Ginseng

Ginseng, also referred to as Panax Ginseng, is an herb that has been in use in China for over 5000 years because of the belief that it has the property of increasing the longevity as well as the health of the user. Its generic name, 'Panax', comes from the Greek word for panacea, 'panakos', while the word 'ginseng' comes from 'jen-shen', a Chinese word that stands for 'in the image of man', since the roots of the plant are often in the shape of a human, which are particularly prized. Old roots in particular, some said to be a hundred years old, are considered especially beneficial, since it is thought that the person consuming it acquires the longevity.

Ginseng is available as three main types of species: Oriental, used by the Chinese in their traditional medicine; American; and Siberian. Like the Chinese, the native Americans too have been using ginseng as a palliative for all sorts of ailments since time immemorial.

The Beneficial Effects of Ginseng

Many ancient cultures have held the ginseng plant in high regard due to its medicinal properties. It is thought to have several properties such as being an emollient, a medicine for gastric problems, a stimulant, and as an aphrodisiac.

According to ancient tradition, the ginseng root was taken to rejuvenate, fortify, and invigorate the whole body. Medicinally, the ginseng plant has been used as a curative for all sorts of disorders such as ulcers, stress, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, lung problems, tumors, degenerative conditions, fatigue, diabetes, depression, and even as an anti-aging ingredient. Plus, it has also been used for treating diseases of the gums and teeth, increase women's fertility, ease labor pains during childbirth, regulate menstruation, and improve energy and appetite.

Herbalists regard ginseng as an adaptogen, which means that it improves the resistance of the body to various stress factors like fatigue, nervousness, and trauma. Traditional medicinal systems have referred to adaptogens as restoratives, rasayanas, qi tonics, and rejuvenating herbs. In fact, according to some research, it has been found that ginseng can indeed increase reaction and coordination, lessen tiredness, and improve stamina.

It is also thought that ginseng helps in boosting the immune system, aiding the body in fighting off infection, especially when it is under stress. In research done in the laboratory, it has been found that ginseng can improve learning abilities and memory, normalize blood sugar and cholesterol levels, regulate the functioning of the reproductive hormones, and seems to provide protection to the heart and the liver. However, these effects have to be studied on humans in order confirm them.

Although ginseng is thought to be an energizer, however, it does not have the stimulating effects that coffee has. Nevertheless, those who take ginseng usually report that they have a sense of an improvement in their general feeling of health and wellness.

So, Should Ginseng be taken Seriously as a Cure-All?

Well, despite old world beliefs in the efficacy of ginseng to cure just about everything as well as studies proving it to be so, other studies have disputed the various claims made by its manufacturers. Although, the saponins that ginseng contains does seem to have anti-stress and anti-aging effects. However, many scientists are of the opinion that further studies are required for conclusive evidence that it does. Besides, most of the claims made on behalf of ginseng are based on studies made on rodents, and even though these may have had some of the beneficial effects on them, it may not hold true for humans too.