Ginger for sex drive: Benefits and uses

Ginger, a common kitchen ingredient, does more than adding flavour to foods. The ingredient that can be used fresh, dried, or as an oil or juice, offers many health benefits. It may help you with digestion, nausea, and lowering cholesterol level. Ginger may also be the solution to your bedroom problems. If you have low sex drive or libido, you can probably blame your hormone levels, stress or problems with your partner. While working on relaxation techniques and strengthening your bond with your partner, make sure to include certain foods in your diet, This also includes ginger, which may help to improve your sex life!

What are the sexual health benefits of ginger?

Ginger may improve the sexual function of people due to its sexual arousal-enhancing effect, according to a study published in The Journal of Sex Research in 2023.

Here are some of the benefits of ginger:

1. Enhanced blood circulation

Ginger can help improve blood flow, which is crucial for sexual arousal and response, says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Chetna Jain. The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol, help dilate blood vessels, ensuring better circulation to the reproductive organs.

2. Anti-inflammatory properties

Chronic inflammation can negatively impact a person’s overall health, including sexual health. It may impair genital blood flow, which in turn may affect your sexual arousal. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that may help mitigate this.

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3. Hormonal balance

If estrogen levels drop, it can make you less interested in sex, as it can lead to vaginal dryness and pain during sex. Ginger can balance your hormones, which is vital for maintaining a healthy libido and menstrual cycle.

4. Antioxidant effects

Antioxidants in ginger can combat free radicals, the unstable atoms that can damage cells, and cause illness and ageing. This may help in reducing cell damage and improving overall health, which can enhance sexual well-being.

5. Improved digestion

A healthy digestive system is crucial for nutrient absorption, which is closely connected to energy levels and hormonal health. If you are low on energy or your hormones are not balanced, your sex life will suffer. Ginger may help to improve digestion. Enzymes in ginger can help break up and expel gas that gets formed during digestion. This can provide relief from discomfort, as per a 2018 research published in the Food Science & Nutrition journal.

How to include ginger in diet to improve sex drive?

You can have ginger in the following ways:

• Ginger tea: Boil fresh ginger slices in water with tea leaves for 10 minutes, then add honey and lemon to make ginger tea.
• Ginger smoothies: Add fresh ginger to your morning smoothie with fruits and yogurt.
• Ginger in cooking: Use grated ginger in curries, and stir-fries.

You can even eat ginger before going to bed, as it can aid digestion and reduce bloating, contributing to better overall health. But its stimulating properties might make some people more alert, potentially interfering with sleep. So, eating ginger at different times of the day can be more beneficial, but don’t go overboard. About three to four grams of ginger in a day can be safely consumed.

How to use ginger oil for sex drive?

Mix a few drops of ginger essential oil with a carrier oil, and massage it onto the lower abdomen or inner thighs. This can enhance blood flow to the pelvic area, says the expert.

You can also use a diffuser with ginger oil to create a stimulating atmosphere. Inhaling the aroma can have a warming and invigorating effect.

Make sure to apply or diffuse ginger oil about 30 minutes before intimate activities to help enhance arousal.

What are the side effects of ginger?

Using ginger for sex may be beneficial, but there may be some side effects:

• Ginger can be a digestive stimulant, which might be too strong for some individuals, and cause stomach discomfort.
• Ginger has blood-thinning properties, which can exacerbate bleeding disorders or interact with blood-thinning medications.
• Ginger can lower blood sugar, which can be problematic for people with diabetes.
• Some individuals might be allergic to ginger and experience symptoms like rash, itching and swelling.

Ginger may offer sexual health benefits for women, including enhanced blood circulation, and hormonal balance. But there may be potential side effects too.