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About Ginseng
Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) – “The
King of Herbs”, is one of nature’s greatest gifts. It is
used to increase physical and mental endurance, boost
energy, normalize body functions, reduce cholesterol, and
prevent cancer. Ginseng has been used to enhance sexual
desire, by promoting sex hormone production and supports the
natural balance of your body to combat fatigue and
strengthens and protects your nervous system.
Modern research has demonstrated that over 28
therapeutic elements (ginsenosides) are in this vitamin rich
plant. Recent research shows that regular use of Ginseng is
helpful in the treatment of memory loss (Alzheimer's),
balance of blood sugar levels (Diabetes), slowing down the
aging process, helping the immune system, etc.
Over harvesting has almost driven wild
ginseng to extinction. Most wild ginseng hunters make a
practice of planting the seeds of the plant after digging up
the root. Even so, the wild variety is scarce and difficult
to find.
A Quote about Ginseng from the Nutrition
Almanac: "Ginseng strengthens the
heart and nervous system. It builds general mental and
physical vitality and resistance to disease by strengthening
and stimulating the endocrine glands that control all basic
physiological processes including the metabolism of vitamins
and minerals. Researchers report that ginseng normalizes
the level of arterial pressure and is effective in the
treatment of both hypertension and hypotension."
Benefits of Ginseng:
As awareness of ginseng's properties steadily
increase, so does its popularity. Ginseng may be effective
for treating colds, coughs, rheumatism, neuralgia, gout,
diabetes, anemia insomnia, stress, headache, backache and
double vision. It also counteracts the effects of physical
and emotional stress, enhances memory, counteracts fatigue
without caffeine, and improves stamina. Medically, ginseng
stimulates the immune system, helps reduce cholesterol
levels in the blood, has anti-clotting effects, reduces risk
of arterial blood clots, helps control diabetes by reducing
blood sugar levels, is known as an antioxidant, preventing
the cumulative cell damage researchers believe cumulates in
cancer, protects the liver from the effects of drug, alcohol
and toxins, minimizes cell damage from radiation, and
increases intestinal absorption of nutrients.
How to Use Ginseng:
Ginseng is available commercially in many
different forms. The effectiveness of a ginseng product
depends on the concentration and variety of ginsenosides it
may contain. Benefits also vary greatly according to the
processing and percentage of ginseng in the preparation.
Remember, the older the ginseng
plant, the higher the ginsenoside content.
A recent study reported that 29% of randomly
purchased products claiming to contain ginseng did not have
any significant amount of the herb, another 27% contained
ginsenosides in amounts so low that the preparation was
considered unsuitable for therapeutic value. Thus consumers
should be wary of what they are purchasing and be sure of
the ginseng content in each item.
There are 3 main types of ginseng available
on the market today, the Asian (notably Korean Ginseng),
American, and Siberian. Siberian ginseng is actually not a
true ginseng because it does not contain any ginsenosides.
There are two real species of ginseng
available, Panax (Korean or Chinese) and Panax
Quinquefolius (American). American ginseng is
considered a “cooling” kind of herb and is used in
preventative medicine. It slowly strengthens the immune
system and acts to normalize body functions. American
ginseng can be taken continuously and considered the
“premier” ginseng in China because of its preventative type
of medicine. Korean ginseng is considered a “heating” kind
of herb and is used as a stimulant and is often taken by
people recovering from an illness who need a rapid energy
boost. Because Korean ginseng is a stimulating type of
ginseng, it is recommended that it be taken for only short
periods of time.
When
purchasing ginseng, there are three major points to keep in
mind:
1. Many stores sell Siberian ginseng as a
substitute for Oriental and American ginseng. Siberian
ginseng is not a true member of the ginseng family, but a
distant cousin. It does not contain the same ginsenoside
chemicals found in Oriental and American ginseng so it will
not have the same effect.
2. Some ginseng products can contain little
or no detectable ginseng. Always purchase from a reputable
source.
3. If you experience headache, fever,
digestive upset, rash, irritability, or insomnia when taking
ginseng, stop and consult a health care professional.
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