Korean Red Ginseng for Erectile Dysfunction

From http://www.healthline.com

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Mary Ellen Ellis and Tim Jewell — Updated on December 23, 2020

Many men experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) as they age. Also known as impotence, ED is an occasional (or prolonged) inability to get or maintain an erection. When ED occurs frequently, you might need treatment for an underlying health issue.

In this way, ED is important to address. Lifestyle changes, medications, and natural or complementary treatments can all help restore your desired level of sexual function.

Treating ED

Erectile dysfunction can have psychological causes. In many cases, there’s a physiological cause like diabetes, nerve damage, or heart disease. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, exercising, and giving up smoking and alcohol, can often help with ED.

But lifestyle changes may not be enough to alleviate symptoms, so medications can be another good option. Certain herbal supplements, like ginseng, may also help. Make sure to talk with your doctor before taking any kind of supplement.

What is Korean red ginseng?
Korean red ginseng is a plant that grows in Asia. It’s sometimes known as Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, or panax ginseng.

Korean red ginseng shouldn’t be confused with Siberian ginseng or American ginseng. Siberian and American ginseng are different plants that serve different needs.

Pros
Korean red ginseng is linked to increased alertness and can potentially improve erectile dysfunction.
Ginseng can help prevent colds and lessen the severity of heart disease symptoms.
Cons
Korean red ginseng isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating erectile dysfunction.
Ginseng can interfere with some medications and increase the effects of caffeine.
Herbs don’t have the same regulation as food and drugs. There can be contaminants or even the wrong ingredients.
Healthline
The ginseng root is used as a natural remedy in supplement form. The plant must grow for 5 years before it’s used. This usually means that high-quality ginseng commands a high price.

The dried but unprocessed root is called white ginseng. The root that’s been steamed and dried is called red ginseng.

Traditional uses of red ginseng
Korean red ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an overall wellness supplement for centuries. It’s been used to:

boost the immune system
improve heart health
treat diabetes
increase energy
decrease stress
treat impotence
The root is said to resemble the human body. Instead of arms and legs, it has shoots. This resemblance is thought to be the reason that traditional herbalists considered ginseng a full-body treatment. Today, research is showing just how effective ginseng is as a natural remedy.

Korean red ginseng and ED
A 2018 meta-analysis that looked at 28 studies on herbs found panax ginseng to be particularly effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Ginseng in women
Many women also experience a decline in sexual function during menopause. An older studyTrusted Source explored Korean red ginseng’s effects on menopausal women.

In the study, 32 women were given either three capsules a day of ginseng or a placebo. Those who received the supplement had improved sexual functioning with no side effects. Researchers concluded that red ginseng may improve sexual function in women.

A 2020 study on menopausal women found that the ginseng didn’t statistically relieve the symptoms of menopause, but it did improve sexual functioning for these women.

Other benefits of ginseng
Some research suggests that ginseng may help people who have cancer. Ginseng may help preventTrusted Source colorectal (or colon) cancer. Ginseng may also help people with cancer feel better when combined with chemotherapy.

In addition, some researchTrusted Source shows that ginseng can prevent the growth of tumors and even stop the spread of cancer cells. Ginseng’s component saponin has been shownTrusted Source to inhibit cancer tumor growth, and it may improve memory issues in dementia and improve heart health.

More studies are needed, but current evidence is showing hope for its use in other areas of health, too.

Ginseng can help prevent colds and lessen the severity of heart disease symptoms. Ginseng may also be effective in increasing alertness, decreasing stress, and improving endurance.

Forms of ginseng
When purchasing ginseng supplements, be sure that the type of ginseng is clearly marked. Both white and red ginseng are available. However, research has mostly been done on red ginseng.

You can take red ginseng as liquid, powders, or capsules. You can also buy the dried root to boil in water for tea.

Talk with your doctor about the right dosage for you. Never take more than recommended.

Side effects
Short-term red ginseng use is considered safe for most people. Over time, the plant may affect your body.

Side effects don’t occur in everyone who takes ginseng. The most common side effect is trouble sleeping. Less common side effects include:

menstrual issues
increased heart rate
elevated blood pressure
headache
diarrhea
dizziness
rash

Risks and warnings
It’s a moderate risk that red ginseng could interfere with some medications. Talk to your doctor before taking red ginseng if you take:

blood pressure medicine
blood thinner
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
a stimulant
immune system suppressant
insulin for diabetes
Avoid combining ginseng and caffeine. Ginseng can intensify the effects of caffeine.

A 2020 study examined one of the more under-reported side effects of ginseng, called “excessive heat.” This includes redness, fever, and ulcers of the mouth and throat. This side effect can happen you overuse ginseng.

Pros and cons of ginseng
Ginseng is relatively affordable and freely available for purchase. You can take it as a capsule, a powder, a tea, or in drinks infused with ginseng. Ginseng is also used as an energy supplement.

Ginseng may not treat ED on its own. Some research suggests that ginseng only helps ED alongside healthy eating habits and exercise. Also, ginseng isn’t FDA-approved.

Like most natural supplements, ginseng’s medical effectiveness isn’t completely understood. Use caution when using ginseng, especially if you are on any other medications, and always talk with your doctor.

Outlook
Korean red ginseng can help you treat your ED. But like other supplements, ginseng should not substitute for medical treatment. Talk with your doctor before trying red ginseng for ED.

Although research has shown that red ginseng can work as an ED treatment, your ED may not respond to it. With more research, red ginseng may become an effective and trusted resolution for ED.

Link to original article below.

https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/korean-red-ginseng