Korean Red Ginseng – Panax ginseng has been used in traditional Korean medicine for hundreds of years to treat various illnesses, including erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a relatively common disorder that impacts millions of men around the globe. It is a state in which a regular failure to get or keep an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse occurs. Korean Red Ginseng has gained popularity due to its allegedly beneficial effect on sex, and is one of the plant compounds marketed as a suspected natural remedy for ED. This article will discuss Korean Red Ginseng, its mechanism of action, and the scientific research supporting its claimed ED effects.
Traditional Uses of Korean Red Ginseng
Korean Red Ginseng has been traditionally used in Korean medicine for more than 2,000 years to boost health and vitality. It is considered to be adaptogenic, which means that it makes your body cope with stress and boosts your wellbeing. In conventional medicine, it is also prescribed for a number of conditions such as ED.
According to traditional Korean medicine, Korean Red Ginseng works by stimulating the body’s life force or ‘qi’. It also has the power to help circulate blood, which is vital for an erection. Korean Red Ginseng may be used along with other herbs to treat ED.
Mechanism of Action
Korean Red Ginseng’s active constituents, known as ginsenosides, are thought to be responsible for its curative properties. These ginsenosides appear to function by increasing the level of nitric oxide, a chemical that stretches blood vessels and improves blood circulation. It is essential to getting and holding an erection.
Korean Red Ginseng has antioxidants too, which may shield the body from oxidative stress. By narrowing blood vessels and slowing the flow of blood to the penis, oxidative stress can trigger ED. Reducing oxidative stress may make Korean Red Ginseng beneficial for improving erectile function.
What Is Korean Red Ginseng To Consume?
Korean Red Ginseng is available in capsule, powder, tea, and tincture forms. Dosages will, of course, vary based on the product and individual health factors. On average, 200–400 mg of the extract should be taken one to three times a day. It will always be advisable to check with one’s physician before using a new nutritional supplement, particularly if you have any prior medical condition or are on medications.
Scientific Evidence
Several studies have been conducted to study whether Korean Red Ginseng is effective in treating ED. A systematic review and meta-analysis, published in 2013 in the Journal of Urology, analysed the data from seven randomised controlled trials and concluded that Korean Red Ginseng was significantly better at increasing erectile function than a placebo.
A separate study, in the International Journal of Impotence Research in 2007, compared Korean Red Ginseng with the prescription drug sildenafil (Viagra) in ED men. They found that Korean Red Ginseng was no better than sildenafil in terms of erectile function and sexual satisfaction.
A more recent study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2018 similarly demonstrated that Korean Red Ginseng boosted erectile function and sexual desire in ED men.
These studies are encouraging, but it will still take more work to determine whether or not Korean Red Ginseng is a cure for ED. These studies, of course, were small and could not reflect the overall population.
Dosage and Side Effects
Korean Red Ginseng dosage for ED is 600-1000 mg a day. It is typically ingested as a capsule or tablet, but can also be taken as a tea or powder.
1. Headaches
Headache is one of the most commonly observed side effects of KRG. This itchiness is experienced more specifically among people who use the supplement at a higher dose or who are still adjusting to it. Many users manage the symptoms by diluting or stopping the medication for a short period of time. If your headaches persist, it may be a good idea to consult a professional to be sure that nothing else is causing them.
2. Insomnia
The other side effects of KRG include sleepiness, insomnia, or insomnia combined with vivid dreams, an effect enhanced when taken late at night or right before bed as the stimulation enables alertness and vitality. Sleep disturbances can thus be alleviated through the use of KRG earlier in the day, to minimise its effects on sleep quality.
3. Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea, or a general sense of unease, are common side effects of KRG. The precise mechanism is unclear, but active molecules, particularly ginsenosides, are believed to irrigate the gut. That could promote movement and exudation, and create such unpleasant symptoms. Keeping an eye on one’s gut response and controlling the dosage will alleviate these symptoms.
It is important to note that KRG-related digestive problems are usually mild and self-limiting, which means that they resolve themselves over a short period of time. But, if you’re dealing with severe or chronic digestive issues, you should speak to a doctor because these signs could be indicative of a deeper condition.
Conclusion:
Korean Red Ginseng is a popular Korean medicinal ingredient used for centuries to treat various illnesses, including (most recently) ED. Yes, the latter is science-based, though it needs to be fully explained to make sense of its efficacy. Korean Red Ginseng is a generally safe and well-tolerated supplement, but can cause side effects with certain medications and should not be taken by some individuals who have some medical problems. It can serve as a natural substitute for prescription ED medications, but key details about their use should be discussed with a doctor.
