Korean Red Ginseng for Erectile Dysfunction

Panax Ginseng is generally known to benefit the sexual functions of both males and females. Not only in sexual function, it also helps by providing additional health benefits. 

Many men with growing age can face mild to moderated symptoms of Erectile dysfunction(ED). This sexual dysfunction is more common in men after the age of 40. It is also known as impotence, in which a man feels difficulty getting or keeping an erection while having sex. When you frequently face such an issue with your erection, you might need treatment for an underlying cause causing Ed in you.

Sexual problems like Ed can destroy your sex life as it may also have other risk factors. In this way, addressing it in the initial stages becomes essential to manage its symptoms effectively. Lifestyle changes, oral medications, and natural or complementary treatments may help you restore your erection. 

This article will teach you about Korean red Ginseng and its benefits in Ed. Know about its use, the pros and cons of using it, and possible side effects that it may include. Read on to know more. 

Treating Erectile dsyfunction(ED)

Both psychological and physiological causes can lead to the problems of erectile dysfunction. Often, diabetes, nerve damage, or heart disease are among the physiological causes of Ed. While adopting some lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercising, and stopping smoking and alcohol may help with ED. 

But if lifestyle changes are not enough to treat its symptoms, a doctor may suggest treatments like Ed drugs. Certain herbal supplements like Ginseng may also help alleviate Ed's symptoms. Make sure to consult a doctor before taking any kind of supplement or starting treatment for ED.

What is Korean red Ginseng?

Korean red Ginseng, also known as Asian Ginseng, is a plant that grows in Asia. It also has other names, such as Chinese Ginseng or Panax Ginseng. Other ginseng plants, such as Siberian and American, serve different needs than Korean red Ginseng. So make sure to distinguish Korean red Ginseng from Siberian or American Ginseng. 

People use ginseng root as a natural remedy as a supplement. Before it gets ready for use, it may need growth of 5 years, which means that high-quality Ginseng commands a high price in the market. It is generally processed in two ways, White Ginseng- when its root is dry and unprocessed —and Red Ginseng when it is steamed and dried.

Traditional uses of Korean Red Ginseng

For centuries, Korean red Ginseng has been a popular wellness supplement. It is traditionally used in Chinese medicines that benefit by-

• Improve heart health
• Treat diabetes
• Boost the immune system
• Decrease stress
• Increase energy
• Treat impotence or Erectile dysfunction

According to the people, ginseng roots resemble the human body. If looking at its structure, it has shoots instead of arms and legs. Traditional herbalists believed that Ginseng was a holistic remedy because of its benefits as a full-body treatment. And today, the research conducted to find its benefits claims its theories. This research shows that effective Ginseng is a natural remedy.

Korean red ginseng and Erectile dysfunction(ED)

 A study in 2018 analyzed 28 studies on herbs and found that Panax Ginseng is especially good for treating erectile dysfunction(ED) 

Korean red Ginseng was first thought to influence hormones similar to testosterone. However, when researchers conducted it found that men taking red Ginseng did not have any increase in levels of testosterone. 

It might also work by raising nitric oxide levels in the body, as it may help relax the penis muscles and improve blood flow. However, researchers are still unsure about whether these effects or other effects are responsible for reducing the symptoms of ED with Ginseng. 

Benefits of Ginseng in Women

Women may also experience a decline in their sexual function, especially during menopause. But according to an older study, Korean red Ginseng extracts improved sexual arousal in menopausal women.

In the study, 32 women took three capsules daily of Korean red Ginseng or a placebo. The women who received the KRG supplement had improved sexual functioning and had no side effects. Thus, researchers concluded that red Ginseng may help improve sexual functions in women. 

However, A study in 2020 looked at menopausal women and found that Ginseng did not statistically help with menopause symptoms. It did improve the sexual functioning of these women. So it may need more research to prove the benefits of KRG in women.

 Other Benefits of Red Ginseng

The National Center for Complementary and integrative health(NCCIH) concluded additional benefits of using Korean red Ginseng as it includes-

• Boosting physical stamina
• Healing health disorders, especially respiratory and heart problems
• Improving concentration
• Slowing the aging process
• Improving overall well-being
• Reducing the incidence of menopausal hot flashes

However, the NCCIH also pointed out that no studies are currently available to claim red Ginseng as a treatment for any medical condition, including Ed. 

Forms of Ginseng

When you buy ginseng supplements, make sure about the type of Ginseng you need to use. It is available in both white and red Ginseng. However, most of the research is about red Ginseng. Please consult an expert to determine which would be the best for you. 

While buying red Ginseng, you may find it in different forms, such as liquid, powders, and capsules. Also, you can buy the dried root to boil in water for tea. Please talk with a doctor or an expert to know your proper dosage and how to use it. Take only the recommended amount of it, and use it sparingly.

Side Effects of Korean Red Ginseng

The short-term use of red Ginseng is usually safe for many people. But over time, this plant may start to affect your body. Side effects do not appear in everyone who takes Ginseng and is rarely seen in a few cases. The most common side effect reported when using red Ginseng is trouble sleeping. Some other less common side effects include-

• Elevated blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Menstrual issues
• Rash
• Menstrual problems
• Increased heart rate

Risks and Warnings Regarding Red Ginseng

The use of Red Ginseng can interfere with the working of certain medications. You must talk to a doctor before taking red Ginseng, especially if you are already taking drugs like-

• Blood thinner
• Blood pressure medications
• A stimulant
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor(MAOI)
• Insulin for diabetes
• Immune system suppressant

Also, make sure to avoid the interaction of red Ginseng and caffeine, as it may intensify the effects of caffeine. 

A study in 2020 found one of the more under-reported side effects of Ginseng, "excessive heat." This side effect may appear if you overuse Ginseng, which may induce redness, fever, and mouth and throat ulcers. 

Pros and cons of Red Ginseng

Ginseng is freely available and relatively affordable; you can buy it in different forms. You can take it as capsules, a powder, a tea, or drinks with Ginseng added to them. It is also used as an energy supplement. 

When it goes to treating ED, Ginseng may not treat it alone. According to the researchers, Ginseng may only help with ED when you adopt healthy eating habits and exercises. But you must also know that Ginseng isn't FDA approved for treating ED. 

Like most natural supplements, The medical effectiveness of Ginseng isn't completely understood. Still, it needs more research. While using it, be cautious if you are already taking any other medications, and talk to a doctor about its use before starting it. 

Final lines

Korean red Ginseng can help treat the symptoms of Ed. But do not use it as a substitute for medical treatments. Talk to a doctor before you start using red Ginseng for Ed. 

Although some research has shown that red Ginseng may work as an Ed treatment, If it does not work for your Ed, you may choose another treatment option available for Ed. Oral Ed medications like Viagra and Cialis, like prescription medicines, are highly effective in ED. 

Red Ginseng might be a helpful solution for Erectile Dysfunction in the future. However, it may need more research to claim the theories about the benefits of Korean red Ginseng.