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Black ginger extract, Kaempferia Parviflora (not to be confused with black turmeric) is a native root found in Thailand (sometimes known locally as Krachai Dum) that is said to possess longevity promoting properties, as well as being a sexual tonic for men, improving energy and libido. It is also highly regarded by Muay Thai fighters for its ability to enhance strength, endurance and vigor, sometimes referred to them as Thai Ginseng.
However, Krachai Dum (its name in Thai) refers to Black Galingale and not Black Ginger as we like to call it in the West. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family (Ginger family) of plants and looks almost the same as ginger except with a purple core in its rhizomes.
Kaempferia Parviflora: The Natural Thai Viagra Alternative
Similar to Viagra, black ginger works via inhibition of PDE5, the enzyme which breaks down cGMP and subsequently nitric oxide. By inhibiting this, it increases nitric oxide’s availability throughout the body, including the penis, and enhances the duration and degree of vasodilation, giving you stronger and longer lasting erections..
Pharmaceutical PDE5 inhibitors are very good at their job and inhibit the enzyme potently, but can come with plenty of side effects inclusive of back pain, blurred vision, dizziness, facial flushing, stomach upset, dyspepsia, or nasal congestion and rhinitis to name a few.
When Black ginger inhibits this enzyme but not as strong, allowing significant improvement to erectile potency, but being much safer and suitable for use long term.
Black ginger works via two primary ways to improve sexual function- by enhancing vasodilation and circulation by PDE5 inhibition (similar to Viagra), but also boosts brain dopamine levels and sensitivity of receptors to this chemical.
Dopamine plays an important part in maintaining healthy libido in both genders, which is why black ginger is also suitable to be used for women's health as well to enhance sexual function. Its ability to modulate dopamine function also naturally promotes better mood and can assist with motivation and drive.
Examples of other conventional compounds that also increase dopamine and hence improve mood are nicotine and caffeine.
Black ginger is considered a form of natural Viagra since it can markedly improve both the quality of your erections, as well as your libido by increasing your ability to becoming aroused, as a result of enhancing dopamine sensitivity in the brain.
Black ginger is a pretty unique herb somewhat similar to Horny Goat Weed but in our view much more potent and beneficial.
However, it is important to keep in mind that it needs to be consumed daily for 2-3 months for best effects to manifest. Although many people will notice some effects within the first 1-2 weeks.
When taken long term the benefits build up, and you will notice that you are becoming more ready to "engage," not needing to rely on Viagra dosing just before sex and the stress of planning sex around that.
You can even get a further boost in sexual prowess by consuming another dose of black ginger just prior to sexual activity.
In Thailand, it is a common recommendation to combine black ginger and Butea Superba (another natural Thai adaptogenic/aphrodisiac herb) since they are synergistic together and make an excellent cocktail for boosting men's health.
Keep in mind that the effects of black ginger are NOT comparable in strength to that of the pharmaceutical Viagra, although they work in similar ways.
Black ginger should be seen as a health-promoting substance to be taken long term, and compared to Viagra it is entirely free of side effects and very safe.
It is very important that you not combine black ginger with other pro-erectile drugs/supplements such as Viagra, Cialis, poppers or anything else that work via nitric oxide enhancement as it can significantly increase the risk of adverse reactions occurring. Substantially.
What Does Science Say About Black Ginger Benefits?
Research has shown that black ginger possesses a wide range of pharmacological effects, not only reserved for promoting sexual function and fertility.
It is traditionally used in Thailand (especially among Hmong/Mong minority groups as an ancient folk remedy) to cure allergy, asthma, impotence, erectile dysfunction, gout, diarrhea, dysentery, peptic ulcers, and diabetes.
It’s also excellent for heating up cold hands and feet (cold extremities aka Raynaud’s phenomenon) and offer relief of gastrointestinal complaints.
The Thai government has been promoting black ginger as a healthcare food to increase public awareness and conserve its traditional uses since this herb is native to Thailand and Laos only.
It remains one of the most popular herbal remedies in Thailand.
Various polymethoxyflavones (potent antioxidants) are the flavonoid type that black ginger is particularly rich in and responsible for much of its beneficial effects.
The primary flavonoids being 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, 5-hydroxy-3,7,4’-trimethoxyflavone and 5-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone and major flavones compounds. These flavonoids are all pretty rare in the plant kingdom.
Here is an overview of what research has revealed on the health benefits of black ginger:
That’s a pretty impressive lineup of benefits. The following are some more images taken from research studies on black ginger that illustrates some of the study results above:
Increasing Energy Expenditure with Thai Ginseng
Like we mentioned previously, black ginger helps increase energy expenditure which is preventative for various conditions such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes.
Here at Anabolic Health we emphasize increasing the metabolic rate as it is one of the core features of good health as demonstrated by the peak metabolic rate people experience in youth (which is the time when you're often at peak health as well, makes sense right?).
Benefits of a high metabolic rate include increased energy production, faster recovery, higher stress tolerance, more rapid wound healing, deeper sleep, etc., the list is long.
There are various compounds suitable for increasing the metabolic rate; caffeine is an excellent example of such a substance which most people are already aware of.
Another very potent one is nicotine since smokers have been shown in research to burn about 10% more calories on a daily basis, lowering their risk for obesity and metabolic syndrome (yes nicotine is not all bad).
But by no means do we suggest that you should pick up smoking (burning matter and inhaling it is carcinogenic), but compounds that increase energy expenditure can be helpful for improving body composition and getting rid of that excess belly fat.
Oral/transdermal nicotine is not a good option for most because of its potential side effects (vasoconstriction) as well as possible addiction. Black ginger, however, comes with none of these side effects (is a vasodilator) but also similarly work on your metabolism.
Black ginger increases energy production by activating AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase). Caffeine does so in a similar manner by acutely stimulating AMPK in skeletal muscle, and nicotine activates AMPK as well.
Black ginger also activates BAT (brown adipose tissue) which is fat which is thermogenic, abundant in mitochondria (the powerhouses of the cells) and beneficial for energy expenditure.
All in all Black ginger should be seen not only as a booster to your metabolism, but it also improves overall energy production which is beneficial to muscle endurance and physical performance.
Black Ginger Extract Side Effects & How to Use
Black ginger is free of side effects and does not affect blood pressure negatively (Viagra lowers it) as well as does not affect hormone levels (such as testosterone and estrogen, meaning also great for use while on TRT).
This makes it an especially beneficial herb for people suffering from heart disease or hormonal imbalances such as estrogen dominance since it improves their symptoms without affecting the conditions negatively. Thai doctors often employ black ginger as prevention for strokes.
The only contraindication for black ginger is not to use the herb if you are suffering from arrhythmia, as it can trigger these episodes further.
Black ginger has been tested for toxicity (LD50) as well as mutagenicity (Ames Test). LD50 is set to be higher than 2000mg/kg (no abnormal changes was seen in a mouse model at this dosage) and was shown to be non-mutagenic.
A standard daily dosage of Black ginger root powder is considered to be 1000-1500mg (1-1.5 grams). A dosage of 1.2 grams per day is recommended by the Thai traditional medicine institute as proven safe from centuries of traditional use.
Conclusion
We recommend black ginger for improving body composition and reducing visceral/abdominal fat accumulation (by increasing energy expenditure).
Also black ginger is one of the best natural herbs for erectile dysfunction since it addresses both the blood flow as well as neurotransmitters involved in the sexual response.
Combine black ginger with other therapies to monitor and balance your hormone levels, and you are guaranteed to succeed in reversing your erectile dysfunction.
We believe in this herb so much that we have released our own black ginger powder.
We have personally sourced it on the spot, directly from farmers in Thailand to ensure utmost quality at a very competitive price.
Alex, this is amazing information. The level of research is fantastic. I appreciate all you put into this article. I have been wanting to break away from pharmaceuticals and this looks like a great road to go. I’ve been experimenting with arugula, watermelon & beet juice with some success (able to cut back on dosage of pharmaceutical). Question for you, how about cycling the black ginger? Is it required? Does the body build any resistance to its affect after a while? Are there liquid extracts available? While were discussing resistance, how about ashwaghanda? I am very happy with the calming affects of ashwaghanda and wonder if I should cycle it on and off every 3 months or so. Thanks for putting out this fantastic information, I consider myself very fortunate to have found your work.
Thanks Vince, we have been working on improving the quality of our content and I’ve been taking extra time to research topics in more detail to make sure we always present a good overview, highlight the core ideas, as well as back any claims with actual links to the research. Appreciate the feedback!
Which one are you taking? Viagra, Cialis, Levitra? I’m also a fan of Citrulline and Ginseng as natural replacements: http://www.life-enhancement.com/magazine/article/2408-double-your-pleasure
Although increasing nitric oxide using amino acids should only be a temporary solution. From my experience ED can be cured by increasing the metabolic rate and balancing hormones. Often men with ED or low libido are subclincal hypothyroid to some degree. You can confirm by monitoring your morning temperature (just after you awake) as well as average resting heart rate. Temp should be around 98.6 F and heart rate 75-95. Anything lower suggests a low metabolic rate. Many people think the lower the heart rate the better but this is only true in the context when your heart rate is higher because of stress. When you are young your heart rate is naturally much higher than when you get old.
Liquid extract would be the best (seem to be more potent for ED) but it is very difficult to find. Best alternative is to buy the root chips or powder on Ebay (there is a good source that ships from Chiang Mai, Thailand) and put it in alcohol for 1-2 week and make your own extract. Traditionally they infuse it in alcohol and drink a small shot per day (I’m currently in Thailand and I’ve tried some). I have sourced a liquid extract that we will start selling on Anabolic Health but currently it will take a few months at least before we can release it.
I don’t think it needs to be cycled but I have not used it more than a few months at a time personally. I feel like it takes a month before the effects really get going. Here in Thailand they consume it long term without breaks.
I think Ashwagandha is great as a stress reducer, improve sleep and thyroid function, but I never thought of it as a particular great herb for sexual function. I my view it improves hormone levels and increase libido by reducing stress only, which can be done in many other ways as well. Personally Ginseng works better for me to reduce stress.
Thanks Alex, just saw your response. I live in Hanoi, and I know there are now direct flights between Chiang Mai and Hanoi. I wonder if you could pass along info how I can get the chips? Or j However, if you are about to sell from your website, I’ll definitely support your biz. Thanks for the link, I read it and could get through 80% of the medical terms (haha), but will investigate citrulline further. Yes, I take Ashwaghanda for reducing stress, when stress is down, cortisol is down and its easier to sleep like you said. Stress can be a mood killer obviously, but reducing cortisol is the main reason for my taking it. Thanks again!
Buy it on Ebay and have it shipped to Hanoi is probably the easiest. But you can find it in herb shops all over Thailand as well as pharmacies, different brands vary in quality though. I will start selling the pure root powder in the next couple of months, reach out to me on email (“About” in nav menu) and I’ll send you a free sample when we have it in stock.
Hey Alex, thanks for your detailed article. I’m currently living in Chiang Mai, and I’ve been looking for herbal supplements to improve sexual and overall health, so naturally I stumbled onto Black Ginger (also other herbs like Butea Superba, etc.)… My question is, given that you’ve been researching this plant, what is the best brand you’ve come across, and what is the suggested dose? I’ve been taking “Khaolaor Krachaidum Compound”, but I’m not sure of its quality, and also I’m not comfortable with the fact that it has other herbs too. The label reads:
Kaempferia parviflora 250mg
Elephantopus scaber 15mg
Ficus pubigera Wall 15mg
«and other herb, etc.»… (This is the part that makes me less comfortable, why don’t they disclose what “other herbs” does the compound have?)
Also, the suggested dosage is 1 capsule a day at bedtime.
So, I’d just be glad to get some recommendations on better alternatives if there are, and any other knowledge you’d want to share on the matter. Thanks!
Hey Carlos,
Thanks for the feedback! I used to live in Chiang Mai as well, great place.
Unfortunately we cannot sell our own Black Ginger product in Thailand or to Thai customers, as we are only certified by Thai FDA for export since we are a foreign company (but we manufacture in Bangkok). Otherwise I would suggest you ours.
The product you are taking is way underdosed and yes you do not need the other herbs. I am familiar with that formula though, it’s a common thai formula.
I will recommend you this product that ships inside Thailand: https://healthfoodthailand.com/en/super-herbs-thailand/789-black-ginger-60-capsules.html
I think it’s a bit too expensive for what you get. I am aware of the market prices since I also source from probably the same farmers as they do in North Thailand. But either way their product is good.
Since you’re in Thailand another way is to just find a market or herb shop that sells the Krachai Dum root (just show them an image of the purple root on your phone), you can buy that cheap and just infuse in alcohol and make your own extract. I do remember buying some root at a herb market in front of one of the caves in Chiang Mai area, I just cannot remember which cave it was.
Good luck,
Alex
Hey Alex, thanks for the tips. I’ll be looking forward to try the product you recommended. I still have an almost full bottle of the Khaolaor compound, though. In the meatime, given that it seems to be underdosed, how much do you recommend I should be taking?
Thanks!
Alex – the content you provide is impressive and thorough. I am learning so much about how to improve my health – I cant thank you enough for this content. I can’t wait to try Black Ginger to see what it can do for my overall health and wellness.
I think Black Ginger is impressive. As a 53 year old martial artist, it not only seems beneficial to sexual functions but also physical strength and endurance!
The research sounds very impressive.
I cant wait to try it out.
Very interesting information on Black Ginger. Thank you
Amazing eye opening research thanks for the great read
Black ginger sounds great. Especially glad to hear that there are no side effects as that is uncommon in todays world.
Sounds exciting! Can’t wait to try it and come back to post results!
Black ginger is very potent that regular ginger!
I am more interested in thebbasodilatory effects of the this herb. And the positive impact on endurance in athletes.
Super informative! I like how in depth it goes. It talks about PDE5 and the body’s nitric oxide production. It is a great food to include in your everyday diet for many reasons!! 🙂 🙂
At my age and with the job stress, I really need to try this Black Ginger.
This sounds amazing .. I love it when technology + ancient medicine come together to create a stunningly healthy product such as this!!
Cant wait to try this one, i didnt even know that theres a black ginger. Thanks for your blog!
Hi! Alex, should I use, black ginger and Superba with other supplements i.e. Mace, multivitamin? I am diabetic so used prescribed medicines of Metformin and high blood pressure pills. Please advise your recommendation? Thanks!
Hi Michael! Yes, you can drink these with your other supplements.
Hello,
I bought some of the black ginseng but I couldn’t bear the taste. Is the a secret to getting it down?
Hey Melvin,
We’re really sorry about the taste of our product. Black Ginger has a somewhat bitter flavour and we think it works best mixed in coffee, chocolate or juice.
You can also try Toss if possible. You can mix the powder in any drink, smoothie or shake. Use as much or as little liquid as you want, as long as you get it down, preferably on an empty stomach for best results (in-between meals such as before breakfast and before dinner).
Dosing instructions are written on the front label of the bag. We recommend taking 1 gram Black Ginger 2x daily, the included spoon is equivalent to 1 gram. Some customers prefer taking 2 grams 1x daily, you can experiment with this as you prefer.
Thanks for shopping with us! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need any further assistance.
I have died black ginger chips or chunks. Can I steep them to make a tea? Or use my blender and turn it into powder and use similarity to what you’ve recommended here?