There's no shortage of herbal supplements purported to improve sexual health and treat erectile dysfunction. While these options likely aren't as effective or consistent as modern day medications like Viagra® and Cialis®, some guys may find them helpful.
One of the most popular herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction is Panax ginseng.
What is Panax Ginseng?
Panax ginseng is a plant that can be found throughout the Asian region, in Korea, northeastern China, and eastern Siberia. It's often confused with American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Siberian ginseng, though it works very differently from these two.
Normally, Panax ginseng is grown for about six years before it's harvested. It's pulled up and dirt is shaken off the roots before being washed and cleaned. Once cleaned, these roots are generally steamed for one to three hours before being set out to dry under the sun. The dried-out roots are then typically ground up and made into a powdered medicine. This organic tonic can be taken orally and has been used for centuries for a wide variety of health issues and conditions.
Panax ginseng contains ginsenosides (a group of bioactive compounds found naturally in the roots, stems, and leaves of the ginseng plant). Ginsenosides are high in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. As a result, Panax ginseng has been used to relieve symptoms caused by and including:
- Anemia
- Anxiety
- Bad breath
- Convulsion
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Dizziness
- Chronic fatigue
- Fever
- Fluid retention
- Hangovers
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Influenza
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Menopause
- Nerve pain
- Premature ejaculation
In addition to being used as a medication, Panax ginseng is also frequently used to make various cosmetic products like makeup and soaps. It's also used as a flavor enhancer for some beverages.
What are Some Other Names for Panax Ginseng?
Panax ginseng is known by several other names including:
- Korean Ginseng: This is one of the most common names for Panax ginseng, as it's mainly grown in Korea and is often associated with Korean traditional medicine.
- Asian Ginseng: This name refers to the broader geographic region where Panax ginseng is found, which includes not only Korea but also China and other parts of East Asia.
- Chinese Ginseng: Panax ginseng is sometimes called Chinese ginseng because it's also cultivated in China and has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Red Ginseng: This term is used to describe Panax ginseng that has been processed and dried using a specific method. It's called "red" because the ginseng root turns reddish-brown during this process. Red ginseng is considered more potent and is often used in traditional medicine.
Can Panax Ginseng Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
While likely not as effective as modern day medications, it’s possible that Panax ginseng could help to reduce some of the symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction.
It’s unclear exactly how much impact they have, but some ginsenosides may promote the release of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a chemical messenger typically released during male arousal and will dilate blood vessels and relax smooth muscles in the penis. This leads to an increase in blood flow into the penis and a decrease of blood flow out of the penis, resulting in an erection.
There have been plenty of studies into the potential relationship between Panax ginseng and erectile dysfunction. Some results support the theory that Panax ginseng could be a useful treatment for erectile dysfunction.
- One study, performed over the course of four months, involved 45 men experiencing erectile dysfunction. They were given either 900 milligrams of Panax ginseng three times daily or a placebo. The erectile function scores of the men taking the Panax ginseng were significantly higher than those taking the placebo, especially in regards to penetration and erection maintenance. At the end of the experiment, nearly 60 percent of the men said that they had improved erections compared to just 20 percent of the men receiving the placebo.
- A 2018 meta review looked at 24 different trials involving herbal treatments for erectile dysfunction. Of the 2,080 patients involved, 399 had taken Panax ginseng while the others received another herbal supplement or a placebo. When compared to the men receiving a placebo, Panax ginseng had as much as a 43 percent improvement on erectile function scores, the highest of all the herbal treatments reviewed in this analysis.
- Another study involved 119 men experiencing mild or moderate erectile dysfunction. The men were either given 350 milligrams of Panax ginseng four times a day or a placebo. According to their erectile function score, erections were significantly improved, overall sexual performance increased, and rates of premature ejaculation decreased.
While these results suggest that Panax ginseng can be helpful in treating some of the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, there is still a lot of information required before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would approve its use as a prescription medication.
What is the Right Panax Ginseng Dosage for ED?
The appropriate dosage for Panax ginseng for ED is not firmly established, as it may depend on factors such as age, overall health, and the severity of the ED. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using ginseng or any other herbal remedy for ED, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.
That being said, some studies have suggested the following dosage guidelines for Panax ginseng when used to potentially improve erectile function:
- Standardized extract: If you are using a standardized Panax ginseng extract (containing around 4-7% ginsenosides), a common dosage range is 600 to 1,000 milligrams per day. This can be divided into two doses, taken in the morning and evening.
- Cycle use: It's often recommended to cycle the use of Panax ginseng, which means using it for several weeks (e.g., 8-12 weeks) and then taking a break for a similar duration. This approach may help prevent your body from getting too used to the dosage (and as a result, the Panax ginseng not being as effective).
And again, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you are taking medications or have underlying medical conditions. They can help determine whether Panax ginseng is appropriate for you and provide guidance on the dosage and how long you should take it.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Panax Ginseng?
Panax ginseng has been regarded as safe for most people, though it’s possible that some individuals may experience an allergic reaction. Overall, the side effects of ginseng are generally uncommon, and are mild if they do occur. Interestingly, some of the potential side effects include issues that Panax ginseng is intended to treat.
Possible side effects of taking Panax ginseng include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Elevated heart rate
- Higher or lower blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Migraines or very painful headaches
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Rash
Panax ginseng can have potentially serious drug interactions with other medications. It should not be taken by those using stimulants as they both have the ability to accelerate the nervous system. This could lead to a dangerous increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
It should also be avoided by those taking insulin. Panax and insulin can both decrease blood sugar, and mixed together it could reach dangerously low levels. The mixture of panax ginseng and alcohol isn’t particularly dangerous but may result in alcohol being broken down faster and increase how quickly the body rids itself of the alcohol.
Other Options for Improving Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
There are plenty of herbal supplements that claim to help with erectile dysfunction, and Panax ginseng appears to be one of the most effective based on research thus far.
If you intend to treat your erectile dysfunction with natural options, herbal remedies may be a compelling place to start, but most physicians agree that the data is inconsistent at best. Making some of the following lifestyle changes is another great place to start for improving ED – and your overall health in general.
- Exercise more. By strengthening the muscles associated with your cardiovascular system, you can increase the strength of your blood flow while reducing strain on the heart. This can lead to more efficient and consistent blood flow throughout the body, which can help to increase the strength of your erections. For best results, try to get between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
- Eat a healthier diet. Avoid salty, fatty, sugary, or processed foods as they can lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increased risk for diabetes, and a bigger potential for heart problems. By replacing these foods with more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, you may be able to strengthen and improve circulation, leading to better and firmer erections.
- Reduce stress. It will come as no surprise, but having high stress isn’t healthy for your body or your mind. When you experience stress, your body releases several neurotransmitters, chemicals, and hormones that can negatively impact other systems. One of the hormones released is cortisol, which acts as a sort of alarm system for the body. Cortisol can lead to inflammation and activates the “fight or flight” response. When your body is in survival mode, it reduces energy spent on non-essential functions, like testosterone production and even libido. Decreased levels of testosterone may play a role in erectile dysfunction.
- Quit smoking. There are virtually zero benefits associated with smoking, but there are hundreds of drawbacks. Smoking not only damages your lungs and heart but also constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure. When combined, these factors can result in a much more difficult time with erections. In fact, smoking is the leading cause of erectile dysfunction in men under the age of 40.
How Rex MD Can Help
Research — although somewhat limited — supports the theory that Panax ginseng can be effective with improving sexual function, including related to erections. While it's yet to be approved by the FDA for erectile dysfunction, Panax ginseng is probably one of the better "natural" or "herbal" options.
Panax ginseng has been used as a treatment for tons of medical conditions over the centuries, including erectile dysfunction. Still, Panax ginseng isn't likely as effective as FDA-approved ED medications like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), both used by millions of men for decades to effectively treat the symptoms of ED. Curious if these meds are right for you? Rex MD can help with an online consultation and discreet shipping right to your door. You can even do it on your phone. Click here to get started.
