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Should You Eat Ginger for Better Sex? The Science-Backed Truth

You probably think of ginger as the spicy little root that wakes up a stir-fry, perks up a cup of tea or adds a little heat to a cocktail. But this kitchen staple has a much more interesting reputation.

Ginger has been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries, and there’s more behind that reputation than ancient love potions. Modern research has looked at ginger’s potential effects on circulation, testosterone, fertility and sexual function in both men and women.

So what can eating ginger actually do for you? Let’s look at what we know, what the research suggests and why this humble spice has been considered sexy for so long.

Table of Contents

How ginger may support sexual health

As an aphrodisiac, ginger has been used in cuisines and traditional healing systems worldwide. Claims that it boosts libido or treats sexual difficulties have not been established by high-quality clinical research; however, folkloric uses have given ginger a fascinating reputation. For example, aphrodisiac ginger is used in India, mixed with eggs and honey, as a treatment for impotence. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is used to improve circulation and reduce period pain.

According to The Aphrodisiac Encyclopaedia, centuries before humans knew why ginger was effective, it was observed that eating the spice “increased lustful yearnings.” Let’s take a closer look at this spice to better understand how it might stir some passion in us all.

Ginger is a relative of turmeric, a spice famous for its health benefits. Like turmeric, ginger is believed to have the potential to help reduce oxidative stress in the body.

In both folkloric accounts and preliminary studies, ginger has been found to have potential benefits to circulation. And this may be one reason the spice developed an aphrodisiac reputation. Let’

Potential benefits for men

One 2018 study looked at Kaempferia parviflora, a plant in the ginger family, and found that men taking the supplement reported improved erections. This wasn’t a study of culinary ginger, so the findings can’t be directly applied to eating ginger. The research is also limited and more studies are needed.

According to multiple studies, including this one published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, ginger might reduce blood pressure. In addition, a 2017 study on the use of ginger as a circulatory supplement highlighted the spice’s potential benefits to the circulatory system.

A 2018 study linked ginger and testosterone production. Testosterone is one of the vital hormones for men’s sexual performance and sex drive. According to the study, ginger showed potential to stimulate testosterone production in vitro. It is promising but, unfortunately, only a preliminary finding.

It should be added that, while the research linking ginger with sexual health sounds promising, further research is needed to determine whether or not ginger can improve the sexual health of all men and how it may be best used. It is also unknown what quantity of ginger a man would need to eat to reach the desired effects. Please talk to a medical professional before experimenting with using ginger for manhood on your own.

Potential benefits for women

Although there are not as many evidence-based benefits for women as there are for men, there are indications that ginger can also support women’s sexual health and sexual function.

In one animal study, ginger appeared to improve female fertility. Unfortunately, the only existing studies are on animals. Further research is needed to understand the impact on humans.

A sex benefit of ginger for women you might never have thought of is that, despite being low-calorie, it’s nutritious. And it just happens to contain traces of nutrients beneficial to women’s sexual health, which, according to USDA FoodData Central include potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. (These nutrients are also essential to men’s sexual health.)

One of the most interesting links between ginger and women’s sexual health is a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial published in 2022 that supports that assertion. The study found that women who took 250 mg of ginger four times per day had significantly higher scores on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) than before the intervention. Unfortunately, the study was modest but it makes the preliminary indication that ginger has the potential to help women sexually.

How to use ginger to last longer in bed

One of ginger’s greatest proponents, “all-knowing” Confucius, supposedly added ginger to every meal. I love using this spicy root in my cooking, too. Now, there’s no science to back the idea that ginger can make you last longer in bed. But if you enjoy ginger, it’s an easy spice to incorporate into much of your cooking. It can be used fresh, dried, powdered, candied, or even made into juice. Sometimes, I even prefer adding it raw for an extra bite.

Easy ways to incorporate ginger into your diet

One of ginger’s greatest proponents, “all-knowing” Confucius, supposedly added ginger to every meal. I love using this spicy root in my cooking, too. It can be used fresh, dried, powdered, candied, or even made into juice. Sometimes, I even prefer adding it raw for an extra bite. One of my favorite uses for raw ginger is this Turkey Congee with Cranberries.

Another renowned proponent of ginger root, French legend Madame du Barry, made a practice of serving it to her lovers. Why? Because it was said to drive all, including her most famous lover, Louis XV, to a state of complete and utter submissiveness. If you want to treat your lover to this food of temptation, try this recipe for Breakfast In Bed Triple Gingerbread. It uses three kinds of ginger for the most powerfully stimulating effect.

More ginger recipes:

Hibiscus Hot Toddy Cocktail

East Indian Gin Gimlet

Vegan Spinach and Ginger Smoothie

Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Jicama Salad

Spicy Thai Fish Cakes

Coconut Shrimp Thai Curry

Should you take ginger for sex in capsule form?

If you are considering ginger supplementation in capsule form, you should talk to your doctor first. Herbal supplements are not regulated as strictly as medications and some can interact with prescription medications. You’ll want to get the ok before you start experimenting with ginger pills.

That being said, ginger, whether it is fresh, dried, or taken as a supplement, may have some surprisingly positive effects. Of course, as a nutrition coach, I always recommend food sources first. See the links at the bottom of the page for recipes to help you incorporate ginger into your diet naturally.

Does the combination of ginger and garlic help sexually?

Both ginger and garlic are known as aphrodisiacs. And both of these natural ingredients offer some scientifically proven benefits to sexual health and sexual performance. (Here’s more on the sexual benefits of garlic.)

This may be why there’s a common belief that a combination of the two will offer even more powerful sexual benefits.But there is no proven sex benefit to combining ginger with garlic.

What about garlic, ginger and honey?

Some natural health proponents suggest that combining garlic with ginger and honey is an even more potent sexual aid. But again, although all three ingredients show some potential to support sexual health naturally, there’s no proven benefit to combining these three ingredients for an even greater sexual boost.

Possible side effects

Culinary ginger is considered relatively safe and is unlikely to cause problems. Larger amounts, however, can cause side effects including heartburn, stomach upset, diarrhea, gas and abdominal discomfort. These effects are more commonly associated with concentrated or powdered ginger supplements than with the amounts typically used in cooking.

Ginger supplements also deserve more caution than culinary ginger. Ginger may interact with medications, and there are particular concerns about possible effects on blood clotting. If you are planning to have surgery, tell your healthcare provider that you are taking ginger supplements. If you take blood thinners or other medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ginger in supplement form.

People with gallstone disease should avoid ginger, and anyone who is pregnant should talk with their healthcare provider before using ginger as a supplement. Research on ginger during pregnancy has generally found few serious adverse effects, but that does not mean concentrated supplements are appropriate for everyone.

The bottom line: adding fresh ginger to a meal is very different from taking a high-dose ginger supplement. If you’re using ginger specifically for its potential health or sexual-health benefits, don’t assume that more is better. Check with your doctor before taking concentrated ginger, particularly if you take prescription medications or have an underlying health condition.

The Sex Benefits of Ginger Graphic

Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods

Edited by Delahna Flagg: This article was reviewed and additional research was provided by Center for Mind-Body Medicine certified practitioner and Eat Something Sexy Nutrition Director Delahna Flagg.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It should not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here are not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional. More information

This article was written in 2010 and most recently updated in June 2024.

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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.