g., beta blockers or thiazide diuretics)⁵

To determine the cause of erectile dysfunction, Andrew Conway, ND, of Heart Spring Health in Portland, Oregon, conducts a thorough intake and health history that encompasses the patient’s medical, sexual, and psychological concerns.

“More often than not, there is a psychogenic component that underlies this dysfunction, such as relationship distress, anxiety, or depression,” says Dr. Conway. “Other common causes are related to vascular or metabolic disease, hormonal disorders, or medication side effects. “Understanding the underlying cause helps to guide treatment.”

Health conditions associated with ED

Erectile dysfunction can have profound effects on sexual performance and self-esteem. It also plays a role in overall mental health, physical and emotional intimacy, and quality of life.¹

Erectile issues could indicate more severe health problems, including diabetes and early mortality.¹^,³ Dysfunction is sometimes an early sign of cardiovascular disease (CVD),⁴ with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (caused by impaired penile blood flow) preceding cardiovascular disease events by two to five years.⁵ Lower testosterone levels may be a marker for increased risk of CVD and all-cause mortality.⁵

Erectile dysfunction is thought to develop two to three years before angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, and three to five years before ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart disease–related death.⁴

Endothelial dysfunction in ED and CVD

There may be a connection between endothelial dysfunction, vascular ED, and cardiovascular disease. The endothelium, lining the inside of blood vessels, plays a crucial role in blood flow. High blood pressure can narrow blood vessels, as can age, reducing blood flow to the penis, heart, and various vital organs.⁵ Other risk factors for endothelial dysfunction include the following nine¹^,⁵:

Obesity
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
High homocysteine
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Drug and alcohol abuse
Psychosocial stress

Because penile blood vessels are smaller than coronary arteries,⁴ lower blood flow may first affect the reproductive system.⁵ As such, ED symptoms may be an early manifestation³ of cardiovascular disease.

Can you cure erectile dysfunction?

Although diagnosing and treating erectile dysfunction early can improve sexual function and long-term cardiovascular health,⁵ a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes is usually needed for lasting benefits. This could include targeted dietary supplements and prescription medications, as well as nutrition and lifestyle changes.

“The standard approach [to treating ED] is prescriptions for medications such as Viagra or Cialis,” says Dr. Conway. Known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, these medicines support smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow to the penis, enabling patients to achieve and maintain healthy erections.⁶

Foundational lifestyle changes for managing ED

For many people with erectile dysfunction, drugs are rarely a sustainable solution. Research shows that up to 80% of patients discontinue ED medication within one year.⁷ Common reasons include cost, lack of efficacy, psychosocial factors, and side effects, such as back pain, flushing, headaches, congestion, rapid heart rate, and visual disturbances.⁶^,⁷

Lifestyle changes may improve sexual function when PDE5 inhibitors are poorly tolerated or contraindicated. Natural remedies for erectile dysfunction, such as losing excess weight and getting plenty of exercise, can also improve cardiovascular health.²

Maintaining a healthy weight

Losing excess weight could help men boost their libido while reducing their risk of heart disease. Obesity contributes to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction.¹ Men with obesity are up to three times as likely⁸ to have erectile dysfunction as men at a healthy weight.

Excess body fat can increase estrogen levels while decreasing testosterone.⁸ ED and loss of sexual desire are symptoms of low testosterone.⁶

There are five weight-related factors associated with ED⁸:

Abnormal body mass index (BMI)
High waist circumference
Excess visceral fat
Low muscle mass and muscle strength
High or low body fat percentages

Although BMI isn’t a perfect measure of erectile function or metabolic health, increased levels have been shown to predict ED risk.¹^,² A recent systematic review of 14 studies found ED prevalence greater among men with BMIs of 27.9 kg/m or higher. Maintaining a normal BMI or reducing body weight by 5% to 10% may improve symptoms.⁸

The reverse is also true. Men with BMIs below 18.5 kg/mED have higher rates of ED.⁸

More research is needed to understand how other anthropometric indicators, such as the body roundness index and body shape index, predict ED risk.

Eating for heart health

Foods that support cardiovascular health, like vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, and healthy fats, may help maintain or improve erectile function. These foods help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting cardiovascular health and sexual performance.⁶

On the other hand, diets high in processed food and saturated fats can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, restricting blood flow to the penis, heart, brain, and other parts of the body. Poor-quality diets, as a result, may impair erectile function.⁶

Dietary habits play a role in regulating hormones like testosterone, which affects sexual function and desire. Eating foods rich in zinc and vitamin D could improve testosterone and erectile function.⁶ Intermittent fasting may also increase testosterone levels.²

Both plant-based and Mediterranean-style eating patterns have been shown to promote erectile health. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies² found men who consumed a healthy diet prioritizing fruits, vegetables, and nuts had better erectile function than those who didn’t. Other foods that support sexual performance include legumes, seafood, olive oil, and avocado.⁶

Rich in dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants, Mediterranean diets have also been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.²

Exercising to boost blood flow

Aerobic exercise can improve mild, moderate, and severe ED symptoms.¹^,³ Regular aerobic activity reduces blood pressure, lowers the risk of heart disease, supports healthy weight loss in people with obesity, and improves endothelial function, all of which are risk factors for ED. Exercise may also improve blood flow to the penis.⁴^,⁶

Regular physical activity, especially vigorous aerobic exercise, has also been shown to increase testosterone levels in men who are overweight or obese.⁹ One clinical trial reported significant improvements in testosterone after 12 weeks of high-intensity exercise.¹⁰

Talking with a therapist

When combined with PDE5 inhibitors, therapy may help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychogenic factors underlying ED.¹ This approach may involve speaking with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or sex therapist, learning stress management techniques, or practicing mindfulness.⁶

More lifestyle changes for erectile health

Four additional lifestyle changes could improve erectile dysfunction:

Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption¹^,²^,⁴
Getting regular sound sleep and being evaluated for disruptive conditions like sleep apnea,⁶^,¹¹
Exercising the pelvic floor muscles, which can help address ED symptoms and treat premature ejaculation⁶^,¹²
Ensuring adequate hydration to support underlying mood, blood vessel function, and cardiovascular health¹³

Natural ED treatments

While lifestyle changes play a vital role in managing erectile dysfunction, certain dietary supplements, such as antioxidants,¹⁴ have been shown to improve sexual health. Zinc, vitamin D, and amino acids such as L–arginine and citrulline may be particularly beneficial when the cause of ED is unclear, according to Dr. Conway.

Dietary supplements that may support male erectile function include the following:

L–arginine and citrulline. One of the most commonly used natural remedies for ED, L–arginine, may improve erectile dysfunction by widening blood vessels and enhancing blood flow. “Arginine and citrulline are amino acids that increase nitric oxide release, thus improving vasodilation and blood flow,” Dr. Conway explains. Arginine can be used alone, with PDE5 inhibitors, and with other amino acids such as citrulline or Propionyl–L–carnitine.¹⁵^,¹⁶
L–arginine and pycnogenol. The effects of L–arginine may be enhanced when combined with pycnogenol, a polyphenol-rich pine bark extract of Pinus pinaster.¹⁴^,¹⁶ Pycnogenol, an herbal supplement, has been found to improve erectile function, decrease the time to achieve an erection, and increase the duration of an erection.¹⁵
Zinc and vitamin D. “Zinc¹⁵ and vitamin D¹⁷ can be used to support testosterone production, which can enhance erectile function,” says Dr. Conway. Vitamin D supplements can also be used to treat deficiency, a risk factor for endothelial disruption and ED. A vitamin D level of at least 30 ng/ml may be optimal.¹⁷
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Some research suggests that supplementing with DHEA may improve sexual performance, as low DHEA levels are associated with erectile dysfunction. However, results are mixed.¹⁸ Larger human studies on supplemental DHEA and erectile function are needed.

Other herbal remedies for ED include Panax ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, Lepidium meyenii (Maca), Ginkgo biloba, and Epimedium (horny goat weed).¹⁵^,¹⁶^,¹⁷ “Often, these are used in combinations, as they each have different mechanisms of action in supporting symptoms of ED,” says Dr. Conway. “Herbal treatments often do not have the same immediate erectile-enhancing benefits of Viagra, [but] they do provide more long-term benefit, which may not require the use of a medication for a sexual encounter.”

Yohimbine, another herbal remedy for ED, may facilitate better blood flow to the penis. However, due to the high risk of side effects, it should be used only under medical supervision.⁶

Is it safe to use natural remedies for ED?

Many natural ED remedies can safely increase blood flow to the penis, improving erectile function without serious adverse effects. Adverse reactions are uncommon and usually mild, including headaches, gastrointestinal upset, and itching.¹⁴

However, it’s important to remain mindful of where supplements are sourced, as tainted sexual enhancement products are a common concern. In one quality improvement study,¹⁶ researchers found nearly half the products they tested contained unapproved substances, such as Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra.

When to see a doctor

Erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease.⁵ Make an appointment with a healthcare professional for accurate screening and diagnosis, and to rule out a more severe health problem that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Other healthcare providers who treat erectile dysfunction

Seeing a physician is a good starting point if you’re experiencing ED symptoms. However, other healthcare practitioners, such as acupuncturists and physical therapists, can help manage symptoms and work toward improving general health.

Several small studies suggest that acupuncture may benefit ED by regulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and addressing psychological factors contributing to symptoms. It may also support healthy testosterone levels and enhanced blood flow.¹⁹

Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, can help enhance sexual function by relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. Physiotherapy can also be combined with biofeedback.⁶^,¹²

Footnotes

1
Hehemann MC, Kashanian JA. Can lifestyle modification affect men’s erectile function? Transl Androl Urol. 2016;5(2):187-194. https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2016.02.05
2
Yang B, Wei C, Zhang YC, et al. Association between improved erectile function and dietary patterns: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Asian J Androl. 2025;27(2):239-244. https://doi.org/10.4103/aja202485
3
Khera M, Bhattacharyya S, Miller LE. Effect of aerobic exercise on erectile function: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Sex Med. 2023;20(12):1369-1375. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad130
4
Ostfeld RJ, Allen KE, Aspry K, et al. Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: the impact of diet and lifestyle. Am J Med. 2021;134(3):310-316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.09.033
5
De Leonardis F, Colalillo G, Finazzi Agrò E, Miano R, Fuschi A, Asimakopoulos AD. Endothelial dysfunction, erectile deficit and cardiovascular disease: an overview of the pathogenetic links. Biomedicines. 2022;10(8):1848. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10081848
6
Bonarska M, Adasik D, Szymczyk S, et al. A narrative review of independent treatment methods for ED: assessment of the effectiveness of diet, supplements, pharmacotherapy, and physiotherapy. J Clin Med. 2025;14(7):2386. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072386
7
Corona G, Rastrelli G, Burri A, et al. First-generation phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors dropout: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis. Andrology. 2016;4(6):1002-1009. https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.12255
8
Li T, Chen J, He B, Feng Q. Obesity-related anthropometric indicators and erectile dysfunction: a systematic review. Arch Sex Behav. 2025;54(7):2475-2489. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-025-03208-0
9
Riachy R, McKinney K, Tuvdendorj DR. Various factors may modulate the effect of exercise on testosterone levels in men. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2020;5(4):81. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk5040081
10
Kumagai H, Yoshikawa T, Zempo-Miyaki A, et al. Vigorous physical activity is associated with regular aerobic exercise-induced increased serum testosterone levels in overweight/obese men. Horm Metab Res. 2018;50(1):73-79. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-117497
11
Zhang F, Xiong Y, Qin F, Yuan J. Short sleep duration and erectile dysfunction: a review of the literature.Nat Sci Sleep. 2022;14:1945-1961. https://doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S375571
12
Myers C, Smith M. Pelvic floor muscle training improves erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation: a systematic review. Physiotherapy. 2019;105(2):235-243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2019.01.002
13
Watso JC, Farquhar WB. Hydration status and cardiovascular function. Nutrients. 2019;11(8):1866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11081866
14
Ramasamy R, Bhattacharyya S, Kohn TP, Miller LE. Antioxidant supplementation for erectile dysfunction: systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. World J Mens Health. 2025;43(1):81-91. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.230280
15
Koolwal A, Manohar J. S, Rao TSS, Koolwal GD. L-arginine and erectile dysfunction. J Psychosexual Health. 2019;1(1):37-43. https://doi.org/10.1177/2631831818822018
16
Petre GC, Francini-Pesenti F, Vitagliano A, Grande G, Ferlin A, Garolla A. Dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: analysis of marketed products, systematic review, meta-analysis and rational use. Nutrients. 2023;15(17):3677. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173677
17
Dumbraveanu I, Banov P, Arian I, Ceban E. The correlations of clinical and biochemical indices of vitamin D with erectile dysfunction. J Med Life. 2020;13(2):144-150. https://doi.org/10.25122/jml-2020-0009
18
El-Sakka AI. Dehydroepiandrosterone and erectile function: a review. World J Mens Health. 2018;36(3):183-191. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.180005
19
Wang H, Zhao M, Zhang J, et al. The efficacy of acupuncture on patients with erectile dysfunction: a review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:4807271. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/4807271

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