For men, erectile dysfunction (ED) can be devastating. The feelings of unease, embarrassment, and helplessness that accompany the condition can make it tough to seek answers.

Prescription drugs, while providing fast results, also come with a host of side effects. But there are effective alternatives: a specialized red ginseng along with a botanical blend that has been clinically shown to improve libido and performance, plus bioavailable zinc added to a daily regimen.

For your patients experiencing ED, these nutrients can help in multiple ways:

• Recharge libido and desire
• Increase stamina and endurance
• Improve and sustain erections
• Enhance overall performance

Erectile Dysfunction is Common

An estimated 30 million American men deal with erectile dysfunction (ED), according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). One of the things the NIH mentions is that the condition could be related to blocked blood vessels, which hampers circulation.

Another ED-related concern is being overweight. Aside from being a risk factor for heart disease, fat cells can act almost as an endocrine organ in their own right and can harbor forms of estrogen that upset a healthy hormonal balance in men. It is extremely important for everyone to maintain a healthy weight at any age, but especially as they get older. Extra pounds cause inflammation as well as hormone imbalance, so fat cells are a ticking time bomb of potential disease, and can lead to ED in men.

Along with weight, blood pressure and blood sugar levels are crucial, and disruptions in either can significantly affect male sex drive and performance.

As far as actionable lifestyle measures go, you may want to advise your patient to cut refined carbs and sugars from their diet and begin replacing those foods with healthy proteins, fats, vegetables, nuts, and fiber. And, of course, a sensible regimen of regular exercise. Starting with those essentials is necessary for improvement in health across the board, including in sexual performance.

Time Tested Botanicals and Clinical Science

In addition to these recommendations, there are time tested and clinically studied botanicals that can also recharge libido and reduce symptoms of ED. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is one of them.

Ginseng has been used for centuries to enhance libido and performance. “Red” ginseng refers to the way that steaming the roots – a traditional Korean practice – helps concentrate the plant’s compounds and gives the roots their characteristic red-brown color.

One hydroponically grown ginseng in particular (HRG80) is at the leading edge of research. HRG80 packs a powerful punch due to concentrated compounds that have been hard to find in other supplemental sources.

During its growth cycle, this specialized ginseng is provided with nutrients it needs at exactly the right time and in exactly the right proportions. Additionally, the plants are challenged just enough to produce concentrated levels of protective compounds called noble ginsenosides. Noble ginsenosides are also smaller and more bioavailable than the common ginsenosides also found in the plant. This extraordinary red ginseng is also cultivated without pesticides.

In this specialized red ginseng, 80 percent of the ginsenosides are noble ginsenosides, with a nutritional profile similar to the original, wild grown plant. That’s seven times more than you’d find in conventional supplemental ginseng, which generally features poorly absorbed common ginsenosides. Noble ginsenosides from this red ginseng have also been shown to be 17 times better absorbed compared to classic ginsenosides in standard products.

It’s not that common ginsenosides are bad – they aren’t. In fact, they work synergistically with noble ginsenosides. But a concentrated source means a plant that has been used for centuries to enhance energy levels and libido can now be even more effective for men.

Red Ginseng and Sexual Performance

Even with the availability of prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction, red ginseng is still recommended by practitioners for sexual performance.

Ginseng works along different pathways than modern drugs. Rather than trying to rewrite a man’s hormonal balance (which can be affected by many factors, including age, genetics, diet, and environment), ginseng promotes the dilation of blood vessels by activating nitric oxide – the body’s “on switch” which promotes healthy energy and drive.

Of course, clinical studies record more than the natural changes in blood vessel compounds; they also look at results recorded by the men in these studies. One of the tests is the International Index of Erectile Function, or IIEF. These tests are sometimes abbreviated as “IIEF-5” or “IIEF-15” and so on, depending on how many questions the study is covering. These questionnaires zero in on the factors most important to sexual function: hardness, duration, and overall performance.

The clinical research on red ginseng has found that its effects on nitric oxide definitely create results. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported men with mild to moderate ED noted a significant difference on the IIEF-5 scale – from 16.4 to 21.0. The placebo group saw no changes at all.

The researchers in this study also stated ginsenosides may work through some of the same brain pathways and receptors as GABA, dopamine, and serotonin – initiating a relaxed but alert response, which can definitely help energy levels and sex drive.

Other clinical studies of red ginseng have had virtually identical results – showing improvements in every parameter of sexual performance and a significant difference in reducing incidence and symptoms of ED.

Botanical Combination Stimulates Nitric Oxide (NO) Production

Other botanicals, including a clinically studied combination of apple polyphenols, flavonoids from grape seed, and saffron extract, also stimulates nitric oxide production, with impressive results in men aged 45 to 65:

• 74% improved their hardness score
• 72% improved their IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function)score, a recognized test of factors for men’s sexual performance ability
• 71% would recommend the herbal combination because it made such a dramatic difference

This herbal combination can be used along with red ginseng for even more pronounced results and a wider spectrum of support.

Zinc and Libido

Of all the organs in the body, zinc is concentrated most in the prostate. It helps the prostate develop and function properly, protects it from oxidative damage, and is an important component of prostatic fluid, which makes up a significant percentage of sperm volume. Zinc is also essential for testosterone levels and sperm motility, and can have an overall energizing effect on the libido.

Because zinc is not easily stored in the body for reserve use, it gets depleted quickly because of stress, infections, injuries, and other challenges. To keep optimal levels, patients may require a consistent, absorbable source like zinc bisglycinate chelate. With zinc bound to the amino acid glycinate, it can more readily transport through the intestinal wall and be efficiently used by the body.

Your Patients Can Recharge Their Sex Lives

Intimacy is an important part of any relationship. When it suffers, depression, anxiety, and other problems understandably crop up.

While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise may be exactly what your patients need, red ginseng may also help them get one step closer to optimal health and better sexual performance. Scientific research shows red ginseng stops the formation of blood vessels to fat cells, essentially cutting off their fuel supply, and it does this without increasing blood pressure.

Red ginseng, backed with the combination of apple polyphenols, grape seed flavonoids, and saffron extract, can be an effective way to support sexual vitality, rather than using prescription drugs as the first option. Because even though they work quickly, conventional drugs for ED also come with potential side effects, including headache, nausea, muscle aches, and diarrhea, to name a few.

However, your patients should also know red ginseng and these other herbs are not “herbal Viagra.” They work to help men regain sexual performance without the drama of drugs–or their complications. These botanicals, plus a bioavailable form of zinc, can be readily incorporated into a daily supplement regimen. Over time, your male patients who struggle with ED should notice improved, sustainable results that don’t compromise their overall well-being.