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As a Master Herbalist, I am often asked questions about erectile dysfunction. Most of the people who ask are a little embarrassed, but you needn’t be. It is a problem that faces many men, brought on by both medical conditions and the prescriptions that control them.

There are a lot of herbs that claim to improve ED (the polite term often used to describe the problem). Some have some evidence of usefulness, but not all of them will work for everyone, nor will the work all of the time. You will have to experiment to find which herbs…and which combinations work for you.

There are always precautions, side effects and interactions with herbal supplements, just as there are with medications. One of the precautions is that you should ask your doctor if intercourse is safe for you. You’ll also want to make sure that none of your medications will interact with the supplements you choose.

One of the newer herbs in North America is Maca. The reason for the caveat is that it’s been used in Peru for centuries. The root is considered a national treasure and cannot leave the country until it has been processed…not that it would grow elsewhere.

Maca is both food and medicine in Peru; the tuber is eaten much like a potato would be here. Traditional treatment for infertility in that country is to have both prospective parents eat the plant every day for a year. It is said that by the end of the year, most couples are expecting a child.

When the Incas ran Peru, maca was restricted to the royalty. The conquering Spaniards discovered the benefits of the root and demanded tribute of it from the Incas. The increase of energy levels and high nutritional value was appreciated by people in Spain.

Over time, the root lost popularity and was kept from the rest of the world. In fact, it was hinted that it was endangered. However, that seems to be changing as increased cultivation is occurring.

Maca grows in the upper elevations of the Andes, so it is doubtful it could be cultivated in many other locations. Peru is probably glad of that. One day, I’d like to go there and work with the fresh root, but it will be a while before I can do so.

While maca is used in Peru for both men and women, the few studies on it have focused more on men. These studies show that it may be effective for improved desire in men. There is insufficient evidence for other claims, such as fertility, erectile dysfunction and menstrual problems.

There are few side effects or precautions for maca, other than those mentioned above. Some people report increased flatulence, and it’s probably unwise to use it during pregnancy and lactation. There are no known interactions, though it is recommended that you speak to your pharmacist, as this may change.

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About The Author
I've studied herbal remedies since 1981 and have been a Master Herbalist since 2004. I've written five eBooks on various herbs and the conditions they can help, including one on gout.

Visit this link for more information on healing home remedies and home remedies for it.

There are articles and posts on a variety of topics including stress, headaches, back pain and cholesterol. While there, you can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs. This discusses the uses, side effects, precautions and side effects of these popular products.

If you wish to contact me, you can e-mail: mary@healing-home-remedies.com