AKA: Panax ginseng, Panax Quinquefolium, Renshen

The Chinese have been using Ginseng as an herbal medicine for more than 7000 years, and it is one of their most famous imports. In traditional medicine, it is one of the world’s most recognized plants.  The plant is grown all over the northern hemisphere, particularly in the colder parts of Asia where it was first discovered. The Chinese call the plant, Renshen, which means "man root" referring to the fork shaped root which looks like the legs of a man. The scientific name, Panax, is Greek for “all heal” which refers to the plants multitude of uses. The plant grows best in colder climates and it is not easy to produce, taking six full years to reach maturity.

Ginseng is packed with many vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Zinc. The presence of Zinc , which helps with the production of thalamic hormones, is why Ginseng is used to help support the immune system. Ginseng also contains nitrogenous compounds, which helps stimulate blood flow allowing the herb to be effective in erectile dysfunction.

However, what seperates Ginseng from other herbs are the 25 different ginsenosides it contains, which are steroid like glycosides which have adaptogenic properties, allowing the body to counter the effects of stress.

Ginseng is used in thousands of different products and formulas that are aimed at providing vivacity and energy, and it is one of the most used herbal remedy in the market today.

Benefits and Uses

• Spurs production of body's own virus-fighting chemicals
• Helps reduce cholesterol levels in blood
• Has anti-clotting effects, reducing the risk of arterial blood clots
• Helps control diabetes by reducing sugar levels.
• Treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause
• Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure
• Antioxidant, preventing cumulative cell damage believed to culminate in cancer
• Protects the liver from effects of drugs, alcohol and toxins
• Improving the health of people recovering from illness
• Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance
• Minimizes cell damage from radiation
• Counteract fatigue without caffeine and improves stamina
• Increases intestinal absorption of nutrients ..

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with ginseng are headaches, trouble sleeping, and gastrointestinal problems. Allergic reactions may also occur. Other less common side effects that have been reported are tenderness of the breasts, menstrual irregularities, and changes in blood pressure. In some rare cases, ginseng has been linked non-infectious hepatitis and blood vessel inflammation that could result in headaches or stroke. Infants should not be given ginseng as it may result in an intoxicating condition that may lead to death.

Dosage

Dosage suggestions for ginseng seem to depend on the source, with 1000 mg a day being about the norm. A small tablet sized piece of the root taken with a daily vitamin is one of the best ways to supplement ginseng.

coming soon....