Can You Use Panax Ginseng for ED?

Erectile dysfunction may be more common once you hit your 30s but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. In truth, the last thing you want is to suffer from impotence in the sack.

What Will I Learn?

• What is a Panax Ginseng?
• Different Forms of Ginseng
• What Are Ginseng Benefits?
• Panax Ginseng for ED
• Are there any Risks or Side Effects?
• Available Alternatives

So, what can you do? Well, one common answer is using Panax Ginseng for ED. Simply, add this herb to your diet and – according to scientific studies – you’ll quickly begin seeing ginseng benefits, including reductions in impotence, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Yet, we don’t just expect you to take our word for it, which is why we’ll now explore this popular Chinese medicine and see what all the fuss is about.

What is a Panax Ginseng?

Also known as red Korean ginseng, Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng and Panax ginseng, this herb has been used for centuries within traditional Chinese medicine to treat erectile dysfunction and impotence, as well as improve your overall well-being.

The facts:

1. 1. Native to Asia, it is one of two main types of ginseng, including American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).
   2. There are 12 species of ginseng in total. While Siberian and American ginseng both belong to this group, they are different plants that don’t contain the same chemicals as the others, nor do they have the same effect on your body.
   3. Fresh ginseng is taken from plants that are less than 4 years old, while Panax ginseng for ED comes from plants that are at least 6 years old i.e. red Korean ginseng is not harvested until the plant reaches 6.

1. Both American and Asian ginseng is rich in ginsenosides, a natural chemical that makes it a great antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer.
2. Among ginseng’s many complex benefits is increased alertness; reductions in heart disease symptoms (thanks to relaxing blood vessels), weakness and fatigue, and protection from colds.
3. Ginseng is an adaptogen meaning it can help your body to deal with stress.
4. Despite having a number of scientific studies to its name, red Korean ginseng is not FDA-approved (when it comes to treating ED).

Different Forms of Ginseng

Aside from there being 12 different types of ginseng to contend with; it is important to know that the way it is prepared can also affect its name. For instance, all dried but unprocessed ginseng is known as white ginseng, while steamed or dried ginseng root is called red ginseng.

Likewise, for optimal results, ginseng should not be harvested/used as a natural supplement remedy until the plant is 6 years old.

Yet, once it is all nicely grown – what different forms of ginseng complex can you expect?

Ginseng supplements

You can get both red and white ginseng in supplement form, so make sure to read the label before you buy, because out of the two red ginseng has got the most research to support it.

Ginseng liquid

Available as a tincture, ginseng liquid is often used to boost athletic ability, alleviate stress, increase physical strength and endurance, and give you renewed vitality. Simply add a drop to a 1/3 cup of warm water and drink it 2-3 times a day.

Ginseng powder

Like the others, ginseng powder is made from red ginseng. In this form, it is used to create male enhancement formulations.

Ginseng capsules

Typically promoted as an energy supplement, these capsules use red ginseng to complete their formulation.

Dried root

When dried, this root can be boiled to create teas or can be infused into drinks. As a tea, ginseng has earned a strong rep for boosting concentration.

What Are Ginseng Benefits?

Ginseng may be better known for its libido and sex benefits; however, its high ginsenoside content means that it can offer you numerous other health benefits. In fact, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, it can:

Fight cancer

During a study of more than 4,000 people (over 40 years old), they found that ginseng helped to lower the risk of cancer. In fact, some studies revealed that ginseng can protect against colon cancer, while others noted its ability to prevent tumor growth; the spread of cancer cells and inflammation, as well as inhibit angiogenesis (which can lead to the formation/progression of cancer).

Increase concentration

Alongside being known to support brain health, research indicates that ginseng may be able to improve your concentration, mental performance, ability to learn and your memory. It achieves this by increasing the amount of adrenocorticotropic hormone in your brain.

Treat health disorders

A 2012 review of numerous human and animal ginseng studies, revealed that ginseng may be able to alleviate heart disease and cardiovascular problems by boosting circulation, reducing blood lipids and increasing blood vessel dilation.

Ginseng may also be able to help lower your blood sugar levels, helping to treat diabetes. In a 2016 meta-analysis of studies, participants with Type 2 Diabetes saw corrections in fasting glucose and post-meal insulin levels when they took ginseng. They also noted improvements in blood triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

Decrease stress

Research suggests Panax ginseng may be able to lower stress levels and feelings of depression by influencing cortisol.

Increase your immune system

During one study, when participants took 100mg of ginseng a day for 12 weeks, it helped to improve the efficiency of flu vaccines. In fact, they reported fewer cases of flu and colds, as they witnessed increases in antibodies.

Likewise, a separate study found taking 100mg of ginseng twice a day – for 8 weeks – helped users to achieve higher levels of lymphocytes and T-helpers, both of which can help you to fight infections.

Other ginseng benefits include:

•         Bolstered energy and physical stamina/endurance
•         Decreased respiratory problems
•         Reduced menopausal symptoms – in particular hot flashes
•         Reductions in aging

NOTE: while the NCCIH has suggested that all of the above ginseng benefits are possible, NO studies exist which conclusively support the idea that red ginseng can treat medical conditions, including ED.  

Panax Ginseng for ED

We’ve touched a little on ginseng sex benefits – i.e. stamina, physical endurance and blood flows – but can Panax ginseng really help to treat erectile dysfunction?

Let’s take a look at the science…

What is ED?

The thing to remember about erectile dysfunction is that at the center of the problem is an inability to achieve and maintain an erection (due to lacking blood flows). Triggered by age, stress, anxiety, weight gain, diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol and heart disease; all of these can hinder your body’s ability to respond to arousal, preventing blood from getting to/and staying where it needs to be. As a result, your dick either stays limp or struggles to remain hard.

Fortunately, it is possible to use ginseng for sex benefits and benefit from increased longevity, blood flows and stamina in the sack.

For instance, in a 2018 meta-analysis reviewing 24 studies completed on 2,080 men – suffering from ED – ginseng was found to improve erectile function. While 7 earlier studies revealed that when participants took 600mg-1000mg of ginseng, 3 times a day, they saw significant improvements to erection quality (in comparison to those who only had a placebo).

But how does it help?

At the core of these discoveries is Ginseng’s ability to encourage vasodilation and increased blood flows. By helping blood vessels to dilate, participants were able to achieve and maintain erections easier.

This point is further proven by a 2007 Japanese study. Here, researchers noted how ginseng helped to boost nitric oxide release – via membrane sex steroid receptors – by supplying participants’ bodies with ginsenosides. These helped to relax vascular smooth muscle cells, stopping arteries from contracting, while stimulating blood vessel dilation.

The Science:

Similar to Viagra and Cialis, ginseng helps to block PDE5, an enzyme that is responsible for making smooth muscle cells contract. Instead, by elevating NO release, your arteries are allowed to widen, enabling your body to respond to sexual stimuli and get blood to where it is needed i.e. your dick.

Now, it is important to note here that research is still lacking in this field. While researchers have speculated – as seen above – that ginseng can increase blood floods and NO release; there are others who feel that it can help improve your natural testosterone level; boost blood vessel dilation and relax penis muscle cells.

Likewise, all studies suggest that it can help:

•   During one study on 45 men with ED, when they were given 900mg of red Korean ginseng, 3 times a day (for 8 weeks), they saw reductions in ED symptoms.
•   A study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research (on 119 men with mild to moderate ED), found that when they were given 350mg of red ginseng 4 times a day, for 8 weeks, they saw reductions in premature ejaculation and boosts in sexual performance.

Are there any Risks or Side Effects?

We’d love to say that ginseng is 100% perfect and free of side effects – and in most cases, it is safe for most people – however, sadly excessive use can trigger some annoying side effects, such as the following:

•         Insomnia
•         Headaches
•         Stomach upset
•         Constipation/diarrhoea
•         Dizziness
•         Rashes
•         Menstrual issues (vaginal bleeding)
•         Elevated heart rate
•         High blood pressure
•         Nosebleeds

Panax ginseng can also interfere with the following medications: blood pressure, blood thinners, MAOI, stimulants, immune system suppressants and insulin for diabetics. Likewise, it can intensify the effects of caffeine.

Available Alternatives

The reason why ginseng is so complex is the lack of studies surrounding its long term effects. Sure, what exists so far does suggest that ginseng libido benefits are possible. However, until further research is done into its dosages and side effects; you may want to steer clear – especially as it is not FDA approved.

Fortunately, there are tonnes of natural alternatives available such as Male Extra.

This supplement contains a unique herbal formulation that can help you to safely strengthen your erections, with none of the negative side effects that come from using Panax ginseng for ED on its own.

In fact, every one of Male Extra’s ingredients has been clinically studied and chosen for their ability to help you achieve bigger, harder erections while ensuring you’ve got the stamina, the blood flows and the energy to last long into the night.

From L-arginine which can help to increase the size, hardness and longevity of your erections (halting ED), to MSM and pomegranate 40% ellagic acid which can boost blood flows (by increasing NO release) by 17% in 90 days, to zinc which can boost testosterone production, to L-methionine which can heighten your climax; together these ingredients can fill your penile tissues with blood, so you can easily maintain an erection and experience intensely powerful orgasms.

For more information on Male Extra and its ingredients, click here.

Conclusion

No matter your reasons for dealing with ED, it is only natural that you want to find a solution. Yet, while there is no denying that Panax ginseng for ED is one way to tackle it, there is still a lot of uncertainty about its long term ginseng benefits.

For instance, until the FDA gives it the thumbs up or they find a solution to minimize its side effects; there is no guarantee that it will give you the results you want for good. For this reason, we recommend that you stick to proven herbal formulations such as Male Extra. Through the combination of multiple ingredients, it can safely help you to overcome ED and make it an issue of the past.