Ginseng for Females: Does It Increase Fertility and Libido?

15 Oct Ginseng for Females: Does It Increase Fertility and Libido?

Experimental studies conducted in-vitro examine the female-fertility enhancing properties of Ginseng. Can there really be any significant ginseng benefits for female fertility and libido?

Well, ginseng contains the active compound, ginseng saponin, which comprises many ginsenosides. Till now, there is an identification of 30 such ginsenosides.

This has led to the discovery of 9 various species of ginseng that store different benefits for our bodies.

Some of the common benefits of ginseng include the antioxidants effect, enhanced physiologic functions, and positive effects on the neuronal system and fertility.

Though there are relatively fewer studies about ginseng and female fertility as compared to men, all the studies exhibit a good response from the use of ginseng.

Does Ginseng Affect Female Fertility and Libido? 

There are certain clinical trials conducted – vitro on rats and even humans to assess if there are any benefits of ginseng for female fertility and does ginseng increase libido and fertility in women.

Study I – Ginseng Improves Sexual Function in Pre-Menopausal Women

A prominent study about ginseng’s effects on menopausal women showed results like:

• Improvement in sexual function among human studies
• Relaxing effect on clitoral cavernosal smooth muscles and vaginal walls among rabbits
• Better estrogenic effects in rats

Such results led to the hypothesis of Korean red ginseng being effective in improving sexual functions among premenopausal women too.

Hence, the study evaluated if the hypothesis was true.

Participants:

The participants were premenopausal women suffering from sexual dysfunction from September 2011 to May 2012.

They were selected based on the following criteria:

• Female sexual function index questionnaire score <26.5
• Participants must have had intercourse 4 times a month with a steady partner.
• Women should be aged between 31 and 51 years with healthy menstruation for at least one year.

Methods:

It was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted for over 20 weeks.

The first two weeks were used to collect data, and the following 8 weeks were used for conducting the study.

In between these two periods, a washout period of 2 weeks was scheduled.

The participants were divided into two groups; one group took 6 capsules of Korean red ginseng daily while the other group took a placebo for 8 weeks.

After 8 weeks, a washout period was observed for two weeks and then the medications were interchanged for the groups.

For evaluation, the FSFI method checked for the following parameters:

• Sexual desire
• Arousal
• Vaginal lubrication
• Orgasm
• Global satisfaction

The participants were measured at the beginning and at the end of the medications.

At the end of 8 weeks, results were compared for both groups.

Results:

A total of 23 subjects had completed the study out of which twelve individuals had started with Korean red ginseng treatment and then switched to placebo.

Eleven had started with a placebo and then switched to ginseng.

The following outcomes were noted:

• Sexual desire had significantly increased among the Korean red ginseng group.
• Overall, all the factors that were measured showed improvements in the ginseng group.

However, there was not much statistical difference in the observations compared to placebo. As a result, it’s concluded that more research is required in regards to ginseng effects.

But that said, ginseng did show some significant improvements for all the measured parameters.

Study II – Oral Administration of Ginseng Protects Ovaries from Damage (Animal Study)

A study conducted by Zhu et. Al. showed that ginseng has a protective role in premature ovarian follicles in rats.

For the study, molecular markers were selected and measured pre and post the treatment:

• mRNA
• Protein expression
• Prostaglandin E2 levels
• LH and FSH
• Estradiol

The analysis indicated that American ginseng might have protected the ovaries from failing by preventing ovarian aging and regulating hormonal balance.

However, we don’t have many human studies for the same.

Still, one thing’s for sure, there does exist some speculative links between ginseng, libido, and fertility.

The Link between Ginseng and Female Fertility

Although studies involving the effects of ginseng on women are less, some prominent pieces of evidence do show improvements in libido among women who take Ginseng.

These proven ginseng benefits for females are discussed in the following sections.

Ginseng Benefits for Female Fertility

Hormonal dysfunction is one of the most common causes of women’s infertility and ginseng proves to be helpful with that!

Ginseng is usually an effective natural remedy for preventing such hormonal dysfunctions. For example, it helps prevent PCOS.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a common hormonal dysfunction condition in women, is usually due to a hormonal imbalance that could lead to:

• Irregular, missed, or late periods
• Painful menstruation
• Excess male hormones
• Infertility
• Ovarian cysts

While there isn’t much research on the effects of ginseng on PCOS, there is an animal study showing ginseng’s efficiency in:

• Inhibiting cyst growth
• Regulating nerve growth factors

Ginseng is also helpful for women facing weak or cool sexual organs induced infertility.

It can increase the heat around the pelvic area removing the blockages.

Apart from that, the following benefits of ginseng help enhance the sexual cycle of women:

• Stress release
• Balance in hormonal levels
• Relief from hot flashes
• Boost in energy levels
• Reduced mood swings
• Low risk of depression

Ginseng, other than having benefits for pre-menopausal women, also has some benefits for women in their postmenopausal phase.

According to studies, ginseng can improve libido in post-menopausal women.

However, not all types of ginseng benefit females sexually. Thus, it is very important to choose your ginseng wisely.

Which Ginseng is Best for Fertility?

There are various types of ginseng based on their origin, drying method, and available forms.

But the most beneficial form of ginseng for women is the Korean Red Ginseng prepared after being steamed and dried at 194⁰F – 212⁰F for two to three hours.

The whole process of drying and steaming gives it the perfect texture and color.

Moreover, there are many Korean ginseng benefits for females both in premenopausal and menopausal days because of its rich content of ginsenosides.

Ginsenosides are the regulatory active compounds of ginseng that give it medicinal properties.

However, there’s also a specific amount and way of using ginseng for females.

How Much Ginseng Should a Woman Take?

Just one to two grams of Korean Red Ginseng three to four times a day is enough to channelize the Korean red ginseng benefits.

Since raw red ginseng is not easily available, you can choose from other great options available for the same like:

• Ginseng tea
• Powder
• Capsules
• Extract

Out of all these, the best form is ginseng tea which is also quite easy to make.

Ginseng Tea – Preparation

Ginseng Tea is very easy to make and helps with controlled and safe dosage.

Though ginseng powder is easy to take, tea helps women enjoy a soothing effect, and you can also infuse it with other fertility-boosting herbs.

Recipe for the tea:

• Use a sharp knife or potato peeler to cut a dried ginseng root.
•  Add water to a pot and let it boil.
• Take one teaspoon of ginseng per cup of water, you can adjust it to suit your taste.
• Let the mixture steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Strain the tea and pour it into the cups.

However, in spite of having many therapeutic and soothing effects, don’t overdose with the tea or even the powder.

It’s mainly because of the many potential side effects that overdosing can lead to.

Along with adding ginseng to your daily diet, there are some other fertility-boosting tips to have on your list.

How to Boost Female Fertility Naturally?

Here’s how you can boost fertility each day naturally:

1. Eat diets rich in antioxidants – Antioxidants fight free radicals that can damage eggs and affect fertility.
2. Take a heavy breakfast – Eating a larger breakfast can help prevent hormonal dysfunction like PCOS and prevent infertility.
3. Avoid eating trans fat – Healthy fats boost fertility while trans fat can cause an increase in the risk of ovarian infertility.
4. Cut down on carbs if suffering from PCOS – Studies show that eating fewer carbs can have beneficial effects for people suffering from PCOS.
5. Add multivitamins – Adding three or more multivitamins per week to your diet can help prevent ovulatory infertility.
6. Have an active lifestyle – Moderate exercises can help prevent infertility among obese women. 
7. Cut out caffeine – According to studies, women who consume more than 500 mg of caffeine can take 9 to 12 months longer for conceiving.
8. Avoid alcoholism – Alcohol hurts fertility when taken in excess as it can cause hormonal imbalance.

With all this said, I think it’s time for a sum-up.

The Outlook

Studies prove ginseng contains active compounds that help prevent hormonal imbalance in your body.

This can also help curb hormonal dysfunction like polycystic ovary syndrome.

Having said that, ginseng does have some libido-enhancing powers along with other health benefits.

You can add ginseng to your daily routine in the form of tea or capsules. 

However, avoid overdosing with the tea as that can lead to some side effects.

Notably, several studies also mark the efficiency of ginseng in boosting sex drive and satisfaction among menopausal women.

There are many more animal studies that claim different benefits of ginseng on females; yet, we need more human research to confirm any of it.

FAQs

Following are some of the selected most-asked questions by our readers.

#1. What herbs are good for female fertility?

These herbs can boost female fertility:

• Vitex – It balances menstrual cycle and PMS
• Maca – Maca boosts libido
• Cinnamon – It enhances energy
• Tribulus Terrestris – It helps with irregular ovulation
• Chinese herbs – The herb supposedly boosts fertility within two to four months

#2. How fast does ginseng work?

According to studies, ginseng can take around 4 weeks to work but the results are short-lived and may fade away for men within 8 weeks.

There hasn’t been much study about how long does it take to feel the effects of ginseng in females.

#3. Does ginseng work like Viagra?

Ginseng has some similar benefits and working effects like Viagra. For example, it relaxes muscles and improves blood flow to your genitals.

#4. Is it OK to drink ginseng tea everyday?

Ginseng tea has many benefits and has a calming effect on your body as it helps in nerve relaxation.

Daily consumption of this tea can boost your cognitive abilities and is generally safe. But don’t overdose as that can cause mild side effects.

Hopefully, this blog offered you some insight into the functions and the documented benefits of ginseng for female libido and fertility. I look forward to any of your queries or thoughts down in the comments section. 

Or you can also drop your comments at regina@horizonclinics.org