Turmeric and Ginger Benefits for Sexual Health
Dr. Eric Berg
01/21/2024Turmeric and ginger are aromatic spices used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic cooking and herbal medicine.
Turmeric is rich in curcumin, and ginger contains gingerol, two potent polyphenols known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may increase sexual function by improving blood circulation and testosterone production.
Discover five turmeric and ginger benefits for sexual health and learn how to use these natural remedies to boost vitality in both men and women.
5 benefits of turmeric and ginger for sexual health
Turmeric and ginger belong to the family of Zingiberaceae, and the rhizomes of these plants have been used in traditional medicine to enhance sexual function and treat erectile dysfunction for centuries.
Here are five ways ginger and turmeric can boost reproductive and sexual health.
1. Improve male libido
Libido or sex drive is dependent on optimal blood flow and healthy blood vessels, and poor vascular health can negatively impact penile circulation and sexual response.
Curcumin, the bioactive compound in turmeric, and gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger, enhance nitric oxide production, a crucial signaling molecule that relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to the genital area.
This improved blood circulation may enhance male libido by ensuring optimal oxygen and nutrient supply to reproductive organs, ultimately promoting healthy sexual performance.
Watch the video below to discover the incredible health benefits of turmeric.
2. Boost testosterone
Testosterone is an essential male sex hormone responsible for maintaining male reproductive tissues, muscle mass, bone density, and overall energy levels.
Low or imbalanced testosterone levels may result in diminished libido, reduced muscle mass, heart disease, mood changes, compromised bone density, and fatigue.
A study published in Biomolecules found that ginger supplementation may elevate testosterone levels in men by improving luteinizing hormone (LH) production, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing blood flow to the testes, which promotes hormonal balance and reproductive health.
Additionally, turmeric and ginger's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce chronic inflammation, which contributes to hormonal imbalances and diminished testosterone levels.
3. Help manage erectile function
Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity and affects almost 30 million men in the United States.
Research published in Toxicology Reports found that oxidative stress can adversely affect reproductive function and contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Oxidative stress refers to the disruption between the production of free radicals and the body's capacity to counteract them, potentially causing harm to cells and tissues.
Turmeric and ginger are rich in polyphenols, which act as powerful antioxidants that can effectively combat oxidative stress within the body by neutralizing free radicals and promoting cellular health.
“Oxidative stress can damage the lining of blood vessels, which increases the risk of circulatory issues such as erectile dysfunction,” explains Dr. Berg. “Using turmeric and ginger to boost the body’s antioxidant abilities is an excellent strategy to improve blood flow and support sexual function.”
4. Promote hormonal balance
Maintaining hormonal balance is crucial for proper bodily functioning and plays a critical role in regulating mood, energy levels, and reproductive health.
In women, hormone imbalances can lead to disruptions in menstrual cycles, mood swings, loss of sexual desire, and fluctuating body weight.
A study published by Pathology Oncology Research found that insulin resistance may contribute to hormonal imbalances by increasing the production of androgens while decreasing estrogen levels.
Insulin resistance is a metabolic imbalance that’s typically linked to a high-carb diet and associated with various hormone-related health issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and cyclic acne.
Estrogen regulates various aspects of female sexual health and reproduction, and imbalanced female sex hormones are a primary cause of infertility and sexual dysfunction in women.
Polyphenols found in turmeric and ginger show promise in promoting female reproductive health by enhancing insulin sensitivity, which is critical to restoring hormonal balance.
5. Improve fertility
Male fertility depends on the production of healthy sperm cells that are essential for successful fertilization.
This can be compromised by hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, environmental toxins, and lifestyle habits, such as poor dietary choices, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Ginger may play a role in supporting male fertility by potentially influencing sperm quality and enhancing the biological strength of sperm cells.
Research published in Veterinary Medicine and Science found that “Ginger improves semen quality and increases the fertility of sperm by disrupting the production of free radicals, dissolving oxidative chain reactions, reducing oxidative stress, and altering the levels of sex hormones.”
Therefore, adding ginger to your diet may have a significant impact on fertility by improving sperm count and increasing the survival rate of sperm cells.
In addition, prostate health is critical for male fertility, as prostate enlargement may affect sexual dysfunction and ejaculation.
Turmeric and ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which has been linked to prostate dysfunction.
How to enhance the benefits of turmeric and ginger
To maximize the health benefits of turmeric and ginger, it is essential to combine these two natural remedies, which work in synergy and amplify each other’s health benefits.
Curcumin is poorly absorbed, and combining turmeric with piperine, a polyphenol in black pepper, or consuming it with healthy fats such as coconut oil and avocado has been found to promote intestinal curcumin absorption.
In addition, gingerol, found in ginger, is a powerful bioenhancer that can amplify the effectiveness of turmeric, which is also known as the golden spice.
Gingerol can stimulate the production of bile and digestive enzymes, which helps facilitate the absorption of curcumin in the intestines.
How much turmeric and ginger should you take?
It’s generally recommended to take between 500 and 2,000 mg of turmeric daily.
When choosing turmeric supplements, look for products formulated with Bioperine®, a compound derived from black pepper that may significantly increase the absorption of curcumin.
In addition, aim for products that contain turmeric extract with at least 95 percent curcuminoids to receive the most benefits.
Evidence published by Statpearls found that consuming up to four grams of ginger root per day is safe for most individuals.
It’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage of the turmeric or ginger supplements you plan to use to minimize the risk of adverse effects.
Possible risks and side effects
While both ginger and turmeric are generally considered safe, excessive turmeric consumption may result in gastrointestinal issues, including indigestion or nausea.
Individuals with gallbladder issues should also be cautious, as turmeric may stimulate bile production, which can exacerbate gallbladder pain.
Those taking blood-thinning medications must avoid taking high doses of both ginger and turmeric, as these spices have been found to increase the risk of bleeding.
In addition, people with hypotension should be aware of ginger's potential for lowering blood pressure levels.
Before you incorporate turmeric and ginger into your daily routine, discuss their use with your healthcare provider. This can help minimize the risks of side effects, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking prescription medication.
Key takeaways
There are several benefits of turmeric and ginger for sexual health, including increased blood flow, enhanced testosterone and sperm production, and hormone balance.
You can maximize turmeric's health benefits by combining it with black pepper or healthy fats to optimize curcumin absorption. Ginger is a potent bioenhancer, making it a great addition to turmeric.
FAQ
1. What are the top turmeric and ginger benefits sexually?
Some benefits of turmeric and ginger for sexual health include increasing blood flow and testosterone levels, supporting fertility, and reducing oxidative stress, all of which may improve sexual function.
2. Can turmeric and ginger increase libido?
Yes, turmeric and ginger are believed to have the potential to increase libido due to their positive impacts on blood circulation and hormone regulation.
3. Can turmeric and ginger help with hormone balance?
Yes, curcumin and gingerol have been found to promote hormone balance by interacting with various receptors and pathways in the body's endocrine system.
4. Do turmeric and ginger improve fertility?
Ginger may positively impact semen quality, including sperm motility and sperm cell count, which is linked to better reproductive function and fertility.
5. How long does it take for turmeric and ginger to start working?
How long it takes for ginger and turmeric to start working varies. However, most people notice improved sexual function within four to eight weeks of consistent turmeric and ginger use.
6. Are there benefits to drinking turmeric and ginger tea before bed?
Adding turmeric and ginger tea into your nightly routine may offer benefits such as promoting relaxation, aiding digestion, and improving sleep quality.
7. Can turmeric and ginger help with erectile dysfunction?
Yes, turmeric and ginger may help manage erectile dysfunction due to their ability to combat oxidative stress and increase blood flow.
The antioxidants in turmeric and ginger have been found to support vascular health and improve circulation, which may help manage erectile dysfunction by enhancing blood flow to the genital area.
8. Are turmeric and ginger good for prostate health?
Yes, the bioactive compounds in turmeric and ginger are considered to be chemopreventive agents with potential anti-cancer properties linked to a lower risk of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.
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