Ginseng is the most famous Chinese herb, and it is the most widely recognized plant used in traditional medicine – with a legendary reputation as an overall body tonic, rejuvenator and anti-aging supplement.
If you have not used Ginseng then you should consider it as part of your overall health regime.
Types of Ginseng
The Chinese have used ginseng in medicine for more than 7000 years, and today it is one of the world’s most popular supplements.
There are three main species of ginseng, Oriental, Siberian and American. All three forms share many common elements – there are however subtle differences between them:
· Oriental Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)
Is grown in both China and Korea. Red panax, as grown by the Koreans is the most popular form of ginseng. It gets its name from the processing of the root, which turns it red.
White Oriental ginseng on the other hand is the ginseng root, which has been allowed to dry naturally.
· American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolium)
Used to be plentiful in the United States however, excessive harvesting in recent years has seen it become scarcer. Today, only licensed ginseng harvesters are allowed to harvest wild ginseng.
· Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticocus)
In fact, Siberian ginseng is not actually ginseng at all, but is a derivative of the Oriental species.
It is a distant cousin to panax ginseng found in the Orient. While Siberian ginseng shares many of the same properties of the Oriental species, it is easier to cultivate and is generally cheaper.
An Adaptogen
Ginseng is an adaptogen, in that it normalizes physical functioning depending on what the individual needs. For example, it lowers high blood pressure, but raises low blood pressure.
A Tonic
It is used to reduce the effects of stress, improve performance, boost energy levels, enhance memory, and stimulate the immune system.
Research has shown that Ginseng support the central nervous system, liver function, lung function and circulatory system.
Ginseng therefore acts as a general tonic for the whole body.
Sexual Health
Men have used the herb to improve sexual function and remedy impotence for centuries.
Ginseng is used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, as it increases estrogen levels in women.
Prevention and Cure
Oriental medicine sees ginseng as an essential element in a wide range of prescriptions, and regards it as both a preventative and a cure.
It is said to remove both mental and body fatigue, cure pulmonary complaints, dissolve tumors, and reduce the effects of ageing.
Ginseng is used for:
· Diabetes
· Radiation and chemotherapy protection
· Colds
· Chest problems
· A sleep aid
· Appetite stimulation
Ginseng is prescribed to restore memory, and enhance concentration and cognitive abilities – which are impaired by improper blood supply to the brain.
Active Ingredients
Ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6, and the mineral Zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the defence system.
The main active ingredients of ginseng are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called “ginsenosides.”
These ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that enable ginseng to balance, and counter the effects of stress.
The glycosides seem likely to act on the adrenal glands, helping to prevent adrenal hypertrophy and excess corticosteroid production in response to physical, chemical or biological stress.
Ginseng and other Essential Herbs
Ginseng works well by itself – but when combined with other herbs, further health benefits result.
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