No herb or dietary supplement has been shown to treat erectile dysfunction the way medical treatments do. Some herbs such as ginseng showed small effects in studies, but the bigger risk is “natural” products that secretly contain drugs. The natural treatment that does work is a healthier lifestyle.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed:
What do studies say about herbs?
- Ginseng: a 2021 Cochrane review found it probably has a small, clinically unimportant effect on erectile function, based on small studies with low to moderate certainty evidence.
- Many other herbs and supplements are promoted for erections, but their evidence is weak or insufficient, and the European Association of Urology (EAU) 2025 guidelines do not list them among recommended treatments.
What is the risk of “natural” products?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration keeps a list of sexual enhancement products sold as herbal or natural, including honey products, that were found to contain undeclared drugs such as sildenafil (the active ingredient of Viagra). These products are dangerous because:
- The dose is unknown and may be high.
- Taking them with nitrate heart medicines can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- They may contain other undeclared substances.
A product that promises an effect within minutes deserves suspicion, because herbs do not work that fast.
What natural approach is proven?
Guidelines recommend lifestyle change and risk factor control before or alongside treatment: regular exercise, weight loss, stopping smoking, controlling sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, and enough sleep.
Before you try any product
- Tell your doctor about any supplement or herb you take.
- Do not combine these products with ED tablets or heart medicines.
- Do not delay diagnosis: erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of heart disease.
- Proven medical treatments are available and safe for most men after an assessment. Read about erectile dysfunction treatment.
Related topics
Frequently asked questions
Is there a herb that cures erectile dysfunction?
No herb or supplement has been shown to treat erectile dysfunction the way medical treatments do. Any product promising a permanent cure or an effect within minutes deserves suspicion.
Does ginseng help erectile dysfunction?
A 2021 Cochrane review found that ginseng probably has a small effect on erectile function that is not clinically important, with low to moderate certainty evidence.
Are honey mixes for men safe?
The U.S. FDA has warned about products sold as natural, including honey products, that contained undeclared drugs such as sildenafil. These can be dangerous with nitrate heart medicines.
Sources
Book a consultation
Prof. Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa assess erectile dysfunction and review any supplements you take at Prof. Al-Samarrai Medical Center, Dubai Healthcare City. Medical consultations are confidential.
This information is for health education and does not replace a medical examination. See our medical content policy.