Men’s health often goes overlooked. In a society that is just breaking free from the constraints of what manhood is “supposed” to look like, men’s health concerns are still routinely considered non-issues or problems that are normalized.
As men age, their body chemistry changes. Testosterone levels naturally decline, and prostate health can become a concern. Metabolic health may become off-balanced, leading to conditions like unhealthy cholesterol, weight gain, dysregulated blood sugar levels, and a higher risk of cardiovascular health issues.
Couple this with the fact that less than half of men who suffer from mental health issues seek help for their conditions, and it’s enough to raise a red flag.REF#3001 Men’s healthcare is important; thankfully, there are ways to support men’s health with traditional herbs.
Let’s dive deeper into men’s healthcare, exploring common issues affecting their health. We’ll also discuss which herbal remedies can help support men’s bodies, their health benefits, and how to use them.
Understanding Men’s Health
Men undergo changes with age that can leave them feeling like they’ve lost their competitive edge, don’t think as clearly, and don’t have the stamina they once enjoyed. There are a few reasons for this noticeable decline in their vitality.
Testosterone Levels
At age 40, male hormone levels change. Specifically, testosterone production begins to decline.REF#3000
This loss of testosterone can result in:
- Erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction
- Changes in sexual desireREF#3000
- Trouble building lean muscle massREF#3000
- Changes in bone health and bone densityREF#3000
- Low sperm count and infertility
Not all men will experience every symptom, but the decline in production increases with age, so older men may experience more symptoms than younger men.
Prostate Health Issues
The prostate is a small organ located just below the bladder involved with male reproductive health. The prostate usually grows with age, placing pressure on the bladder and making urinating more difficult. An enlarged prostate is medically referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Issues with the prostate can also include infection and disease, so supporting prostate health is vital for a man’s total well-being.
Stress and Cognitive Changes
Both men and women deal with a lack of concentration or brain fog occasionally, but these cognitive changes worsen with age. Blame it on higher levels of stress and busier schedules, which can cause the nervous system to feel overloaded and lead to unhealthy stress responses.
An unhealthy stress response can lead to a myriad of negative health conditions, as well as the inability to focus.REF#3003 A stress response that isn’t addressed properly can keep the body in a state of constant alertness, keeping cortisol levels high and affecting metabolic health.REF#3003
Immunity
One of the body’s homeostatic functions is immunity. The immune system responds to stressors by sending out signals in the body that help deal with intrusion and heal sickness and injuries. Sometimes, the immune signal can continue long after the threat of injury or illness is gone. This unhealthy immune response can contribute to age-related disease.REF#3004
Men may not know they are experiencing an unhealthy immune response. They may only notice the symptoms, which include:
- Feelings of fatigue REF#3005
- Increased short-term illnesses and colds REF#3005
- Headaches REF#3005
- Increased stress levels REF#3005
The subtle changes in an unhealthy immune response can snowball into a loss of overall wellness and a general decline in total health. While all these changes are occurring, men need to support their bodies and take steps to regain a healthy balance. Looking for herbal remedies is a great place to start, along with adopting a healthy lifestyle.
10 Herbs for Men’s Health
For centuries, herbs have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic medicine to enhance sexual desire, increase stamina, and support healthy stress and immune responses. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed down the top 10 natural remedies for supporting men’s health.
1. Horny Goat Weed
It’s worth a little chuckle that this herb is so aptly named. Used in traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac and to support sexual performance, it is also thought to help tonify the kidneys.REF#3006
Where to find it: You can find Horny Goat Weed in our Male Libido supplement. Our proprietary blend of herbs can help support stamina and vitality for men who might want support for sexual function.
2. Saw Palmetto
Maintaining prostate health through later adulthood is important, and one step you can take is to use complementary herbs that support healthy prostate function. Saw Palmetto one of the best herbs for supporting prostate health, making it easier for men who experience urinary discomfort and dysuria to go with ease.REF#3007
Where to find it: We include Saw Palmetto in many of our men’s health products, including Prostate Health. This blend of Green Tea, Nettle Root, White Sage, and Saw Palmetto can help protect and vitalize prostate function.
We also offer Saw Palmetto as a standalone herbal supplement, with each capsule containing 188 milligrams of Saw Palmetto berry extract.
3. Maca
You may already be familiar with Maca, as it’s making its rounds in the wellness landscape as a popular add-in for lattes and smoothies. Maca Root is an adaptogen, which means it can help balance the body’s stress response.
Even more impressive is that Maca has been studied for its ability to encourage peak performance.REF#3008 Maca is rich in antioxidants, and the antioxidant load can help ease lactic acid buildup and oxidative stress during acute exercise.REF#3009
Where to find it: Our Maca Root supplement is caffeine-free and can support healthy energy levels with 500 milligrams of pure Maca, so you can get going and experience energy that doesn’t leave you crashing.
4. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Combating brain fog is a multifaceted affair. It will require a balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and the right blend of adaptogenic herbs to support cognition and healthy stress responses. We recommend starting with Lion’s Mane Mushroom.
This impressive adaptogen can help support brain health by supporting your body’s stress response and helping encourage cognition.REF#3009
Where to find it: We offer Lion’s Mane Mushroom as a standalone supplement designed for supporting overall wellness, getting in your daily dose of adaptogens, and encouraging cognitive function.
5. Turmeric
Guys don’t frequently like to talk about muscle soreness and joint pain, even though we know they sometimes suffer. Turmeric can give them relief and is a natural alternative to over-the-counter options.
Where to find it: Our Turmeric Supreme® Adult Daily Gummies are an easy way to get relief fast, with 286 milligrams of turmeric in each serving.
6. Peppermint Leaf
Maybe the hotdog eating contest wasn’t such a great idea. For men who love foods that don’t love them back, Peppermint Leaf can give them fast relief and help settle occasional digestive discomfort.REF#3010
Where to find it: We offer a cooling, refreshing tincture of Peppermint Leaf that can help aid digestion and keep food moving along the digestive tract.
7. Hawthorn
Men’s heart health is something to take seriously. In addition to supporting heart health with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, taking Hawthorn can be a vital component in any heart health regimen. Hawthorn can help support healthy cholesterol levels.REF#3011 It can also support healthy blood pressure, making it uniquely fitted for supporting total cardiovascular function.REF#3011
Where to find it: Get 500 milligrams of helpful Hawthorn in our Hawthorne Supreme to easily help protect your heart health.
8. Ashwagandha
Men are stressed, and their stress management techniques aren’t always stellar. Help support a healthy stress response with adaptogenic Ashwagandha. Taking ashwagandha can help bring balance to your body’s stress response and help ease feelings of tension and worry.REF#3012
Where to find it: We blend Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Schisandra, and Oats together for the ultimate adaptogenic blend of stress-regulating herbs in our Stress Response®. Taking it consistently can support a healthy and balanced stress response.
9. Panax Ginseng
Also known as Asian Ginseng, Panax Ginseng has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to support energy, vitality, and sexual function.
Where to find it: Panax Ginseng is part of our blend of energizing herbs in Energy Vitality. An unhealthy stress response can lead to fatigue, so it’s important to support it where possible. This blend is special because it can help support energy levels and a healthy stress response.REF#3013
10. Nettle
Nettle is often used for supporting respiratory health, but it’s also supportive of prostate function. Easy breathing and prostate health are a winning combination that can help support overall men’s health.
Where to find it: Our standalone supplement, Nettle Leaf, offers 225 mg of certified organic stinging nettle to help support respiratory health and prostate function.
While these herbs are generally well-tolerated and have few side effects, it’s always worth discussing any dietary supplements with your primary care provider before incorporating them into your diet.
Healthy Men for Life
Men’s health shouldn’t be a secondary issue, and supporting their wellness can start with the right blend of adaptogenic and traditional herbs, as well as getting plenty of exercise and eating a healthy diet. When the men in your life need extra help, look for targeted supplements from Gaia Herbs to give them the support they need.