Ginseng

Ginseng Overview 

Around the world, people often swear by the hardy herb called ‘ginseng’. Ginseng, whichever variety it may be, has a substance that strengthens the body. Ginseng boosts the body’s immunity and is used to fight fevers, aches and colds. That is why all varieties of ginseng are considered beneficial for people recuperating from illnesses or surgery.

No doubt different varieties of ginseng have certain common characteristics, but to the uninitiated, picking up just any variety of ginseng may lead to unexpected and surprising results. Most people are unaware of the fact that ginseng can be divided into four sub-types. A layman does not know how to identify the different varieties of the herb and is unaware of the variety which is best suited for his needs.

The first step is to understand the fact that there are four major varieties of ginseng:

• Indian (Withania somnifera)
• American (Panax quinquefolium)
• Siberian (Elutherococcus senticosus)
• Korean (Panax)

Each variety shares certain common characteristics with its cousins, but also has features that are typically its own.

The ginseng root is an adaptogen, cardiotonic, panacea, sedative, stimulant and demulcent. The herb has a remarkable ability to rejuvenate the body and help it combat stress, fatigue, heat, hunger, cold and pain. It is believed that if taken for long periods, ginseng helps improve mental and physical performance. Therefore, the herb is valuable to those people who are recuperating from surgery or illness.

The plant grows in rich soil. It is a smooth perennial herb with a slow-growing root. The plant bears a cluster of red berries as fruit. It blooms in summer and bears fruit in the fall. Ginseng is hardy and can grow in almost any kind of soil.

Benefits of Ginseng

Ginseng is a powerful medicinal herb that both stimulates and relaxes the nervous system. It also encourages the secretion of hormones and improves stamina. It fortifies the body against diseases. It lowers the level of sugar in the blood and keeps cholesterol levels in check. Some studies show that ginseng may be useful in raising the level of HDL (the healthy cholesterol). Since the substances present in ginseng have an action similar to the body’s own stress hormones, it is helpful in treating chronic illness associated with old age, insomnia, stress and lack of appetite.

Ginseng leaf is a useful expectorant and it stimulates the endocrine activity. Ginseng is also known to act as a digestive aid and helps induce some increase in the metabolic activity of the body. Ginseng is also helpful in getting over alcohol addiction. Prolonged use of ginseng may be useful to ward off various types of cancer, especially those associated with the liver, ovary, stomach and pancreas.

Asian ginseng is also beneficial to the heart because it can reduce endothelial cell dysfunction. Ginseng also enjoys the reputation of being a good aphrodisiac, but this might well be because ginseng is a stress buster and can really help a person to relax. Because of its ability to de-stress, some doctors prescribe it to treat depression.

Ginseng is also said to have an estrogen-like activity. Therefore, this may help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause. It also helps improve any feelings of depression and gives a general sense of well-being. Certain severe chronic respiratory diseases have been treated using ginseng. Daily use improves respiratory function.

Ginseng Cautions 

There is some concern that ginseng may raise blood pressure. Hence people suffering from hypertension would do well to keep away from it. Since ginseng is a stimulant, high doses may lead to nervousness and sleeplessness. Some side effects reported include euphoria, diarrhea, vaginal bleeding, nosebleed and breast pain. In diabetic patients, ginseng must be taken along with food, to avoid hypoglycemia.