Herbal Treatment for ED and Prostate Issues

I recently received this e-mail:  

 I’ve been asked if there are any natural remedies to take the place of E D drugs.  This person has had prostate surgery due to cancer.  Since I’ve never dealt with that I googled/binged it without much success.  My standard, EarthClinic.com, had some info but they are a big supporter of ACV, cayenne and garlic.  I’m sure most of it is a circulatory issue, but I’m a little hesitant to suggest experimentation.  I doubt I could hurt anyone, but a bit nervous about it, but would like to see them off the drugs. Any suggestions?

My response was:  

ED has various factors, all of which need to be addressed before a new paradigm will kick in!  First--hormone levels--they are  always out of balance.  Herbs that help correct this include epimedium, a Chinese herb.  You can read a little bit about it here on WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-699-EPIMEDIUM.aspx?activeIngredientId=699&activeIngredientName=EPIMEDIUM

Epimedium does not have any known interaction with the drugs that treat this condition, and should eliminate the need for them over time.  I must caution you that epimedium can create other imbalances when used long term, if it is not properly combined with other herbs.   If you decide to try epimedium, you must also prepare it with balancing herbs that will build yin and consolidate jing, and bring the energy balance back up gradually, over time.  One possible combination: Dioscorea root (wild yam root); ganoderma (black), and ginseng powder. Other combinations will work too, but this one is my current favorite.  Adding these herbs together with the epimedium balances the formula so it can be used over a longer period of time without any harmful effect.  Here is a great source for CLEAN bulk Chinese herbs, which are hard to come by:  http://www.eastearthtrade.com/ganodermalucida-4ozblacksliced.aspx

Second--the energy level is usually lowered.  This can be addressed using the same formula, as epimedium addresses this too.  And the changes I am about to recommend next will do wonders for a person's energy level by helping him assimilate more of the nutrients from his foods.

Third--nourishment is an issue, because this is a sign of depletion.  Nourish this person's digestive system with daily doses of fermented food!  He should be drinking 8 ounces a day of kefir water OR kombucha; and include 2 Tablespoons of kim chee, sauerkraut, Veggie Delite, or Bubbies pickles types of ferment, daily.  I would also recommend a probiotic for him, for about 2 or 3 months, until the foods begin to take over the job.  One probiotic I have had success with for men is RAW Men's probiotic; another is Fivelac.  

He will not need to take the probiotics forever, especially once his system gets going with the fermented foods.  I am doing a whole seasonal update on fermented foods this month, so there will be lots more info coming.  

Lastly, I might recommend a series of flower essences or a homeopathic preparation of Cypress or Labrador Tea essential oils.  These could assist the person in clearing the suppressed emotional energy around sexuality, manhood, and loss.  These would be a significant part of the healing for ED, prostate cancer and pre-cancerous conditions.

Lots of Love and Blessings for this healing journey!  Kathryn