Ginseng Benefits

You might have heard about ginseng and its so-called health benefits, especially its use as a stimulant, palliative and aphrodisiac. This herb is also considered effective as an adaptogen (a rejuvenating herbal product). It is believed that ginseng plant was discovered 5000 years ago, in the mountainous regions of northern China. Initially used for culinary purposes, the therapeutic properties of this herb were soon identified. Ginseng has been used for medicinal purposes, for the last 3000 years. According to ancient Chinese medical texts, ginseng can invigorate the body and soul and it is also beneficial in curing many diseases and disorders. The faith in the medicinal properties of ginseng root was strengthened with the belief that these roots resemble the human body. So, the herb is being used through the generations, for longevity.

The English word 'ginseng' is derived from its Chinese counterpart, 'renshen', which means 'man root'. This is because of the forked shape of ginseng roots, that is compared to the legs of humans. Ginseng leaves are also used in some regions, but leaves of this herb are not as effective or as highly priced as the roots. There are many energy drinks, which have ginseng as one of the ingredients. Ginseng tea is also very popular. Even some cosmetics contain this herb. Some people use ginseng root along with chicken meat to prepare soup. If you are interested in knowing more about some ginseng benefits, scroll down.

More about Ginseng

Ginseng is a slow-growing plant with fleshy roots and belongs to the family Araliaceae. These plants usually grow in the slopes of ravines and in well-drained mountainous hardwood forests. It has a single stalk and compound leaves with five leaflets. The flowers are greenish white to gray in color and they produce crimson berries, which bear seeds. The wild plants grow to a length of seven to twenty-one inches and the roots, along with the branches are almost creamy white in color. Roots of older plants (more than 100 years) are highly sought-after, as they are believed to be more beneficial.

Ginseng is commonly found in areas with cooler climates like northern China, Korea, and eastern Siberia. There are different types of ginseng and Asiatic ginseng (Panax Ginseng) is the most popular one, followed by the American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Asiatic ginseng is processed to form Korean ginseng or red ginseng. So, Korean ginseng is not another ginseng species. You may also find Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), which is not actually a variety of ginseng, but has almost similar properties and effects. Siberian ginseng is a different species with active components called eleutherosides. In case of original ginseng, the active components are ginsenosides, which are said to be responsible for the health benefits of this herb.

Benefits of Ginseng

Ginseng roots are generally found to be sold in dried form. You may buy them in whole or in slices. This herb is also sold in the form of tea bags and is an active ingredient in numerous cosmetics and herbal supplements. It was the ancient Chinese people, who started using ginseng for medicinal purposes. They used it for brightening eyes, for strength and virility and to treat many other medical conditions. This resulted in a flourishing trade, as China started buying ginseng from Korea and some North American countries. The increasing demand for ginseng resulted in its commercial cultivation, which is now done in various parts of the world. The following are some of the health benefits of ginseng.

• As per modern research, ginseng is classified as an adaptogen, which refers to substances that increase the body's resistance against fatigue, stress, trauma, anxiety, etc.
• Ginseng is widely used in the treatment of diabetes, especially type II diabetes.
• Ginseng is also recommended as an aphrodisiac and stimulant. It is said to cure sexual dysfunction in men and is believed to enhance libido.
• Ginseng is believed to be beneficial for lowering high cholesterol levels.
• This herb is very popular as an anti-aging supplement. It is said to be very effective in preventing some of the major effects of aging.
• Ginseng is also said to be effective in the treatment of cancer. According to some researchers, the herb may be useful to reduce fatigue in cancer patients.
• Ginseng health benefits include its ability to fight flu, cold, cough and other infections. It has been observed that this herb is effective in fighting rheumatism, gout, neuralgia, anemia, stress, insomnia, headache etc.
• Enhancing memory and improving stamina are among some of the ginseng benefits. This herb is used to normalize menstrual cycles.
• It is said to be a stimulant for the immune system as it triggers production of chemicals that fight viruses.
• It protects the liver from the negative effects of drugs and is helpful in preventing formation of blood clots in the body.

Above all, ginseng is considered to be a herb that can promote overall health. But it is also important to consume ginseng as per the recommended doses, as any quantity below that level will not be of much use. It is always better to start using ginseng with the approval of your doctor. Even if the side effects of ginseng are very rare, there have been reports of some instances.

Though, ginseng is said to be free of side effects, some of the users may experience sleeplessness, nausea and/or vomiting, restlessness, increase in blood pressure, headaches, breast pain, bleeding, etc. In high doses, this herb may cause symptoms that may range from moderate to severe. They include mood swings, dry mouth, vision problems, headache, sleeplessness, itching, edema, fatigue, high blood pressure, increased rate of respiration, decreased heart rate, etc. So, strictly follow the prescribed doses and make sure that you approach a qualified herbal practitioner for such treatment. Pregnant and nursing women, kids, people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, must avoid taking this drug. Even those with autoimmune diseases, diabetes, hormone-related cancer (breast cancer, ovarian cancer, etc), bleeding problems, etc., should not use ginseng.

The above said is only a brief overview about ginseng and its so-called medicinal properties. Though, some of these medicinal uses of this herb are backed by scientific evidence, some others are still not proved. There is no conclusive proof for the same. The herb may prove effective for improving memory and for treating male impotence, erectile dysfunction and diabetes. There is no sufficient evidence to prove its efficacy in treating certain types of cancer, menopausal hot flashes, cold, fever, depression, fibromyalgia, etc. However, there are numerous ginseng users, who will vouch for the efficacy of this herb. So, seek the opinion of your doctor, before using this herb.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.