As Men’s Health Week in 2019 comes to a close, we feel that it’s time to take a look at what steps men can take to help manage their health. While good habits like maintaining a healthy diet and frequently exercising are integral for optimal health, there are several herbs that can help support overall male health. There are herbs that are conducive for women, but this article is about herbs that help to promote vitality, a healthy prostate, sex drive, and a healthy reproductive system.
Herbs, unlike pharmaceutical drugs, rarely have side effects. Before consuming the herbs in this article, it is important to know whether or not you are allergic to them. While these herbs are have the ability to help improve overall male health, they work best when consumed alongside a balanced, plant-based diet. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and low stress levels only help to enhance the benefits of these herbs.
Astragalus
Chinese Medicine has commonly used astragalus for male infertility. Scientifically proven to increase sperm motility, astragalus works to support male hormones, specifically testosterone and growth hormones. Astragalus is also a known immune booster and works to slow down the aging process.
Saw Palmetto
In more recent years, the plant’s berries have been known to help improve urinary tract health, increase libido, and increase sperm production. Saw palmetto also helps to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. You can make teas, blend it in smoothies, or find saw palmetto in herbal supplements.
Ginseng
The ginsenosides in ginseng have been known to have positive effects on the central nervous system and gonadal tissues. Traditionally, men have consumed ginseng tea to reap the sexual rejuvenation properties. It helps to improve metabolism and stamina, both of which influence a man’s sexual health and fertility.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been used to promote male vitality for thousands of years due to its effects on healthy hormone function. Studies have shown that it helps to stabilize male hormones, in addition to increasing testosterone levels. Ashwagandha is a natural aphrodisiac and has been said to give the “strength of a stallion.” This herb also lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, and high levels or cortisol can often inhibit an increase in muscle mass.
Stinging Nettle
Containing a number of health benefits, stinging nettle has positive effects on the prostate and urinary tract. Stinging nettle helps to encourage healthy hormone levels and works to inhibit the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which is an androgen hormone that can enlarge the prostate.
Horny Goat Weed
Although this herb has a funny name, it is a proven aphrodisiac that helps to increase the male libido, and is commonly used as a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction. The primary benefits have been attributed to icariin, a flavonoid that helps to boost the transmission of nitric oxide, which is the main chemical transmitter that provides ample blood delivery to penis tissue. It also boosts the natural circulation of testosterone.
Pumpkin Seed
Pumpkin seeds are rich sources of zinc, potassium, and iron, all of which provide support to the prostate. A recent study revealed that pumpkin seed extract helped to encourage healthy urine flow in men with enlarged prostates.
