Ginseng

Ginseng is the dried root of one of several species of the Araliaceae family of herbs. The most commonly used type of Ginseng is Asian Ginseng, often sold as Panax, Chinese, or Korean Ginseng. There are three main species of ginseng, Oriental, Siberian and American.

Closely related to Asian Ginseng is American Ginseng, which is sometimes preferred for its milder effects. Siberian Ginseng isn't as closely related to the other two and contains a series of unrelated compounds.

Siberian Ginseng is also considered weaker Ginseng in action and is a less expensive ingredient. Ginseng containing foods and dietary supplements are typically made from a powder or extract of Ginseng root.

Wild Oriental ginseng is extremely rare in the market today and can command a price upwards of twenty thousand dollars an ounce (31103.3 milligrams). For this reason, most Chinese and Korean ginseng is usually cultivated for use.

The main active components of Panax Ginseng are ginsenosides, which have been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Results of clinical research studies demonstrate that Panax Ginseng may improve psychological function, immune function, and conditions associated with diabetes.

From the earliest times, ginseng has been claimed to have a general strengthening (tonic) effect while also raising physical and mental capacity for work. Ginseng is also purported to have an “anti-stress” or “adaptogenic” effect.  Ginseng is an herb that is classified as an adaptogen. The active ingredient found within the ginseng root helps normalize imbalances within the body by increasing resistance to the harmful effects of physical, chemical and biological stress.

Ginseng is widely used all over the world to improve overall energy and vitality, and it is particularly used during times of fatigue or stress. Ginseng has potential value in normalizing glucose levels after meals in diabetics, stimulating immune function, treating male impotence and, when used with Ginkgo biloba, improving memory and symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

Ginseng increases mental and physical efficiency and resistance to stress and disease.  Ginseng's adaptogenic qualities help balance the body, depending on the individual's needs. Ginseng is known to normalize blood pressure, increase blood circulation and aid in the prevention of heart disease.

American ginseng has been found to aid menopausal women with hot flashes, reduce fevers and the loosening of a dry, hacking cough due to smoking or other factors.

Summary of qualities of Ginseng:

ë   Reduce stress

ë   Enhance blood flow

ë   Help control blood sugar

ë   Help control cholesterol levels

ë   Help regulate blood pressure

ë   Strengthens the metabolism

ë   Stimulate the immune system

ë   Vitalize glandular functions

ë   Slow degeneration of cells

ë   Increase longevity

ë   Act as an antioxidant

ë   Increase memory

ë   Increase endurance

ë   Help with radiation damage

ë   Benefit insomnia & sleep disturbance

ë   Inhibit blood coagulation

ë   Increase overall vitality

ë   Help body function optimally

ë   Improve vision & hearing

ë   Strengthen nervous system

ë   Be used in the treatment of impotence

ë   Be used in menstrual disorders

ë   Benefit menopausal stages

ë   Benefit females with ovaries removed

ë   Work as a general stimulant

ë   Help to convalesce from surgery & diseases 

ë   Help to remove toxins from the body

ë   Harmonize & adjusts body functions

ë   Be anti-fatigue factor

ë   Give better concentration

Ginseng in some cases can be harmful. Some people to improve well-being, stamina or sexual performance use ginseng root. It can be used on an occasional or regular basis. For example, in Korea, it is commonly used as a tea.   Concern about the safety of ginseng occurred when high blood pressure developed and disorders involving body fluids and minerals, especially potassium, were found in ginseng users. The symptoms became collectively known as the “ginseng abuse syndrome”. There are a wide range of biologically active components in ginseng and some of these show a hormone-like activity, which may be of some benefit. However, the benefits of ginseng use must be balanced against the disadvantages of excessive use.

DISCLAIMER:  The material contained here should be used for informational purpose only. I am passionate about what I believe and this is only my opinion :)

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