Erectile Dysfunction

Ginger, Garlic, and Honey For Erectile Dysfunction: Do They Work?

July 26, 2021

Medically reviewed by

David Culpepper, MD

The most common treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) include prescription ED medication, vacuum pumps, and even prosthetic surgery, all demonstrated to work for a majority of men.

But some guys want alternatives, and a few natural remedies for ED may be at least somewhat effective.

Among these natural remedies are ginger, garlic, and honey. Do they work for ED?

Ginger, Garlic, and Honey Benefits

The mixture of ginger, garlic, and honey may be helpful in a variety of ailments, and supporters claim it can improve overall well-being.

Allicin, one of the active substances in freshly crushed garlic, has antimicrobial properties. An antimicrobial is an agent that works to kill microorganisms or to stop their growth. Antibiotics are used to fight bacteria; antifungals are used to fight fungi; and antimicrobials are used to fight microorganisms. Ginger, another antimicrobial, also contains several constituents that have antibacterial and antifungal effects. Alongside antibacterial activity, honey also exhibits strong antioxidant activity.

While each of these ingredients have their own properties and potential health benefits, a combination of these three ingredients gets credit in the natural health world as a compelling option for several issues when taken regularly.

Medical conditions or situations in which these ingredients are regularly implemented in alternative or integrative medicine include:

Chemotherapy

For some people, ginger may be helpful in managing the effects of cancer treatment. Patients have reported that it can help to reduce the nausea and vomiting that accompany chemotherapy treatments, and combined with honey it has been known anecdotally to reduce side effects more broadly. This effect is believed to be due to the action of antioxidant enzymes found in both ingredients.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

Ginger tea mixed with honey may be able to ease tension and improve cardiovascular function, which can lead to a reduction in blood pressure and lower the risk for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Taking garlic in excessive amounts may cause an increased heart rate and blood pressure, so it’s not typically used to treat these particular issues.

Stomach Ulcers And Indigestion

Stomach ulcers, indigestion, and various digestive problems may be ameliorated with a ginger and honey tonic or syrup. If the mixture doesn’t contain garlic, the effect will be more soothing than anti-inflammatory. This remedy is typically given to children to help soothe an irritated stomach but may be effective in adults as well.

Weight Loss

Ginger and garlic are believed to be helpful in weight loss. They are sometimes taken to support gut absorption or health, stimulate digestion, and boost metabolism. In addition, ginger contains a particular form of caffeine that may help with digestion and curb appetite, making someone feel more full and helping to reduce the urge to overeat. Ginger can also increase body temperature.

Recipe For A Ginger, Garlic, and Honey Mixture

This particular mixture is easy to prepare and can be tweaked to fit the desired results, as each ingredient is intended to provide a different health boost. Ingredients are available at most grocery stores, and include:

Water: 200 ml
Garlic: 20 cloves
Ginger: 2 medium-length roots
Honey: 4 tablespoons
Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar are optional

Peel and grate the ginger root
Crush the garlic gloves.
Mix warm water, honey, and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
Add the ginger and garlic.
Blend this mixture in a blender or food processor until thoroughly mixed and finely blended.
Pour the remedy into a glass jar and refrigerate.

This remedy can be taken daily by spoonful or can be held in the fridge

Can This Mixture Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

A mixture containing these ingredients may have a positive impact on erectile function symptoms.

Ginger appears to be effective at increasing the flow of blood; honey is a known aphrodisiac that may enhance the potency of ginger; and garlic may help dilate blood vessels along with increasing blood flow.

For these reasons, a combination of these natural ingredients may be able to improve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction; however, there has been no substantial scientific research to support this claim. Extensive research on this particular use for honey, ginger, and garlic has not been done, and we can't say conclusively that this mixture will help.

At best, a natural remedy such as this has the potential to aid with symptoms, but most healthcare professionals will likely recommend tried-and-true treatments like Viagra, Cialis and simple lifestyle changes first.

Other Natural Remedies for ED That May Help

Other natural ingredients may aid in alleviating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Some of these include:

DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a natural hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It can be converted into either estrogen or testosterone in the body. Scientists create the dietary supplement from wild yams and soy.

The Massachusetts male aging study found that men with erectile dysfunction were more likely to have low levels of DHEA. In 2009, another study of 40 men experiencing erectile dysfunction. Half of them received 50 mg of DHEA and the other half received a placebo daily over the course of six months. Those that received the DHEA were more likely to achieve and maintain an erection at the end of the study.

L-Arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that is naturally present in the body. It helps the body create nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels in order to facilitate a successful erection and is an essential part of healthy sexual function.

One study on the effects of L-arginine found that 31% of men experiencing erectile dysfunction that took 5 grams of L-arginine daily experienced a significant improvement in sexual function. Another study showed that when L-arginine was combined with Pycnogenol, a plant product made from pine bark, 80% of participants had restored sexual ability after two months. After three months the number rose to 92%.

Panax Ginseng

Sometimes referred to as the herbal Viagra, panax ginseng (red ginseng) has some pretty solid research behind it.

In 2008, a review of seven studies found that doses ranging from 600 to 1,000 milligrams taken three times daily could be effective at helping to improve erectile dysfunction. Panax ginseng seems to be the most effective for individuals with high lipids and metabolic syndrome.

The herb is well-known to have anti-inflammatory actions, supporting lung function and possibly blood flow. All of these characteristics can be helpful in reducing the effects of erectile dysfunction.

Rhodiola Rosea

A small study found that rhodiola rosea may be helpful for improving erectile dysfunction. 26 of the 35 participants were given between 150 and 200 mg of rhodiola rosea over the course of three months. They claimed to have experienced substantially improved sexual function. While the herb has been shown to improve energy and reduce fatigue, more studies are needed to understand its exact benefits in treating erectile dysfunction.

The Takeaway

Ginger, garlic, and honey get credit for several health benefits. These natural ingredients have the potential to help ease some symptoms and physiological pathways related to erectile dysfunction; however, the scientific research is not conclusive that this mixture helps ED.

There are plenty of natural remedies that have the potential to help with erectile dysfunction, but many aren't strong enough to make a meaningful difference. Importantly, erectile dysfunction can be caused by many underlying medical conditions that should be evaluated by a medical professional. With proper treatment of underlying conditions, the symptoms of ED can be reduced.

While using these natural remedies for ED may help, effective prescription ED medications are now easier to access than ever. With an online consultation and approval, a Rex MD clinician can prescribe the right med for you, all done from home and sent to your door, if prescribed.

Get started with a free consultation by clicking here.