Ginger for Better Sex? Here’s What the Science Says

What is ginger used for sexually? Find answers here.

A flavorful addition to many recipes, as well as a powerful medicinal plant, ginger has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. Fresh ginger root has often been used as a medicinal plant to improve digestion and help with nausea and inflammation, among other conditions.

In addition to these benefits, you may have heard that fresh ginger supplementation can improve sexual function, boost sexual performance or increase sexual satisfaction.

But is there any truth to this? Can ginger reduce sexual dysfunction like erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation? Does adding powdered ginger to a recipe boost sexual desire or sexual arousal? In short — what is ginger used for sexually?

We’ll take an in-depth look at the research and benefits of ginger to determine whether this medicinal plant can increase sexual arousal or treat sexual dysfunction and whether it should be considered a sexual medicine at all.

What Is Ginger Used for Sexually?

Having one food that could be used as a cure-all for any sexual dysfunction or that could instantly boost sexual arousal in the bedroom would be pretty amazing.

Unfortunately, no single food can prevent sexual dysfunction. But consuming nutritious foods as part of a healthy diet can improve your sex life or even increase sexual desire — and there could be other health benefits of ginger that might enhance sexual intercourse.

So, what is ginger used for sexually? Keep reading to learn about the health benefits of ginger — including some that might help in the bedroom.

The Health Benefits of Ginger

Although it might not seem like it, fresh ginger and ginger powder have some surprising nutritional benefits.

Increases Blood Flow

While studies on how ginger affects sexual function are limited, this medicinal plant has been shown to lower blood pressure. Ginger can also be used to lower blood pressure in those with hypertension (also known as high blood pressure).

Additionally, ginger has also been found to increase blood flow. An in-vitro study (a study done in a test tube but not on humans or animals) showed that ginger can prevent blood clots and help widen blood vessels — the latter of which is a crucial component of getting an erection.

The process of getting an erection involves a series of events involving blood vessels, erectile tissues, nerves, gasses and other moving parts.

Following an encounter that results in sexual arousal, the body releases nitric oxide, which helps relax the smooth muscles in the penis. This relaxation allows for increased blood flow into the penis, which is necessary for an erection.

Studies have also found a connection between higher blood pressure and a higher risk of sexual dysfunction in men. If ginger helps lower blood pressure and widen blood vessels, it could increase sexual arousal and libido.

Reduces Oxidative Stress

Adding chopped-up ginger or ginger powder to the foods you eat could reduce oxidative stress. This condition is marked by an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body, which can lead to inflammation and cell damage.

Some studies have suggested that oxidative stress negatively affects male fertility and may contribute to sperm damage, but more research is needed to fully understand the effect.

Ginger has been found to reduce oxidative stress as well as inflammation, although most studies have been done on animals rather than humans.

Animal and test-tube studies have found that ginger may help reduce oxidative stress and other age-related cell changes in combination with other ingredients, which could help treat erectile dysfunction.

Studies on the effects ginger has on reducing oxidative stress — and in turn, sexual dysfunction — are promising. However, more research is needed to better understand how ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can affect sexual arousal in men.

Might Improve Fertility

The effects of ginger could improve fertility in men, according to some studies.

Studies in animals have found that ginger might boost testosterone production by increasing blood flow, reducing oxidative stress and increasing reproductive hormone levels, according to one review.

Ginger has also been found to increase sperm concentration in ejaculation and testosterone levels while improving sperm count and sperm motility.

Still, more studies are needed to know if ginger has a real influence on male fertility through improved sperm count and increased testosterone production.

Ginger for Sexual Function: Fact or Fiction?

Ginger, including fresh ginger root and ginger powder, is a kitchen staple, adding flavor to a variety of meals. This spice also has a history of being used as a medicinal plant to treat nausea, indigestion and inflammation.

Ginger can even supposedly be used as an aphrodisiac food to boost sexual arousal. But what is ginger used for sexually, and can it improve sexual function?

In animal and test-tube studies, ginger has increased blood flow and levels of sexual hormones while lowering oxidative stress — all of which can help reduce sexual dysfunction issues like erectile dysfunction.

But more research on humans is needed to really know whether ginger has any benefits sexually. So, unfortunately, it’s probably not the first treatment to turn to if you’re having problems in the bedroom.

If you’re currently struggling with sexual dysfunction, your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications. For example, erectile dysfunction is often treated with sildenafil or tadalafil.

You can also connect with a healthcare provider online to discuss more ED medications and treatment options.