Did you know that around 40% of men in their 40s are having a hard time getting an erection, and the percentage even gets higher as guys get older (1)?
Although there are various drugs available to treat impotence, some are still looking for a more natural way to address the issue. The good news is that there are essential oils for erectile dysfunction treatment.
However, some guys may be skeptical when it comes to treating impotence through aromatherapy.
Is using essential oils for ED really effective? Are there scientific studies that support their efficacy? The questions can go on and on, so let us dig deeper and see if there is really a relationship between essential oils and male arousal (2).
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the medical term for impotence, which is the inability of a man to get his penis hard (3).
Possible causes include diseases, injuries, damages to the nerves, as well as side effects of some drugs (4, 5). But whatever the reason is, this condition has a negative impact on a man’s sexual activities. It can also adversely affect one’s self-esteem.
Essential Oils
This particular type of oil comes from plants. They are known for their scents as well as flavors. They are suitable for inhalation and topical application, depending on how you intend to use them.
Aromatherapy oils are known to reduce nausea, pain and body aches, fatigue, insomnia, menstrual problems, issues with the circulatory system, and hair loss, just to mention a few.
Going back to our discussion above, treating ED symptoms with essential oils is also a possibility.
Utilizing Aromatherapy Oils for Management of ED symptoms
Various factors can restrict the flow of blood to the penis (6). In some cases, a man may not be able to get hard at all. And even if he does, he won’t be able to hold the erection long enough that it hinders sexual intercourse. This could be due to insufficient blood flow as well as damages to the nerve tissues. It may be because of a lack of stimulation too.
Managing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction can be done in different ways. You can consider taking medications (7). Or, if you wish to treat this condition naturally, then go for aromatherapy.
Essential oils can help address both the physical and psychological symptoms of impotence.
If you are depressed or stressed out because of this particular health condition, aromatherapy can definitely aid in calming yourself down. It can also treat the physical causes of erectile dysfunction like multiple sclerosis and high blood pressure (8, 9).
How to Use Oil to Manage ED Symptoms
First of all, you should never try to apply essential oils directly to your skin without diluting them in a carrier oil, such as olive and coconut oil. You can’t ingest them either.
Here are the different ways in which you can utilize aromatherapy for ED:
- Prepare a hot bath and add a few drops of diluted essential oil to it.
- Massage your lower back and abdominal region using a diluted essential oil of your choice.
- Prepare a hot or cold compress mixed with essential oil.
- Add a few drops of pure aromatherapy oil to your beddings.
What Are the Best Aromatherapy Oils to Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Here comes the most exciting part.
With the numerous aromatherapy oils available, which of them are the best to treat ED, and why?
Take a look at the following:
- Cinnamon
Researchers conducted a series of animal experiments involving cinnamon essential oil (10). As a result, it was proven that this plant extract could certainly stimulate hormone levels. It increased the testes weight as well as that of the seminal vesicles. They have also seen an increase in the sperm count, including its motility and viability. The same is true when it comes to testosterone levels.
A separate study also came up with the conclusion that regular consumption of cinnamon bark oil can improve the reproductive system of males and treat some issues like erectile dysfunction.
- Ylang-ylang
Aside from being an excellent alternative treatment for depression and anxiety, the oil that comes from Ylang-ylang can also aid in managing the effects of impotence (11).
Having ED can reduce a man’s self-esteem. Ylang-ylang is known to have euphoric properties, which will surely assist in making a guy feel happier. It may also enhance his mood in the bedroom.
- Rose
To gather scientific evidence, this essential oil for impotence was used in human beings. It has been shown that it is a great aid when it comes to relaxation. When a man is relaxed, it would be a lot quicker for him to achieve an erection.
Furthermore, Rose essential oil is said to be quite effective in bringing about happiness as well as in boosting self-confidence. It can improve the production of sperm and testosterone, too (12, 13).
- Ginger
Ginger is one of the most popular spices that are used worldwide. Aside from that, it is also known for its various medicinal uses. And, yes, it falls under the category of aromatherapy oils for attaining erection as well.
A series of studies show that the extracted oil from ginger is helpful in stimulating sperm production and reducing infertility in rats. It could then have the same effects on human beings (14).
- Aloe Vera
Out of all the herbs that you can find out there, aloe vera probably has the most number of uses both in traditional and modern medicine. In a certain test using its extract, it has been proven that this plant, indeed, can stimulate cell division. It can increase sperm count as well. We can then conclude that it can be utilized in aromatherapy for impotence.
- Nutmeg
If your main goal is to get harder down there and improve your sexual activities, then nutmeg essential oil would be your best bet. In fact, its oil extract is widely used in Southeast Asia to treat the dreaded effects of impotence (15).
- Lavender
Lavender is a popular aromatherapy oil for a better erection. Researchers conducted a study in 2014, and it has been proven that the combined fragrance of lavender and pumpkin pie can increase the flow of blood in the penile region. It also resulted in male arousal (16).
Are Essential Oils for Erectile Dysfunction Really Effective?
As enumerated above, there is a wide variety of oils from plants that can be utilized in managing impotence. Each of them has its distinct characteristics and properties that may help manage the effects of this particular health condition in males. However, when talking about their effectiveness, it is not recommended that you solely depend on them.
If you want to be successful in treating ED, you really have to make some significant lifestyle changes (17, 18, 19, 20).
It will help if you improve your daily routine, particularly your diet and exercise. It would be best if you gave yourself enough time to rest as well, so you will be able to calm your mind and body down. If you do all this, it will then be easier for you to improve your sexual functions.
Yes, essential oils for erectile dysfunction are effective, but you have to do your part. It would be great to consult your doctor too.