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Is There Really an Oil or Herb for Penis Enlargement

Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT — By Tim Jewell — Updated on September 23, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Does oil work for penis enlargement

There aren’t any oils on the market that will make your penis larger. However, penis enlargement is possible through other measures. But no research supports the idea that oils or other supplements will enlarge your penis. They’re much more likely to result in unwanted side effects or injury. Read on to learn which oils you should avoid, which oils could improve your sexual function in other ways, and more.

What ingredients should I watch out for

Dietary and herbal supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that manufacturers are largely free to say whatever they want about their ingredients and supposed benefits. In addition to being ineffective, these products may also be harmful. Many of the ingredients found in over-the-counter “natural male enhancement” supplements can cause unpleasant side effects and lead to potential complications. Without your physician’s advice, you shouldn’t use any products containing:Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is a steroid that naturally occurs in your body. But using DHEA supplements can increase your risk of cancer, lower good cholesterol levels, and affect your mental health.Pregnanolone. This is another naturally occurring compound. But there’s no research to support pregnanolone for use in penis enlargement. A 2009 study showed that it may also negatively affect your mental health.Catuaba bark extract. In a 2005 study with animals, this ingredient showed some promise as an antidepressant, but no research indicates that it has any effect on your penis.Hawthorn berry. According to a 2010 research review, this ingredient has some use as a treatment for heart disease, but it’s not proven to help with penis enlargement. The research review also showed that taking too much can cause dizziness, nausea, and dangerous interactions with cardiovascular medications. Some ingredients can improve your sexual health — they just won’t make your penis bigger. If you’re open to other benefits, look for an oil or supplement containing:L-arginine. An old 1997 study with rats suggested that L-arginine can reduce erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms and make erections firmer, but the jury’s out on how effective it truly is. According to a small 1999 study, it’s no better than a placebo.Panax ginseng. A 2013 research review with animals showed that this herb may improve erectile response in people with ED by relaxing certain muscles around the penile tissues. Additionally, a small 2002 study validated ginseng as a safe, effective method of improving erection hardness. MR KB 9/16/22 This link above under “a small study” did not work for me jurology.com/article/S0022-5347(05)64298-X/abstractCitrulline. Research from a small 2011 study with males showed that this organic compound can be a reliable treatment for mild-to-moderate cases of ED by making erections firmer.L-carnitine. Results from a 2012 study with mice showed that L-carnitine may help increase your sperm count, as well as sperm movement. This can improve your chances of getting your partner pregnant, according to a 2015 research review.Gingko biloba. A small 2008 study found that ginkgo biloba may help with sexual arousal in women by stimulating blood flow and improving sexual function. This effect primarily occurred when participants combined supplementation with sex therapy.

Oils for sexual health

Although you won’t find overwhelming evidence behind essential oils, some studies (although usually small or limited) suggest they may help with certain sexual conditions like erectile dysfunction. They may also work by enhancing your sense of relaxation, well-being, and confidence, which can lead to improved sexual experiences. Remember, these may positively affect your overall sexual health, but they will not boost your penis size. Plus, research on how effective they are is still limited for now. Also keep in mind that there are a few ways to use essential oils, including inhalation, diffusers, and more. If you apply essential oil to your skin, you’ll need to mix it with a carrier oil first. Never ingest essential oils. If you’re up for testing different essential oils that may improve your sexual health, here are just a few to consider. Ylang Ylang essential oil: Thought of as an aphrodisiac by many, ylang ylang is also used to improve other ailments and boost your sense of wellness. Rose essential oil: One 2014 study on rose oil showed that it helped sexual function in males with depressive conditions. Additionally, it helped participants with ED as an outcome of being treated with medications for depression and other mental health conditions; these medications are known as SSRIs. Lavender essential oil: A small 2014 study looked at scents and male sexual arousal. The researchers saw that lavender, one popular essential oil famed for its pleasing and soothing aroma, when mixed with the scent of pumpkin pie, had the best result on penile blood flow, although all of the study’s fragrances boosted arousal. Cinnamon essential oil: It’s possible that cinnamon essential oil may help with ED. Animal studies have found cinnamon oil enhanced erectile function, although more research on larger scales is still needed. Additionally, one 2015 rat study found that cinnamon also has the ability to boost sperm count along with testosterone levels and sperm motility. Panax ginseng oil (supplement). If you’re interested in panax ginseng in a liquid form, it’s available on Amazon. It is considered a herbal supplement, not an essential oil. As we pointed out, some small studies point to this herb’s potential to help with ED. Gingko biloba oil (supplement): We already mentioned ginkgo biloba may help with sexual arousal in women, but it may also help out with other sexual dysfunction conditions, thanks to its potential to boost blood levels of nitric oxide, helping circulation through blood vessel dilation. It’s available in oil form but, unlike essential oils, is considered a herbal supplement to be mixed with water and taken by mouth. There’s also a long list of essential oils that may help with intimacy and even more essential oils that may help with ED.

What should I do if I decide to use oil

Always talk with your doctor before using any oils or other supplements. Oil ingredients can interact with medications, have uncomfortable side effects, or increase your risk of certain conditions. If you find an oil that is intended for use on the penis and your doctor clears you to use an oil on your penis, do a patch test. To do this:Rub a small amount of oil into your forearm.Cover the area with a bandage.Wait 24 hours and check for irritation. If you aren’t experiencing any redness or discoloration, swelling, or other irritation, it should be safe to apply elsewhere. If your patch test does not show irritation, follow the oil’s application instructions closely. Only apply as much as the label advises, and keep the substance away from your urinary opening. Don’t apply more than the label directs. Most importantly, don’t introduce oils into your sex life without asking your partner’s consent first. The oil can expose them to potential allergies and side effects, too. If possible, have them do a patch test before you decide to do a full application. If you or your partner begin experiencing any unusual symptoms, discontinue use and seek medical attention.

Are there any possible side effects or risks

Because these oils aren’t regulated, you never really know what ingredients they contain and in what quantities. Not all supplements are unsafe, but uncomfortable and even permanent side effects are possible. Some side effects are mild, including:skin irritationrash or bumpsfluid-filled blistersitching or burning at the application site These effects may go away a few hours or days after you stop using oils. If you keep using the oils, these side effects can get worse or progress into more serious symptoms, including:hivespus or discharge from blisters or rashinfections in broken skin from scratching, which can also make you more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to permanent scarring or damage to your penis. Anaphylaxis, a life threatening allergic reaction, is also possible. You should seek emergency medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, severe pain, or severe swelling. Your partner can also experience these side effects if they’re allergic to any of the oil’s ingredients. Some oils also break down the ingredients in latex condoms, many of which aren’t designed to be resistant to certain oil lubrication. This can increase your risk of STI transmission or unintended pregnancy. Side effects can become even more painful or life threatening if the oil gets directly into the vagina, anus, or mouth.

Recommended alternatives for penis enlargement

Some evidence suggests that vacuum pumps (sometimes just called penis pumps) can be helpful. These are available without a prescription and are thought of as a solid choice for those who cannot take ED medication by mouth. These are not a good option for those on blood thinners, those with blood disorders, or those with sickle cell anemia. Penile traction devices (or stretchers) can also be effective. Like the name suggests, these devices stretch or pull on the penis to reshape it. There’s not currently much research on how well these perform, however.Medications for ED can also be used when trying to enlarge penis size. Some online services to consider for ED medications include Roman, Hims, and Lemonaid. Penis enlargment pills or supplements, like we mentioned, are also readily available online, but they lack both research and regulation, making them not the best approach. Other penis enhancement techniques may be worth a shot. These can include certain excersies and other products, like cock rings. MR KB 9/16/22 consider including recommendations for therapy/mental health here? Body Dismorphic disorder could cause feelings of inadequacy around penis size https://www.healthline.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use oils on your penis

Before you apply oil to your penis, it’s best to chat with your doctor first. There’s always a risk for side effects and allergic reactions, especially since oils are not regulated. Plus, there’s a chance that the oil can interact with medications you may be taking. For safety, perform a patch test by placing a small amount of the oil on your arm first, checking for signs of irritation or allergic reactions over a 24-hour period. Even if your doctor signs off on your oil and you’ve done a patch test, the oil can also affect your partner’s health — they will need to practice these safety measures before use too.

How effective are oils for penis enlargement

No (credible) oils are available for penis enlargement right now, despite any hefty claims. Other products are available to improve sexual health and possibly strengthen your erection overall, but it’s best to check with your doctor before using them. These products include vacuum pumps, penile traction devices, ED medication, and more. Some oils containing certain ingredients may improve your sexual health as well. Remember to inform your partner before testing them.

How do oils work for penis enlargement

In short, they don’t. There are, however, a handful (pun intended) of other penis enlargement alternatives you can experiment with (with your doctor’s approval). For example, products like vacuum pumps and penile traction devices are more likely to positively affect your erection, but be wary of any products that claim to work miracles. There are also ED medications to consider.

The bottom line

Talk with your doctor before using any kind of oil, herb, or other supplements. Your doctor can discuss your individual risk of side effects and interactions, as well as offer advice on proven methods of enlargement. If you do decide to use an oil, it’s a good idea to do a patch test. Ask your partner if they’re OK with using an oil too, and talk with them about doing a patch test of their own. Discontinue use if you or your partner begin experiencing symptoms. Seek emergency medical attention if you or your partner experience any major symptoms after use, such as severe hives or difficulty breathing. Last medically reviewed on September 23, 2022

How we vetted this article

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Aliabadi E, et al. (2012). Effects of L-carnitine and L-acetyl-carnitine on testicular sperm motility and chromatin quality.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4163266/Campbell J, et al. (2016). A review of penile elongation surgery.
tau.amegroups.com/article/view/13320/13813Campos MM, et al. (2005). Antidepressant-like effects of Trichilia catigua (catuaba) extract: Evidence for dopaminergic-mediated mechanisms.
link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00213-005-0052-1Cho KS, et al. (2013). Effects of Korean ginseng berry extract (GB0710) on penile erection: Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies.
asiaandro.com/Abstract.asp?doi=10.1038/aja.2013.49Cormio L, et al. (2011). Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction.
goldjournal.net/article/S0090-4295(10)01661-4/fulltextDietary supplements. (2019).
fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/Dietary supplements: What you need to know. (2017).
fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109760.htmHawthorn. (2020).
nccih.nih.gov/health/hawthornHives: Diagnosis and treatment. (n.d.).
aad.org/public/diseases/itchy-skin/hivesHong B, et al. (2002). A double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of Korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: A preliminary report.
auajournals.org/doi/10.1016/S0022-5347%2805%2964298-XKlotz T, et al. (1999). Effectiveness of oral L-arginine in first-line treatment of erectile dysfunction in a controlled crossover study.
karger.com/Article/Abstract/30454Kumar N, et al. (2015). Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: A review of literature.
jhrsonline.org/article.asp?issn=0974-1208;year=2015;volume=8;issue=4;spage=191;epage=196;aulast=KumarMarx CE, et al. (2009). Proof-of-concept trial with the neurosteroid pregnenolone targeting cognitive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
nature.com/articles/npp200926Meston CM, et al. (2008). Short- and long-term effects of gingko biloba extracts on sexual dysfunction in women.
link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10508-008-9316-2Moody JA, et al. (1997). Effects of long-term oral administration of L-arginine on the rat erectile response.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9258123Nikoobakht M, et al. (2011). Effect of penile-extender device in increasing penile size in men with shortened penis: Preliminary results.
jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(15)33330-0/fulltextTassell MC, et al. (2010). Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
phcogrev.com/article/2010/4/7/1041030973-784765324Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 23, 2022 By Tim Jewell Edited By DeVonne Goode Medically Reviewed By Kerry Boyle D.Ac., L.Ac., CYT Copy Edited By Connor Rice Aug 27, 2021 By Tim Jewell Edited By Lauren Bullen Copy Edited By Sofia Santamarina VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT — By Tim Jewell — Updated on September 23, 2022

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