Cuscuta is often thought of as a wonder herb for male sexual problems. Researchers have recently shown that properties of the plant protect the male sperm.

It contains five molecules that provide this protection:

• β-sitosterol
• d-sesamin
• hydroxy-d-sesamin
• d-pinoresinol
• daucosterol

These chemicals protect cell membrane and mitochondrion function and prevent damage from free radicals.

Cuscuta contains chemicals that produce a harder and fuller erection by increasing the intra-cavernosal pressure (ICP) inside the penis. It also increases nitric oxide syntheses inside penile tissues, which also contributes to a strong erection.

Neurologic Protective Properties

Research at the Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, has shown that cuscuta’s strong antioxidants have neurologic protective properties. Mice given chemicals that simulated Parkinson’s disease showed marked neuron survival rates.

Other benefits

Chinese medicine today uses it to invigorate the kidneys, nourish the liver, improve eyesight, arrest diarrhea, and soothe an unborn fetus.

It is often used to treat kidney deficiencies that cause symptoms like back pain, urinary frequency, and involuntary semen discharge.

Essentially, cuscuta is used to treat any illness or condition of the kidneys, liver, or spleen, such as blurred or dark vision, diarrhea caused by spleen issues, abnormal fetal issues, and abnormal thirst.

While these symptoms don’t necessarily apply to ED, they might if your ED is also a symptom of kidney problems.

Dosage

As a supplement or with other herbs, 200 to 400 mg. of powdered concentrate.

The Chinese Pharmacopia, 2010 recommends a 6 to 12-gram dose of dried powder once daily. However, this dose can be divided into three doses of 2 to 6 grams. Start with the lower dose.

Take 1000 to 2000 mg of powdered extract.