Ginseng Benefits

For years, the Chinese have used ginseng to cure a variety of ailments – senility, arthritis, impotence, lethargy and many others.  It is believed to promote overall wellness in the body, as well as increase wisdom, virility and enlightenment of the mind.  Ginseng is also believed to prolong the life of the one who regularly consumes it.  This traditional herb has taken many forms – as a tea, as a capsule, as an ingredient in food.   Emperors even used lotions and soaps with ginseng extract.  Ginseng takes on the human form and is seen to be one of the best herbs in China.  What’s more, this herb is also widely used by Native American, also for its curative powers.  This herb has been cultured and harvested for its many health benefits, so much so that its genus (Panax) means “universal remedy” or “cure all” in Greek.

Well, science has now proven the efficacy of ginseng. It has what is called an adaptogen. These are substances that help the body heal itself naturally. This means that it wards off stress-related fatigue and illness, as well as reduces cholesterol levels. Adaptogens also promote one’s endurance, energy and immune system. As an adaptogen, it works without the dreaded side effects caused by manufactured supplements. Indeed, even if you take more than the recommended dose, the consumers do not experience any side effects.

Research has also established that ginseng has a host of other benefits that are provided by close to 30 therapeutic agents. The benefits of this herb include treatment for diabetes (by balancing blood sugar levels), anti-aging (by retarding the effects of aging and slowing down the process), Alzheimer’s (by treating memory loss) and so much more.

Ginseng benefits the body by strengthening the immune system, as well as the nervous system and the heart. It helps ensure that essential vitamins and minerals are properly metabolized by stimulating the endocrine glands that do the work of assimilating these into the body. As a result, the body is more resistant to disease and enjoys renewed and continuous physical and mental vitality. Ginseng is also great for the heart as it normalizes arterial pressure levels. The immune system is made much stronger and more effective by encouraging the production of the antibodies that combat disease. An added benefit is that it helps the intestine absorb the nutrients we found in the food that we eat.

For those who also have problems with sexual desire and capacity, ginseng is an acknowledged solution. It promotes the production of sex hormones that give that much-needed “life” to flailing desires and organs, imbibing the person with virility and the capacity to act on his desire.

Ginseng is also a great way to treat insomnia, headaches, backaches, gout, coughs and colds, anemia, gout and neuralgia. Women also use it to ease pains in menstruation and childbirth. Ginseng also helps to ward off the negative effects to the liver brought about by toxins and radiation, as well as the ravages produced by alcohol and drugs in the body. It also combats periodontal disease, as well as some cancers.

The ginseng plant, when mature, has compound leaves, a single stalk, some fruit, flowers and seeds. Ginseng extracts and supplements are to be sourced from the pure whole root.

There are a different types of ginseng – the red one (Asiatic ginseng) and the white or gold one (American ginseng). Asiatic ginseng or Panax Ginseng is usually found in China and Korea. Red ginseng is actually made from panax white ginseng that is steamed for half a day and then dried. These are usually sold in the form of capsules, tea or ginseng slices. Meanwhile, American Ginseng usually is found in Eastern North America and gives a cooling effect to the body.

The best way to take ginseng is to take the actual dried root. The roots or root slices may be made into a tea, by steeping it in a tea pot for one hour (be sure to use a glass or silver teapot and not a metal teapot). You can also throw some dried roots onto your soup, or add ground bits of it into your food.

The recommended dosage of ginseng really depends on one’s experience with it. However, the average is about two or three grams daily (although some herbalists think that it is best taken every other day).