The Very Best Natural PDE5 Inhibitors – Much Safer Alternatives To Viagra!

The Very Best Natural PDE5 Inhibitors – Much Safer Alternatives To Viagra!

In this article, I will talk about what I personally consider to be the Best Natural PDE5 Inhibitors. These medicinal herbs perform and function in exactly the same way in which those prescribed medicines for erectile dysfunction do, which is by means of inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down nitric oxide and thus reducing your blood flow.

That enzyme is the PDE 5 Enzyme, the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme to give it its full name!.

What Is A PDE5 Inhibitor?

The phosphodiesterase type 5 (or PDE5, as it is known) enzyme breaks down cGMP (cyclic Guanosine MonoPhosphate) inside your penis. This process occurs inside those cylindrical chambers known as the corpus cavernosum. This is the very part of your manhood that gets filled with blood when you achieve an erection. 

A synthetic or natural PDE5 inhibitor blocks the breakdown of cGMP, helping you to get good quality erections again. Viagra, Cialis, Levitra are all PDE5 inhibitors, it is their brute force manner in which they function that lead to the well-known side effects. 

I, personally, confess to having gone down that road trying both Cialis and those little blue pills!. Being only 36 years old at the time, way too young for the heart palpitations and the fright that gave me!. On other occasions, with only the 50mg I was n’t getting the headaches that other mention, but the dizziness was quite unnerving!.

Just for the record, I have no previous or family history of poor heart health or blood pressure issues!.

Just like their synthetic counterparts, the best PDE5 Inhibitors take their time to work, but with much less side effects.

While the Viagra’s of this world function by means of blocking the PDE 5 enzyme and thus enabling your cGMP levels to rise, your goal and objective is reducing the amount of the PDE5 enzyme that is circulating around your body and augment your levels of cGMP in a natural manner.

This helps you to increase your levels of nitric oxide and thus improve your circulation and making your erections much stronger and better. 

Too much of that evil PDE5 enzyme and you simply will find erections almost impossible to get or to maintain!.

An Easier Explanation?

Being a little creative and imaginative. I’ll try to explain PDE5 Vs cGMP in an easy to understand metaphor.

Let’s say you have two armies fighting each other, one is the good guys the other the bad guys. The good guys are the cGMP and the bad guys the PDE5 enzyme.

For sufferers of erectile dysfunction the bad guys, the PDE5 Enzyme their army is much bigger and stronger, and is winning the war with the good guys the cGMP.

The cGMP calls for external help and the UN peacekeepers come in not to fight the bad guys the PDE5 enzyme but to inhibit them and block them, stop them from destroying the good guys, the cGMP.

Now, thanks to their help..cGMP is rising…and so are your erections!.

And that is my easy metaphorical explanation of PDE5 Vs cGMP.

(apologies for the geopolitical reference!).

The Best Natural PDE5 Inhibitors

I will now talk about what I consider to be the best natural PDE5 Inhibitors. These herbs are naturally occurring, produced by nature and cannot be patented, packaged and sold back to you at an extortionate price!.

What occurs in nature cannot be patented.

Some of the herbs that I mention have been used traditionally or by indigenous people or tribes for centuries.

So, lets get rolling!.

• Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium)

Sure, this herb has an eye catching and memorable name!. This herb, thanks to its active compound Icariin is potent natural PDE% inhibitor brought to us by mother nature…and some randy goats as the story goes!. It’s use for managing erection problems dates back 2000+ years in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Unlike the synthetic PDE5 Inhibitors, there exists plenty of documented studies and evidence in regards to Horny Goat Weed’s beneficial effect your libido.

The compound Icariin has been documented by researchers to have a positive effect on your testosterone levels. It has also be proven to increase nitric oxide levels, which is down to its effects as natural PDE5 Inhibitor.

Compared to pharmaceutical based drugs that perform a similar action the risk of harm to your health is much lower. But it does have some side effects, particularly if you suffer from hypertension and are taking meds for that.

Exercise caution if you have high blood pressure as this natural herb does have the tendency to reduce blood pressure.

Ultimately, it could also be a natural way of managing high blood pressure, but like always, do consult with your GP. 

• Damiana

This quite brilliant Brazillian herb replicates not one but two key aspects of the synthetic PDE5 inhibitors that make them so effective at..well you know what!

In one of those aspects, Damiana outperforms the synthetic blue pills by close on 200%!.

The prime action of this herb is that it helps to relax those arteries that allow your penis to fill up with blood. In this action, Damiana is able to obtain a 90% relaxation of those arteries [1].

Viagra, it also achieves a relaxation of the same arteries, but to only a 46% relaxation!.

The other action, the subject of this article, the natural Inhibition of PDE5 enzyme. Damiana is able to match viagra in this aspect [2].

• Forskolin

This you may very well know as a fat burner, of which it does appear to have its effect. More interesting for us is that has been documented to be a natural PDE 5 inhibitor and an inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme.

The lipid burning effects of this herb could increase the way in which it functions against the aromatase enzyme, considering the aromatase enzyme is primarily stored in your body fat.

More body fat = more aromatase enzyme = lower testosterone levels.

Forskolin, like horny goat weed above, has the effect of also increasing testosterone levels but in a different way and certainly has its potential to help you to get better erections.

Those with blood pressure issues should be cautious in regards to this herb.

• Artichoke Extract

Rather surprisingly for some this is documented to be a natural PDE5 inhibitor, this is principle thanks to the extracts active ingredient Luteolin.

While Artichoke extract may not have the fame or history that Epimedium (Horny Goat weed) has the active compound luteolin does have an extensive range of benefits for your health and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries.

The effect on male sexual dysfunction is that, like forskolin, it has the ability to inhibit the aromatase enzyme, which is another ”evil” enzyme that is responsible for converting your testosterone into estrogen. It also inhibits the PDE5 enzyme.

The downside is that it may also inhibit the PDE enzymes, particularly the PDE4 enzyme. Negative effects of this, PDE4 inhibition, could lead to vomiting and nausea.

It has to be said that it is a less potent and less powerful natural PDE5 inhibitor than horny goat weed and it might take longer for it to be effective for you.

For Luteolin to be considered as unsafe you would have to consume a very large dose of it. You will find this compound in many everyday vegetables like parsley, carrots, olives, celery, broccoli and Artichokes.

• Quercetin

This is reported to naturally inhibit the PDE 5 Enzyme and can be found in many foods, like red onion, kale, watercress, cranberries, plumbs and capers. It is raw capers that, by a long shot contain the greatest amount of quercetin.

Sadly, you ain’t gonna eat many raw capers simply because of their high level of saltiness!. Thankfully it is available in the form of dietary supplements.

University Of Maryland’s Medical Centre reported that this compound has primarily uses for treating inflammation and potentially has many additional uses.

It does appear that the erection boosting properties of forskolin and quercetin are augmented when both are used in combination with each other.

It has also been reported that this compound increased coronary artery cGMP amounts by 300%! [3]

This research study may have been on its use and treatment of heart disease and not male sexual dysfunction but the parallels are there to be seen as erectile dysfunction is often seen as an early warning signal of heart disease.

• Black Ginger Extract

Being very specific, it really should be black ginger and not the regular ginger that you go for if you are interested in using a regular spice to add some zang and tang to your dishes….and your sex life!.

Black ginger, known as Zingiberaceae Kaempferia, is something that I found and took a lot during my 5 year stay in the land of smiles (Thailand).  Thankfully it is available in nearby countries in the South East of Asia also. I have seen it in Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Laos.

Ginger is very good for your health, including being beneficial for cholesterol levels, which is ALWAYS a good thing and research has documented that it has the ability to increase your testosterone and improve your sperm quality, indicating that it could also have its uses in regards to infertility treatment for men [4].

It is also said to be effective at improving the circulation of your blood to your extremities.

It does appear that black ginger and its effects are more potent that regular ginger. Overdoing it on this spice may lead you to some not so pleasant but mild side effects.

Due to black ginger functioning in a very similar way to sildenafil, it could have an effect on your heart rate.

It is for that very reason overdoing it and taking too much is something you should be careful with, particularly if you are taking medication for your heart.

The key point to keep in mind is that a little black ginger could go a long way to improving your sexual health and erection quality and take it regularly. You do not need to consume a lot of it to enjoy its effects. A little, and frequently is key.

Just like everything else on this list it gets its power from a group of compounds called flavonoids. 

It is the flavonoids that affect the colour and pigmentation of vegetables, fruits and herbs. Generally speaking the darker in colour the higher the content of flavonoids.

Fine examples of this are Black olives, blackberries, blueberries, which are all high in flavonoids. Black Ginger is no exception, it is jam-packed with the health-enhancing compound!.

This is where black ginger gets its natural PDE5 inhibition qualities from, a flavonoid called dimethoxyflavone.

It boosts testosterone, improves your cholesterol profile and inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, this alone makes it something to consider in your battle against male sexual dysfunction.

Not mention there are some studies, indicating that it has the ability to increase the production of nitric oxide. Explains nicely my rather positive experiences with this rare spice.

Due to black ginger having the effect of augmenting your heart rate don’t take this with drinks high in caffeine, guarana or with energy drinks.

• Cinnamon

Wowsers!.

I bet that surprised you!

Being honest, it surprises me too, to discover that a simple spice that you can find in every single kitchen the world over has schamboogied its way, all the way to the list of the best natural PDE5 Inhibitors.

Although I did have an inkling that good old “Sally Cinnamon” has some natural aphrodisiac qualities due to it being a very well celebrated aphrodisiac in Spanish culture.

(And being half Spanish it is something that did not go awry in my upbringing!).

So, be my guest and add a little flavour to your dishes and drinks!.

Not all Cinnamon are the same, there are two varieties commonly available, Cassia and Ceylon.

Cassia is cheaper and has a less of a sweet taste to it but a stronger taste at that. Where as Ceylon, which is usually more difficult to find, unless you happen to live in Spain, has a subtle taste and is more expensive than Cassia.

Studies exist showing that sexual function in rodents increased significantly [5]

It has to be said that Cassia Cinnamon, unfortunately, contains a compound that could be harmful for your liver if you take it in high amounts over a prolonged period of time.

However, Ceylon Cinnamon contains significantly lesser amounts of that liver damaging substance and is, in my opinion, the better and safer option between the two.

It does have to be said that it is highly unlikely that either Cassia or Ceylon cinnamon would cause you health problems unless you consume it in crazy huge amounts over a very long period of time.

Both, Ceylon and Cassia Cinnamon are known to be beneficial for your cardiovascular health. What is good for your heart is good for your….you know what!.

 

• Butea Superba

This is another Herb that originates from the land of Smiles and is documented for its ability to function as a PDE5 inhibitor. In the Thai language it is known as Kwa Krua Daeng. Now, after nearly 2 years being out of Thailand, my language is a little rusty. I am pretty sure that last word means red!, but not using the classifier to identfy it as a colour.

Be my guest and do correct me, if you know Thai!.

Butea Superba as a supplement usually comes in the form of capsules. Having spent a considerable amount of time in Thailand myself, particularly the northern city of Chiang Mai, I do know that local Thai’s swear by its effects relating to sexual performance and a spike in libido.

There is the rather unusual report of a Thai man after taking the herb, suffering a medical condition, hyperandrogenemia, which to you and I, is when our bodies overproduce androgens.

His complaint was related to his elevated sex drive. He was complaining because he was taking Butea Superba for hair loss….and had to suffer the effects of an increase in his sex drive! – the poor soul!.

Studies have been conducted finding that taking 500mg of Butea Superba for a 3 month period could be effective at solving erectile disorders in men [6].

• Caffeine

Yep, plain old commonly available Caffeine that can be found in Chocolate, cola, tea and coffee.

There s no particularly great or potent inhibition of the PDE5 enzyme but it has the potential to augment the effects of the other natural PDE5 inhibitors on this list.

But don’t use Caffeine in conjunction with black ginger due to the effect on heart rate that the herb has.

If you ask my opinion, it’s a great excuse the add some flavour to your smoothies. But do go one step further and use the healthy real chocolate, organic cacao.

Some of your smoothies might go very well with Cinnamon too!.

• Tongkat Ali

This is a herb that I am no stranger to having resided on the beautiful island of Penang in the country of its origin, Malaysia!.

In Malaysia, this herb, the root of a tree to be more precise, has been used as a restorer of sexuality in both men and women for centuries. It can be found in plain form, chocolates, chips, coffee, soup, and in revitalizing soda drinks.

That is not to mention it found everywhere in capsule form by a whole variety of brands.

There are hundreds of studies performed on Tongkat Ali in regards to a number of ailments including depression, stress (including postpartum depression), increasing testosterone and libido, diabetes, weight loss and many others.

An overwhelming amount of these studies, confirm the positive finding.

The use of Tongkat Ali, known as Eurycoma Longifolia, for its effects related to aiding male sexuality and as testosterone booster is well known. Due to its potency in this area, more research is required to fully confirm its effect on the inhibition of the PDE5 Enzyme.

It does make, or sneak if you like, its way on to the list of the Best pDE5 Inhibitors simply due to it being a very effective, potent and well-studied supplement that you could consider as a natural OTC erectile dysfunction drug.

I have personally used Tongkat Ali in combination with horny goat weed, let’s just say that I was rather hot under the collar!.

Only later I discovered it has been studied and documented by scientists to be effective at increasing libido and sexual performance [7].

• Ginkgo Biloba

This is certainly a herb that you have heard of and perhaps more so as a memory enhancer. And the great thing about natural medicine and herbs is that the herbs have multiple uses and not single use like many synthetic medicines.

It is good for improving blood flow and aiding with atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries, which makes it a very good option for us men who are seeking to improve our erections due to blood flow issues.

This is a herb that I have used and do continue to use on a daily basis for its health benefits, and who knows, it enhanced brain function may very well help to stave off age-related neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease.

Much less know is its effect as a natural PDE 5 inhibitor and promotor of nitric oxide [8]

Studies confirm its role in and effect in all four phases of your sexual response cycle [9]

I have used ginkgo biloba shortly prior to sexual encounters and noticed improvements in my erection quality.

The Best Natural PDE5 Inhibitors – The Final Conclusion!

There are a whole variety of natural herbs, foods, spices and supplements that possess the ability to suppress the PDE5 enzyme. It is fair to expect that the Best Natural PDE5 Inhibitors are safer to use and have less side effects than their synthetic manufactured counterparts like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.

The exception being, and there is always and exception, those of you who are taking medication to manage blood pressure that is out of the normal healthy ranges and those with other problems related to circulation and are taking medication for that.

Most of the natural ingredients mentioned above can be considered and regarded as safe if you stick to the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines and don’t exceed the daily dosage that is recommended.

Better result could be obtained by taking a cyclic approach and cycling the natural PDE5 products and preventing your body from building a tolerance to any one particular or active compound product.

Example Day 1 Horny goat weed, Day 2 Butea Superba, Day 3 Ginkgo Biloba, Day 4 Damiana, Day 5 quercetin, Day 6 Tongkat Ali, Day 7 Forskolin and then rinse and repeat.

Your supplements will last much longer also and your bodies benefit much better and your body won’t get time to build a tolerance to any one of them in particular. This is something that I do with my testosterone augmenting supplements to a very good effect.

It is something definitely worth considering!.

Pretty much all, if not most of the products mentioned are cheaper than synthetic PDE5 inhibitors and could provide many other additional benefits for your health too.

Many of these natural PDE5 Inhibitors have been used in Traditional Medicinal practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine which dates back thousands of years (5,000 and 4000 years respectively). Practices that far outdate our “modern” medicine.

It would be foolish to discard completely thousands of years of knowledge, practice and tens of thousands of our fellow men and human beings that have successfully used these herbs to improve their sexual disorders.

Having lived in Asia now for nearly a decade now, I do confirm that in many of the countries the pharmaceutical approach to well being is shunned in favour of local herbs and traditional remedies.

Ultimately, it is your body and up to you to make a decision on what you feel is best for you and your body. I do hope that this short guide has been both informative and helpful for you.

If you have any questions regarding the best natural PDE5 inhibitors, leave a comment below and I will get back to you as quickly as I can.

Ciao for now,

Derek.

References:

1. https://examine.com/supplements/damiana-leaf
2. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bernd_Walbroel/publication/247474841_Damiana_Turnera
3. Suri, et al (2010), British Journal of Pharmacology.
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941314
5. Goswami, et al (2014), the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12937809
7. Udani, et al (2014), Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
8. Dell’Agli, et al (2006), Journal of Medicinal Plant Research
9. Cohen & Bartik (1998), Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy