Many people, mostly older men, complain of not having enough sexual energy. See impotence for a discussion of psychological versus physical causes and the role of sex hormones. Of the many sexual tonics on the market, ginseng has the longest history and greatest reputation. Much prized in the Far East as the ultimate sexual restorative for men, ginseng was long ignored by medical researchers in the West. Once they began to study its chemistry and pharmacology, they found that it does indeed have many biological effects.
Oriental ginseng is more of a stimulant and can raise blood pressure in some people.
If you have high blood pressure, use it with caution if at all, or use only the American species. The quality of ginseng on the market varies enormously, with better, older roots selling for very high prices. If you want to experiment with this famous tonic plant, you must shop around for high-quality material and be prepared to pay for it. Also you must take ginseng regularly over a period of months to notice its effects. You can buy whole dried roots and boil them into teas or use more convenient extracts in the form of liquids and capsules.