Symptoms

While anything from too much alcohol to anger to depression can cause short-term erectile problems, impotence is defined as a chronic inability to have or sustain an erection. It is believed that as many as 30 million American men suffer from the condition. In 90 percent of the cases, an organic cause is the culprit, usually diminished blood flow caused by fatty deposits in the arteries leading from the heart to the penis.

How Ginseng Can Help

In Chinese medicine, ginseng is regularly prescribed to treat impotence. Indeed, in animal studies, ginseng has shown to increase testosterone levels and sperm count, both of which can sustained erections.

Dosages

Take one 200-mg capsule twice a day; or 1/2 teaspoon of liquid extract twice a day; or 1 teaspoon of tincture twice a day. If taking ginseng continually, plan on taking a one-week break from the herb every four or five weeks. This reduces the chance of possible hypertension, insomnia or restlessness that some health authorities believe can develop with long-term ginseng usage.