Ginseng has been labelled as a general tonic and as an adaptogen. It is stated in "The Complete Guide to Vitamins, Herbs and Supplements," that adaptogens are substances which have the ability to adapt to the body's needs and which regulate and normalize the body's systems.
Various Species of Ginseng Exist
There are various species of the ginseng herb. The most widely known species of ginseng are Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), Chinese or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), and Japanese ginseng (Panax japonicum). The most popular form of ginseng is Chinese ginseng.
In the Vitamin Bible it is reported that ginseng is well accepted for use as a stimulant of both mental and physical energy. Ginseng has been used by the Chinese for over five thousand years. The Chinese see ginseng as a preventive and cure-all.
Ginseng was Prized More Than Gold in Ancient China
Ginseng is said to have been treasured since the beginning of written history by Study-in-china.org, ginseng. In fact in the Qing Dynasty of ancient China, ginseng is said to have been prized more than gold. And so ginseng is the most famous of all Chinese herbal medicines.
It takes about six years for ginseng to mature. Ginseng is difficult and expensive to grow. The value of ginseng is located in its stained root where there is a complex mixture of carbohydrate compounds, nitrogenous compounds, fat-soluble compounds, vitamins and minerals.
The powers of ginseng to cure many ailments is unique because of the manner in which this herb affects the entire body. Ginseng has also been found to be a powerful immune system tonic by many researchers.
The NCCAM, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, in the United States, reports on various uses of ginseng. Traditional and modern uses of ginseng have included "improving the health of people recovering from illness, increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance, treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause, and lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure".
The active chemical components called ginsenosides, or panaxosides, are found in the root of Asian ginseng. These are thought to account for ginseng's medicinal properties. The ginseng root is dried and than used to make tablets or capsules, extracts and teas. Creams and other ginseng preparations are also made for external use.
Ginseng Inhibits Growth of Cancerous Tumors
There have also been reports that ginseng inhibits the growth of cancerous tumors, helps cure common colds, and works as an aphrodisiac. Both men and women have reported that ginseng has a stimulating effect on their sex drive and improves their sexual performance.
Ginseng also helps you to assimilate vitamins and minerals by acting as an endocrine gland stimulant. Ancient wisdom and modern research point to the remarkable medicinal properties of ginseng. This golden herb of Chinese medicine is appreciated for its health improving properties worldwide.
However, there are some precautions that should be taken when considering the use of ginseng. The NCCAM has reported the most common side effects of ginseng are headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal problems. Asian ginseng has at times been reported to cause allergic reactions. There have also been reports of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, lowering of blood sugar levels and high blood pressure which may be associated with Asian ginseng products.
Sources:
- Conkling, Winifred and David Y. Wong, MD, The Complete Guide to Vitamins, Herbs and Supplements, Ginseng
- Mindell, Earl, Vitamin Bible, Ginseng
- NCCAM, Ginseng
- Study-in-china.org, Ginseng
