How to Use Ginseng Root for Men’s Health

Did you know that a whopping 52% of men struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their life? Getting treated by a professional is logical, especially if the problem is straining the intimacy of a relationship. Affected men may also turn to ginseng root (ren shen, 人参), which has been heavily linked to improvements in libido and sexual potency.

Read on to discover the benefits of using ginseng root to ensure a man’s overall and sexual well-being.

The Sexual and Holistic Healing Prowess of Ginseng Root for Men 

Ginseng provides numerous healing benefits, all of which are supported by scientific research. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the herb is used to tonify qi (vital life force) and helps to: 

• Alleviate fatigue by increasing energy levels 
• Relieve cough and breathlessness by strengthening the Lungs 
• Promote healthy digestion and ease nausea and vomiting 

Above all, ginseng root is frequently used as a supplementary treatment for multiple male sexual disorders.

Enhances the quality of erections

Anxiety and stress are detrimental to a man’s sex life, wreaking havoc by reducing testosterone and increasing stress hormone levels. It also influences the brain’s signals to the penis, causing erectile dysfunction due to limited blood flow to the penis.

Heart disease and diabetes mellitus too, are associated with an increased risk of developing ED. On the other hand, TCM believes that an impaired flow of qi prevents a man from achieving and maintaining strong erections.

For these reasons, ginseng root is an effective remedy. It enables a man to maintain erections for longer by: 

• Alleviating stress 

• Boosting blood flow to the penis by improving cardiovascular health 

These benefits can be attributed to ginsenoside – the active component in ginseng root – which encourages the release of endothelial nitric oxide (ENO). Apart from ensuring proper blood flow in the brain, ENO triggers erections by relaxing the smooth muscles of the corpus cavernosum. The corpus cavernosum refers to two spongy regions of erectile tissue that contain most of the blood in the penis during an erection.

ENO also regulates high cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), and high blood pressure (hypertension), which can contribute to ED. 

Increases sex drive 

Scientific studies prove that ginseng is a male stimulant. TCM practitioners, on the other hand, recommend ginseng as a sexual performance booster for both men and women.

According to the Maryland University Medical Center, ginseng may improve a man’s libido by enabling him to cope with stress better. The herb can also prevent fluctuations in a man’s desire for sex.

Supports fertility 

Ginseng root can boost fertility by helping sperm to move better through the reproductive tract. Likewise, ginsenoside increased the motility and membrane integrity of post-thawed sperms compared to fresh, untreated sperms.

These findings suggest that adding ginseng extract to a cryogen may enhance the success of fertility treatment. Pre-clinical studies also show that ginseng increases the production and quality of sperm, and treats testicular disorders.

Resolves premature ejaculation 

A Urology study shows that applying a paste made from ginseng and other herbal ingredients on the penis an hour before sex delayed ejaculation and increased satisfaction. But there were some mild side effects, such as a burning sensation and pain. 

How to Use the Different Types of Ginseng Root Properly 

Each type of ginseng serves unique purposes and addresses specific health concerns. 

American ginseng 

This type of ginseng originates from the Panax quinquefolius plant and exerts a cooling effect on the body. It’s widely available in dried (tea) and liquid extracts, powders, capsules, and tablets. TCM practitioners also combine the herb with other ingredients to create customised formulas.

According to Senior Physician Brandon Yew of Real Health Medical, TCM advocates the use of American ginseng by men with Yin-Deficient or Yang-Excess body constitutions.

Korean or Asian ginseng  

Men with Yang-Deficient or Yin-Excess constitutions may opt for Korean ginseng (also called Asian ginseng) instead, which is warm-natured and invigorating.

White Korean ginseng (peeled and dried) and red Korean ginseng (unpeeled and steamed before drying) are available in liquid extract, powder or capsule form. Either type can also be used to make decoctions by boiling the root in water. 

Try taking these supplements containing Panax ginseng for overall health and vitality.

The evidence speaks for itself – ginseng root is a potent remedy for male sexual problems. Using the herb on regularly can have a positive effect on a man’s overall health. Work together with clinical and traditional healthcare practitioners to eliminate any underlying concerns before using it.

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This is an adaptation of an article, “5 Ways Ginseng Root Can Boost Men’s Health”, which first appeared on the All Things Health website.