Ginseng: A Manly Solution

Ginseng (Korean Panax schin-seng) (Siberian Eleutherococcus) (Wild American Panax
quinquefolium) is both a male and female remedy for infertility and has been used since ancient times for a host of conditions. The root of the ginseng plant is thick and resembles a manly shape, which could be was how it was first considered to be a manly tonic. Ginseng helps the body to utilize oxygen better, acts as a tonic to the adrenal glands to help them conserve vitamin C, and serves as a tonic to the entire glandular system, thus saving energy.
You might notice a few different types of ginseng: typically, Siberian, Korean, and Wild American ginseng. Which one do you pick, you ask? That will come in handy again here. Wild American ginseng is “cooling” energetically, which makes it especially useful for you guys who tend to run hotter in general. You might want to take this ginseng during the hot months. On the other hand, Korean and Siberian ginseng are similar in their properties and have “warming” energetics, meaning that they have a warming effect on your body. These herbs tend to warm the system slightly, so you will probably want to use them during colder months.
Some say that Wild American ginseng is better suited to women and that Asian ginseng is better for men. It is difficult to say for sure, however, as I have seen each benefit from all three, depending on what effects people are seeking. Use the energetic approach to help you decide, or work with your herbalist.
Ginseng may help boost your fertility, but a combination of herbs to feed your entire reproductive and circulatory system is even better. See the table at the end of this chapter for some more herbs used for the glandular system. Some extra tips include munching on pumpkin seeds, avoiding alcohol and other toxins, switching to boxer shorts, and not exposing yourself to extreme temperatures too often (such as sitting in a hot tub). Sperm needs a balanced temperature to stay active—not too hot and not too cold.