My husband is too embarrassed to talk to his doctor about his sexual function.

Men's HealthSexual Health

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Q. Dear Terry, “My husband is too embarrassed to talk to his doctor about his sexual function. He’s not one to take medications and likes to keep his private life to himself. Even though he hasn’t been diagnosed with anything, it seems like he might have erectile dysfunction. I am hoping there is something natural he can take. What do you suggest?” – S.K., Denver, CO

A. Dear S.K., An estimated 30 million American men deal with erectile dysfunction (ED), according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). When it comes to addressing ED naturally, I think there are some botanicals that can really make a difference.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is one of the world’s oldest adaptogens and has been traditionally used for enhancing libido and performance. “Red” ginseng refers to the way that steaming the roots – a traditional Korean practice – helps increase concentration of the plant’s key compounds. Clinical research on red ginseng shows definite results. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported that men with mild to moderate ED noted a significant difference on the Erectile Function scale – from 16.4 to 21.0. Not surprisingly, the placebo group saw no changes at all. I prefer ginseng that is grown using hydroculture techniques and contains higher levels of compounds called noble ginsenosides.

A clinically studied combination that I recommend includes a polyphenol blend – apple polyphenols, flavonoids from grape skin and seed, and saffron extract – along with red ginseng. Each of these botanicals helps to boost sexual function on their own: opening up blood vessels for better flow, normalizing blood pressure, balancing blood sugar, and even helping to stop feelings of depression or sluggishness. As a combination, they are unbeatable!

These herbs work over time to help regain sexual performance effectively and safely. Zinc is also important because it plays a role in hormone balance and deficiencies may contribute to ED. 

I would take 15 mg of zinc (as zinc bisglycinate chelate), 600 mg of polyphenols (from grape skin and seed extract, apple skin extract, and saffron stigma extract), and 300 mg of red ginseng per day.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally