Ginseng as an Aphrodisiac

Ginseng Benefits and Effects as Aphrodisiac

Ginseng is an herb in the genus Panax. It refers to eleven plant species and is a slow growing perennial plant and well known for its multiple benefits. It is also used as an aphrodisiac. Lack of sex drive is usually caused by fatigue and stress. This natural herb is an adaptogen that increases the body’s resistance to trauma, anxiety, fatigue and stress and greatly increase sex drive. The natural habitat of the herb is eastern Asia and found mostly in northern China, Korea and eastern Siberia. In ancient China it was priced even more than gold due to its all encompassing effect of the human body. The discovery of its aphrodisiacal properties is attributed to the resemblance of its natural state to an erect penis. The herb finds mentions in the ancient Indian scriptures dealing with treatment where its effect on sex drive is mentioned in detail. Despite that medical science still doubts whether they are effective or not. Medical science always wants to know the mechanism of action of herbs on the body. The fact is that our ancestors were not that advanced and relied basically on seeing results and were not bothered with how the panax roots worked. That is why most herbs have only anecdotal evidence, which is contested by medical science. Panax roots are however one of the most extensively researched herbs and is used by many pharmaceutical in energy and vitality supplements.

While other benefits ginseng extract are accepted, its efficacy as an aphrodisiac is still a matter of debate with scientists. However, it is interesting to note how this rhizome affects internal body systems. It does not affect secretion of hormones that are responsible for sex drive but has a direct affect on libido. In moderate doses it is a potent aphrodisiac.

A study on laboratory animals conducted by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine that American and Asian forms of the herb enhance libido and sexual performance. The effect is attributed to the direct effect of its components on gonads and central nervous system. Increase in sex drive, however, is one of the multiple ginseng benefits of ginsenosides, a class of compounds similar to steroids found exclusively in Panax roots.

All of the eleven species of the Panax genus are potent aphrodisiacs. Ginseng effects on the central nervous system eliminate stress and fatigue, which may be causing decrease in libido. Unlike synthetic drugs herbs have no side effects and are harmless. However, herbal medicine should be prepared according to the instructions contained in ancient texts. Herbal medicine is normally used as extracts, concoctions or in diluted forms.

The other likely effect is on HPTA, the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis, which plays a critical role in development of body systems including immune and reproductive systems. Panax roots are known to contain phytoestrogens, which are dietary estrogens. Dietary estrogens mildly imitate the action of natural estrogen and may also act as neutralize the effect of estrogens. Ginsenosides in ginseng can help in obtaining sustainable penile erection.