Libido is a Latin word meaning ’sexual drive’. Today, if someone talks of a low libido, he or she is referring to a low desire for sex. Of course, there are many reasons one doesn’t feel like having sex, including anger toward a partner, bad body image, fatigue, low self-esteem, negative attitude toward sex, physical illness and more. Sometimes, however, there is no concrete reason.

How Ginseng Can Help

Ginseng has long been around touted as a sexual rejuvenator and is prescribed by doctors of Chinese medicine to increase libido. Although human studies have not been performed proving this, several animal studies have shown that ginseng increases sexual activity and mating behavior in rats. That said, however, it is important to examine any possible underlying cause of low libido such as anger or low self-esteem before trying ginseng.
DosagesIf there is no explainable reason for low libido, 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. Discontinue once your sexual appetite returns.

Menopause is a natural condition that occurs when the ovaries no longer produce enough estrogen to stimulate the lining of the uterus and vagina. Simply put, menopause is when women no longer menstruate or get pregnant. It generally occurs somewhere between the ages of 40 and 60. One of the most famous signs of menopause is the hot flash, a sudden reddening of the face accompanied by a feeling of intense warmth. Other common symptoms include depressed mood, fluid retention, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, night sweats, painful intercourse, rapid heart beat, susceptibility to bladder problems, thinning of vaginal tissues, vaginal dryness, and weight gain. It should be noted that some women experience few symptoms while still others encounter none at all.

How Ginseng Can Help

One traditional remedy for menopause is hormone replacement therapy. This optional treatment uses synthetic hormones to elevate progesterone and estrogen to their premenopausal levels. Ginseng is helpful regardless of whether one undergoes or forgoes hormone replacement therapy. Ginsenosides have an estrogen-like action on vaginal walls. This helps prevent the tissue thinning and painful dryness that many menopausal women experience.Dosages

Take one 200-mg capsule three times a day; or 1/2 teaspoon of liquid extract three times a day; or 1 teaspoon of tincture three times a day. With your physician’s recommendation, the same dosage can be taken as a complementary treatment to hormone replacement therapy. 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.

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.

To understand diabetes, it helps to know something about the pancreas. Pancreas is long, thin and located behind the stomach. Pancreas responsible for regulating the body’s use of glucose. The pancreas will create a number of chemicals including insulin to regulate body’s glucose. When blood glucose levels begin to rise, it is insulin’s job to prod muscle and fat cells to absorb whatever glucose they need for future activities; the liver stores any surplus.

How Ginseng Can Help

Ginseng is a popular diabetes treatment that can be used alone or in tandem with traditional medication. The herb’s adenosine and polysaccharides lower above normal sugar levels. Furthermore, ginseng has been shown to promote insulin secretion in diabetics even though the herb does not have this affect on nondiabetes.

Dosages

Before taking ginseng, speak with your physician about whether the herb is for you. This is especially important if you are currently on medication for diabetes. The recommended dose is 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.

The average American gets two or three colds and one bout of flu each year. If you suffer from more than this, there’s a chance you may have a poorly functioning immune system - which increases your susceptibility to infectious illnesses. Some people are born with weak immune systems, while others undermine their immunity with heavy drinking, poor diet, recreational drug use, smoking, or chronic stress.

How Ginseng Can Help

Ginseng boasts immunity-boosting powers. American studies have found that it enhances the activity of macrophages, white blood cells that detoxify the blood and lymphatic system by destroying bacteria, viruses, and other waste matter. This, in turn, increases the body’s defense system.

Dosages

During cold and flu season, enjoy 1 to 3 cups a day of ginseng tea. Or, take one 200mg 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 for an extended period, 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.