Ginseng Benefits

It is believed that the ginseng plant was discovered 5000 years ago in the mountainous region of northern China. Initially used for culinary purposes, the therapeutic properties of this herb were soon identified. The health benefits of ginseng were recognized 3000 years ago. According to the ancient Chinese medicine books, ginseng can invigorate the body and soul and is also beneficial in treating 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.

The English word 'ginseng' is derived from its Chinese counterpart, 'renshen', which means 'man root'. Ginseng leaves are also used in some parts of the world, but it is not as effective or as highly priced as the roots. There are many energy drinks, which have ginseng as one of the ingredients. The most common among them is tea, as the health benefits of ginseng tea are numerous. Even some cosmetics contain this herb. Some people use ginseng root along with chicken meat to prepare soup.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a slow-growing plant with fleshy roots and belongs to the family Araliaceae. This plant is commonly found in areas with cooler climates, like northern China, Korea, and eastern Siberia. While, Panax vietnamensis, was discovered in Vietnam, Korean ginseng is believed to be the best quality. Siberian ginseng is not actually a variety of ginseng, but has almost the same properties. However, the most widely used ginseng plants are Asiatic ginseng (Panax Ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium found in North America). The word 'panax' means all-heal in Greek language.

Ginseng 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 the 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.

Ginseng Benefits

Ginseng roots, which usually come in the dried form, are available as whole or in sliced forms. As the Chinese were the first ones to use ginseng roots as medicine, they used it for brightening the eyes, for strength and virility and to treat many other conditions. This resulted in a flourishing trade as China started buying ginseng from its neighboring countries, like Korea and from North American countries. As the popularity of ginseng spread to other parts of the world, commercial cultivation of this plant also began. 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. and do not cause any side effects, even when taken in slightly higher doses. Ginseng is also recommended as an aphrodisiac and stimulant.
• Ginseng is widely used in the treatment of diabetes, especially type II diabetes.
• It is also used to cure sexual dysfunction in men and is believed to enhance libido.
• Ginseng properties include those, which help to lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Ginseng is very popular as an anti-aging supplement. It is very effective in preventing some of the major effects of aging.
• It is said to be effective in the treatment of cancer too.
• 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 and to ease childbirth.
• It is said to be a stimulant for the immune system as it triggers the production of chemicals that fights viruses.
• It protects the liver from the negative effects of drugs and is helpful in preventing the formation of clots.

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