Panax ginseng helps you reclaim your vitality by supporting the systems that move blood through your body. This root has been used for centuries to invigorate the body and enhance qi. You can use it to support your circulation and maintain your performance.
It Helps You Feel Less Cold
Many people struggle with cold hands and feet as they age.
The root works by promoting peripheral vasodilation. You can experience a more balanced body temperature through this long use of the root.
Digital infrared thermal imaging confirms these effects in healthy people. A 2013 study of 40 subjects found that 1500 mg of Korean red ginseng extract for 8 weeks significantly decreased imbalances in local thermal distribution (Kang J et al. 2013). This suggests the root improves overall blood circulation.
A 2014 trial of 80 female patients with cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet used six capsules of 500 mg Korean red ginseng powder twice daily for 8 weeks (Park KS et al. 2014). The Korean red ginseng group had significantly higher skin temperature of the hands and feet at 8 weeks (Park KS et al. 2014). These patients also showed lower visual analog scale scores for severity (Park KS et al. 2014).
It Supports Your Arterial Health
Maintaining flexible arteries is a key part of fighting age-related decline. A 2014 study of 16 healthy participants found that 3 g of Korean red ginseng significantly improved flow-mediated vasodilatation at 180 minutes post-treatment (Jovanovski E et al. 2014). This improvement is attributable to the ginsenoside fraction of the root.
The root also helps reduce arterial stiffness. A 2010 trial of 17 healthy individuals found that 3 g of Korean red ginseng significantly lowered the radial augmentation index by 4.6% (Jovanovski E et al. 2010). This result supports the use of the root for cardiovascular health.
Even the non-steamed variety provides benefits. A 2014 study of 25 participants with type 2 diabetes found that 3 g of Korean white ginseng significantly reduced the augmentation index (Shishtar E et al. 2014). This indicates a beneficial effect on a cumulative indicator of arterial health.
A 2012 study of 60 subjects with metabolic syndrome used 4.5 g of Korean red ginseng daily for 12 weeks (Park BJ et al. 2012). The study found no evidence that the root affected arterial stiffness in this specific group (Park BJ et al. 2012). This allows you to focus on the proven benefits for healthy adults.
It Helps Manage Blood Pressure
Keeping your blood pressure in check is essential for long-term performance. A 2014 study of 23 healthy adults found that 400 mg of Rg3-enriched Korean red ginseng significantly reduced central and brachial mean arterial pressure at 3 hours post-intervention (Jovanovski E et al. 2014). This acute effect helps maintain a healthy vascular tone.
The root is well tolerated by those with existing health challenges. A 2022 trial of 58 patients with severe atherosclerosis found that 1 g of Korean red ginseng twice daily for 12 months was well tolerated (Kwon B et al. 2022). This allows for consistent use to support vascular stability.
You can integrate this root into your daily routine for steady support.
A 2011 study of 80 participants with hypertension used 3 g of Korean red ginseng daily for 3 months (Rhee MY et al. 2011). The study found that diastolic blood pressure of the active group was significantly reduced after 3 months (Rhee MY et al. 2011). This supports the long-term use of the root for vascular health.
It Improves Endothelial Function
The endothelium is the inner lining of your blood vessels and controls how they relax. A 2000 study of patients with essential hypertension found that Korean red ginseng significantly increased forearm blood flow after the infusion of acetylcholine and bradykinin (Sung J et al. 2000). This shows the root can improve vascular endothelial dysfunction.
This process likely works by increasing the synthesis of nitric oxide (Sung J et al. 2000). Nitric oxide is a powerful molecule that helps your vessels open up. This ensures better blood delivery to your muscles and organs.
Better endothelial function means your body can respond more effectively to physical demands. This is a strength of the root for those seeking to get their edge back. You can find more about these systemic effects in our guide on what Panax ginseng actually does.
A 2014 study of 16 healthy participants used 3 g of Korean red ginseng to evaluate endothelial function (Jovanovski E et al. 2014). The ginsenoside extract produced a comparable response to the whole root (Jovanovski E et al. 2014). This confirms the potency of the active compounds in the root.
It Supports Erectile Function
Circulation is the primary driver of male performance and sexual health. A 1995 trial of 90 patients found that Korean red ginseng significantly improved penile rigidity, girth, and libido compared to placebo (Choi HK et al. 1995). The overall therapeutic efficacy for erectile dysfunction was 60% in the ginseng group.
The root targets the vascular flow necessary for these functions. Prolonged administration may create a cumulative effect on vascular flow (Choi HK et al. 1995). This makes it a powerful tool for men fighting age-related decline.
Many users report improved satisfaction and performance. This is a concrete benefit of the root's ability to enhance blood flow to the pelvic region. For specific protocols, see our guide on ginseng for erectile dysfunction.
A 1995 study compared ginseng to placebo and trazodone in 90 patients (Choi HK et al. 1995). The ginseng group showed significantly higher changes in early detumescence and patient satisfaction (Choi HK et al. 1995). This demonstrates the superior effect of the root over other options.
How Much to Take
The amount you take depends on your specific goals for circulation. In studies for arterial stiffness and endothelial function, doses of 3 g of Korean red ginseng are often used (Jovanovski E et al. 2014, Jovanovski E et al. 2010). This dosage provides a robust amount of active ginsenosides.
You can adjust your intake based on your needs.
Consistency is key to seeing results in your circulation. A 2022 study of 120 women used 2 g of a red ginseng and herb extract complex daily for 12 weeks (Hyun SH et al. 2022). This study confirmed the safety of this daily intake for the duration of the trial (Hyun SH et al. 2022). For more detailed options, visit our ginseng dosage guide.
A 2014 study of 80 women used 3 g of Korean red ginseng powder twice daily for 8 weeks (Park KS et al. 2014). This higher dose was used to treat cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (Park KS et al. 2014). This shows the flexibility of dosing to achieve specific circulatory goals.
It Boosts Your Overall Vitality
Improved circulation is the foundation for higher energy and better cognition. By enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, the root helps you feel less tired (EMA HMPC herbal monographs).
The root is also used in formulations to treat vascular dementia by improving cerebral blood flow (Karamacoska D et al. 2023). This support for the brain helps you maintain your mental edge. You can combine this with ginseng for energy to maximize your performance.
The ability of Panax ginseng to promote qi circulation and enhance blood flow is a recognized strength (Shen MY et al. 2025). This comprehensive support allows you to fight age-related decline with confidence. You can rely on centuries of use to support your journey back to peak vitality.
A 2023 study protocol for vascular dementia uses a formulation with Panax ginseng and other extracts at 120 mg twice daily (Karamacoska D et al. 2023). The formulation is designed to treat cognitive impairment associated with cerebrovascular disease (Karamacoska D et al. 2023). This highlights the root's role in maintaining cerebral circulation.
References
- Shen MY et al. 2025. Shenhuang Granules for patients with sepsis: study protocol of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Front Med (Lausanne).
- Karamacoska D et al. 2023. Study protocol for a phase III randomised controlled trial of Sailuotong (SLT) for vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease with cerebrovascular disease. PLoS One.
- Kwon B et al. 2022. Preventive effects of ginseng against atherosclerosis and subsequent ischemic stroke: A randomized controlled trial (PEGASUS trial). J Ginseng Res.
- Hyun SH et al. 2022. Safety of red ginseng and herb extract complex (RHC) in menopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Ginseng Res.
- Park KS et al. 2014. Efficacy and safety of Korean red ginseng for cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Ethnopharmacol.
- Jovanovski E et al. 2014. Effect of Rg3-enriched Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) on arterial stiffness and blood pressure in healthy individuals: a randomized controlled trial. J Am Soc Hypertens.
- Shishtar E et al. 2014. Effects of Korean White Ginseng (Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer) on Vascular and Glycemic Health in Type 2 Diabetes: Results of a Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-controlled, Multiple-crossover, Acute Dose Escalation Trial. Clin Nutr Res.
- Jovanovski E et al. 2014. Modulation of endothelial function by Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) and its components in healthy individuals: a randomized controlled trial. Cardiovasc Ther.
- Kang J et al. 2013. Study on improving blood flow with Korean red ginseng substances using digital infrared thermal imaging and Doppler sonography: randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with parallel design. J Tradit Chin Med.
- Park BJ et al. 2012. Effects of Korean Red Ginseng on Cardiovascular Risks in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: a Double-blind Randomized Controlled Study. Korean J Fam Med.
- Rhee MY et al. 2011. Effect of Korean red ginseng on arterial stiffness in subjects with hypertension. J Altern Complement Med.
- Jovanovski E et al. 2010. Effects of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer) and its isolated ginsenosides and polysaccharides on arterial stiffness in healthy individuals. Am J Hypertens.
- Sung J et al. 2000. Effects of red ginseng upon vascular endothelial function in patients with essential hypertension. Am J Chin Med.
- Choi HK et al. 1995. Clinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res.
- EMA HMPC herbal monographs. Ginseng radix, EMA herbal monograph.
Nothing here is medical advice, and anyone on prescription medication can mention ginseng to a doctor while enjoying a root people have trusted for centuries.
