Garlic For Erectile Dysfunction: An Introduction To The Sexual Health Benefits Of Garlic

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on July 22, 2022

When you think of sexy foods, chocolate, strawberries, and whipped cream may be the first things that pop into your head. However, you may be surprised to know that none of these foods actually do anything for your sexual health.

When it comes to treatment to help you last in the bedroom, aside from buying Viagra in Canada, consider garlic for erectile dysfunction.

That's right - despite garlic's strange odour, it is the best food to help you achieve and maintain an erection as well as boost your sex drive. You have probably already tried some treatment for erectile dysfunction through more traditional means. We're here to convince you to try something different and put garlic at the top of your list of sexiest foods.

This article includes information about the following:

A. The History of Garlic

B. What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

C. Erectile Dysfunction and Its Causes

D. Scientific Studies on Garlic for Erectile Dysfunction

E. Is Garlic Effective in Treating ED?

F. Next Steps

G. Conclusion 

Garlic and Its History

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant native to Middle Asia. Though its exact origins are unknown, it is said to originate anywhere from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to the Tien Shan Mountains in West China.

Many ancient civilizations have used garlic for its healing properties. Ancient Egyptians were the earliest peoples to use the plant, as they gave it to labourers to give them enough strength to build the pyramids. Garlic was even found in King Tutankhamun's tomb upon the tomb's excavation in 1922.

People in Ancient China also frequently used garlic to treat respiratory and digestive conditions like worms and diarrhea. They also used garlic to treat fatigue, insomnia, and headaches. There is also evidence to support they used the plant for male impotence.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or keep an erection throughout a sexual performance, often impacting the ability to orgasm. "Sexual performance" may be defined as intercourse, masturbation, or other types of sexual stimulation.

The inability to get an erection is relatively normal, as most men are unable to maintain one 20% of the time. However, if this happens more than 50% of the time, it is categorized as a dysfunction with cause for medical concern.

It is estimated that 3 million Canadian men over the age of 40 are affected by erectile dysfunction.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a wide variety of reasons, both physiological and psychological. Sexual arousal is intricately linked to most systems in the body, including the brain, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. Therefore, any of these systems could cause or worsen erectile dysfunction symptoms.

Common physical causes for erectile dysfunction include, but are not limited to:

1. High blood pressure
2. Heart problems
3. Diabetes
4. Tobacco use
5. Alcohol addiction or other substance abuse
6. Parkinson's
7. Certain pelvic or spinal surgeries
8. Strokes
9. Low testosterone

Psychological factors are also at play in many cases of ED. Depression, anxiety disorders, stress, and other health issues.

These issues can easily cause or worsen ED. Relationship issues with your sexual partner may also play into impotence.

These issues feed into each other, giving a circular effect. If you can't achieve an erection for physical health reasons, this can then give you performance anxiety. This anxiety can then feed into more physical health problems down the line as stress wears down the body.

What Does Science Say About Garlic for Erectile Dysfunction?

There have been many scientific studies on the health benefits of garlic, as it has been a popular home remedy for centuries.

Allicin is the main component in garlic which makes it appropriate for ED treatment. Allicin is unique to garlic, and it is what gives the plant its unique odour and taste.

Allicin helps promote healthy blood flow - studies prove that the plant relieves high blood pressure in those with severe hypertension. It also helps lower the "bad" type of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and raises the "good" cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein.

Garlic also relieves cell damage through oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is what can cause strokes or Alzheimer's disease. 

The plant even boosts the body's general immune system, even warding off the common cold.

All of these things are important to note in treatment in ED for a few reasons. First, promoting blood flow includes blood flow to the sexual organs, which is what causes an erection in the first place.

Second, we mentioned the plethora of physical causes of ED. Since allicin in garlic helps relieve many of these issues, the plant is then able to prevent erectile dysfunction. Fewer health problems generally mean fewer issues maintaining an erection.

Can Garlic Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

The short answer: Yes. You are able to use garlic as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and boost your sex drive.

The plant's safety and affordability make it a suitable alternative for prescription medications. For thousands of years, history has shown that garlic has been an effective treatment for health conditions such as impotence. Studies today have also pointed to the same conclusion.

What Are Your Next Steps?

If you are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, it is time to take action. Speak to your doctor about the options available to you, including garlic.

Though we eat garlic in most meals today, it is important to speak to your doctor before increasing your intake. Certain medications, like anticoagulants, should not be used in conjunction with garlic without medical supervision.

The Takeaway

If you struggle with erectile dysfunction, it may be time to seek help for your condition. Garlic for erectile dysfunction is a great possible avenue to explore, as it has a long history of use for many health conditions, from the common cold to impotence.