It is believed that Emperor Shen-Nung (3500-2600 BCE), widely considered the father of Chinese medicine, discovered the powers of Ginseng. He experienced a warm and sexually pleasurable feeling after chewing the root.[1] This is considered one of his most important contributions to Asian medicine.
Since then, Ginseng has been considered as one of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine. It is renowned for its energizing, healing, nourishing and anti aging properties.
Today, there have been multiple studies and researches on the benefits of Ginseng for the human body. Let’s take a look.
Asian Ginseng is known by many names including, Panax Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, or Korean Ginseng. It is derived from the roots of the perennial plant that grows in the mountains of East Asia. The word Panax means “all-healing” in Greek. Thus making it an apt reference to the roots supposed revitalizing properties for the whole human-body.[3]
Originally, Ginseng has three different varieties: Asian Ginseng, the American Ginseng, and the Siberian Ginseng. Asian Ginseng is different from American Ginseng, which is cooler in nature and less stimulating.
Ginseng was traditionally used in Chinese medicines for thousands of years. Its proven medicinal properties have made this a widely sought after herbal remedy in the modern world. Today, experts believe Panax Ginseng offers numerous benefits and supports one’s overall health in many ways.
Panax Ginseng works in many ways:-
Studies have shown that Ginseng enhances the release of nitric oxide (NO), a compound that causes blood vessels to widen, relax and improves circulation[2].
Modern-day studies have also shown that the two popular Panax Ginseng species contain more than 30 ginsenosides or panaxosides or active compounds. Ginsenosides are antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative. It is these compounds which are thought to contribute to Ginseng’s pharmacological activity. [1]
Ginseng has been found to contain significant levels of phytoestrogens, which are known to have a role in promoting sexual desire. [1]
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Ginseng is an ‘adaptogen’. This word is used by medical experts to describe herbs which increase the body’s resistance to stress. Ginseng enhances one’s overall health and boosts the immune system by channeling the body’s energy to areas that require it for healing.
Ginseng is a reputed aphrodisiac and is used to treat sexual dysfunction in both men as well as women. Animal studies have shown a positive correlation between sex drive and Ginseng intake [4]. Similarly, numerous controlled clinical studies have suggested that Asian Ginseng may help treat male erectile dysfunction (ED
For women studies have shown that Ginseng improves the nitric oxide (NO) in the blood. This amplified blood flow to the vaginal and clitoral region boosts sexual responsiveness. It also helps with vaginal dryness and improves the quality and quantity of orgasms.
Many women experience a decline in sexual drive and function during menopause. Studies have also proven that it improves sexual function in premenopausal women. [2]
Ginseng also contains Phytoestrogens. When Phytoestrogens enter the body, the body’s Estrogen receptors treat them as if they were Estrogen. This has profound benefits to the sexual function of both men and women. [10]
Asian Ginseng supplements can be taken orally or as a multi-ingredient topical skin application for only short-term use of up to 6 months).
Word of Caution: Long term safety of taking the Ginseng supplements has not been researched adequately..- HERA
Even though Ginseng has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, modern research is not conclusive about the biological effects of this herb. It is traditionally used to treat [6] –
Word of caution: One must ALWAYS speak to a doctor before starting any supplements.- HERA
There is no standard Panax Ginseng dosage. Studies have used different dosages for treating various conditions.
Three times daily Panax Ginseng dosage of 900 mg for 12 weeks has shown improvement in erectile function including rigidity, penetration, and maintenance of an erection. [7]
Panax Ginseng extract can be used as an oral supplement or topical applications. It can also be eaten raw, or you can lightly steam it. It is also used in brewed teas and various recipes like soups and stir-frys.
There are a variety of potential Panax Ginseng benefits.
Ginseng has been shown to improve sexual health in men and women.
Some studies have shown that Ginseng extracts and ginsenoside compounds could help with inflammation and increase antioxidant capacity in cells.
Ginseng supplements are shown to aid concentration and memory.
Ginseng may strengthen the immune system, especially with cancer patients undergoing surgery or chemotherapy treatment. It can also shorten the duration and severity of colds and upper respiratory infections.
Research shows that taking Ginseng supplements can help fight fatigue and enhance energy production in cells.
Ginseng seems to be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes by controlling blood glucose.
Panax Ginseng side effects include insomnia. This is the most common side effect of the herb.
Other side effects include menstrual problems, breast pain, increased heart rate, high or low blood pressure, headache, loss of appetite, and digestive problems.
Due to the lack of safety studies, Ginseng is not recommended for children or pregnant or lactating women.
Ginseng might interact with certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers, high blood pressure medications, as well as statin medications and some antidepressants.
Word of caution: Always check with your doctor for reactions with previous medications before starting Ginseng..- HERA
Panax Ginseng is one considered as one of the most potent herbal supplements in the world. In India, Hera offers a range of products for women’s sexual health using ingredients that are medically proven, sage and clean.
Hera’s pleasure essentials with Panax Ginseng extracts are formulated to improve your orgasm and increase your sex drive.
Women’s sexual health is a topic shrouded in mystery. At Hera we aim to educate and empower women, by making women’s health and wellness more accessible.
If you would like to include Ginseng in your daily life and give your sexual health a boost, try Hera’s pleasure essentials, especially formulated with Ginseng extracts.