Ginseng is a highly successful herbal supplement that’s been in the mainstream of medical practice for centuries. It is made from the root of the Panax ginseng plant and is known for being extremely healthy. Sexual dysfunction reduction and sexual enhancement are just a couple of the rumored medicinal uses of ginseng. Unfortunately, there is very little scientific evidence supporting such a benefit. But the ginseng use for sex has become something that is of prime concern these days. This essay considers whether ginseng may potentially have sexual health effects and enhance sexual function.
The primary benefit of ginseng is to increase energy and vitality levels. Ginseng is said to stimulate the body’s release of nitric oxide, which opens up blood vessels and speeds up blood circulation. The resulting boost in blood supply can, in theory, enhance sexual performance by triggering more arousal and sexual enjoyment.
A recent study in the Journal of Urology showed that erectile function improved significantly after eight weeks of taking ginseng supplements compared with eight weeks of taking a placebo. All of this means that ginseng might benefit erectile dysfunction, which is the underlying problem for millions of men worldwide. Obviously, it was a small study and more research is required to verify these findings.
Moreover, both men and women have reported that ginseng can affect libido. Researchers in a study in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy found that subjects who consumed a combination of ginseng and Ginkgo biloba experienced significant increases in sexual desire and satisfaction when compared with those who received a placebo. Perhaps this is because ginseng elevates testosterone levels, an essential factor in sexual attraction and activity.
Besides enhancing sexual function, ginseng has been found to positively influence sexual wellness in general. A 2008 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that subjects taking ginseng extracts for eight weeks experienced significant improvements in overall sexual satisfaction (including more arousal and orgasm intensity). That means ginseng might not only increase sexual function but also enhance sexual experiences.
These studies are promising, but the research into ginseng’s sexual health benefits is far from conclusive. Most of them were small, animal or in vitro studies. More study is needed to determine the extent to which ginseng could affect sexual function in humans.
We should not overlook the fact that ginseng doesn’t suit everyone. As with any supplement, your results may vary. Ginseng can also lead to headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and elevation of blood pressure.
Headaches:
One of the most commonly observed adverse effects of ginseng usage is headaches. The exact mechanisms by which ginseng could cause headaches are still being researched. But various theories have emerged. Perhaps one reason is that ginseng interferes with neurotransmitters in the brain (such as serotonin) and so changes pain perception, and therefore can cause headaches. Perhaps, however, the stimulant effects of ginseng on the central nervous system would make the central nervous system more painful, exacerbateing existing headaches or creating new ones.
Digestive Issues:
Ingesting ginseng, too, has been associated with several digestive disorders, including nausea, diarrhoea and upset stomachs. These effects can result from ginseng’s interaction with the digestive tract, in which it has the potential to affect motility, release and absorption. Several ginsenosides, including Rb1 and Rg1, have been linked to these digestive imbalances because they can regulate the function of digestive enzymes and hormones. Additionally, the stimulant action of ginseng on the stomach can cause discomfort and vomiting, especially in individuals who are receptive to its actions or take excessive quantities.
Changes in Blood Pressure:
Ginseng’s effect on blood pressure is another topic of concern for users. Although ginseng has been reported to be a blood pressure-lowering agent, so it could benefit people with high blood pressure, it can cause hypotension, or low blood pressure, in people at risk. There’s no clear answer to exactly what drives ginseng’s blood pressure action, but perhaps it is something to do with ginseng’s interaction with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, one of the primary hormonal pathways that regulates blood pressure. There are also ginsenosides like Rb1 which are known to increase vasodilation, thus reducing blood pressure.
Avoiding Side-effects:
Not everyone who takes ginseng will suffer side effects, but there are a few steps you can take to reduce the chance and intensity of those side effects. Most of all, it is crucial to follow prescribed dosage levels because over-dosing them may cause adverse reactions. Additionally, people with existing conditions, such as high blood pressure or digestive problems, must be cautious about ginseng supplements and consult a doctor to make sure it is safe and used correctly.
Additionally, the way ginseng is prepared and administered can influence its side effects. Ginseng extracts that have been intensively processed, for example, might be containing increased levels of certain ginsenosides, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Instead, classical preparations – for example, raw/steamed roots – may have a broader ginsenoside profile, potentially eliminating the potential for adverse reactions.
Always talk to a physician before taking any new supplement, particularly if you are on medication or have medical conditions.
Conclusion:
In short, ginseng could potentially contribute to better sexual function and sexual health. The extra blood circulation, testosterone, vigour and energy that it brings may explain why it has so many positive effects on sexual wellbeing. Only high-quality research will help clear up exactly what happens to ginseng when it comes to sexual function. Before you take ginseng in your supplement routine, be wise and seek advice from a medical professional. Although potentially beneficial, it should not be used as a cure for sexual dysfunction.
