Erectile dysfunction AKA ED, also commonly referred to as impotence, is a universal health issue for many men. It has no favorites with respect to ethnicity but is more commonly associated with some types of life style choices – smoking, alcohol, poor diet etc. Whilst ED is not life threatening, it does undermine self-esteem, which can in turn play into other health disorders that can affect well being.
ED is a medical condition in which a man is not able to obtain, or sustain, an erection. It’s also considered a social problem because most men, in typical male fashion, are reluctant to talk about it. This is particularly the case in societies where the macho male is seen as desirable. However, what many men may not realise is that around 1/10th of males globally suffer from the condition, or have experienced it at least once during their life.
What this means is that ‘ED fixing’ supplements, herbal remedies, and drugs are widely sought after. For some men, their preference lies with herbal solutions because they are supposed to be free of side effects in comparison to standard over the counter drugs, or prescription ED medications.
Eurycoma Longfolia, or to use its more common name, Tongkat Ali is one herb that has a centuries old use for aphrodisiacal purposes. Other common names for it are Asian Viagra and Malaysian Ginseng. It’s a flowering plant from the Simaroubaceae Family. It comes from Asia, notably Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia and is a medium-sized unbranched shrub that can grow to around 10 meters in height.
Amongst other things, the plant is meant to be able to improve libido and help maintain normal blood levels of testosterone. These benefits have been proven by scientific studies. The same studies have also found that it can help reduce stress, anxiety and tension. As all these things contribute to erectile dysfunction, it therefore stands to reason that Tongkat Ali can be considered a reliable herbal remedy for the condition.
Normal testosterone levels are required for many functions, including the immune system, maintaining bone density and muscle bulk and of course for normal sexual function and libido. Tongkat Ali has also been used effectively to stimulate metabolism, improve red blood cell production, reduce the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, and help combat exhaustion and fatigue. Coffees and teas containing extracts of the herb are popular in many Southeast Asian countries for these reasons.
Ironically however long term use of Tongkat Ali has also been associated with some of the health conditions it’s meant to resolve, including anxiety, restlessness and insomnia. Men suffering from diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and prostate or breast cancer should also avoid products containing Tongkat Ali. There have also been reports of long-term use weakening the immune system.
Therefore, before embarking on any course of treatment for erectile dysfunction, even a natural one like Christopher and Michael Williams Dragons Den pills, it’s wise to talk to your medical practitioner to determine a course of treatment that will work for you. This is particularly important if you’re taking medications for other health disorders, or if you have health issues that may be adversely affected by ED medications, natural or otherwise.
