Asian Ginseng
Seemingly unattractive, the benefits of this root are being emphasized for its healing powers for almost all parts of the human body.
NOTE: Taking ginseng should be limited to a few weeks intervals at the most.
Usage
The positive effects of this plant on the human body are numerous. Among other things, ginseng slows down the aging process and enables the preservation of strength and physical and mental freshness.
Ginseng is considered being an adaptogen, as it has different effects on the organism, by helping non-specific resistance to biochemical and physical stress.
Brain function
Asian ginseng might give a small, short-term boost to concentration and learning.
Sexual health
Ginseng acts as an aphrodisiac, and it is used to enhance sexual behavior.
Erectile dysfunction
Asian ginseng as part of a multi-ingredient preparation is promoted for premature ejaculation.
How to add ginseng to your diet?
Nowadays, ginseng has many applications - a large number of products are prepared from it, in which a combination of ginseng and extracts of other plants, vitamins, and microelements is frequently encountered.
Apart from the supplements, favorite way of enjoying ginseng is the preparation of herbal teas.
Make a Tea
Ginseng tea has an unpleasant taste, but pure tea is recommended more than the one with aromas and flavor enhancers.
Supplements
Take ginseng as a supplement in a form of powder, tablet, or capsule.
Raw or in a meal
It can be eaten raw (lightly steam it to soften it), or add to soups and stirfrys.
For centuries, Chinese medicine has considered ginseng to be a miracle plant, hence its name "plant that heals everything" and "root of life."
Asian ginseng is native to the Far East, including China, Korea, and far-eastern Siberia.
Discovered over 5000 years ago in the mountains of Manchuria, China.
Asian ginseng is one of several types of ginseng.
Ancient Herbal Therapy
Inhabitants of Asia believed that ginseng treats, among other things, impotence, and blood pressure disorders (low doses increase, while high doses lower blood pressure), inflammatory diseases of the joints, indigestion, insomnia, fatigue, and circulatory disorders.
Always treated as an elixir, ginseng is believed to slow down the aging process and enable the preservation of vitality and mental freshness. Teas and drinks from ginseng root are the most common, but dried ginseng was even used in cooking - as an addition to some soups, stews, stews, and salads, but only if it is previously soaked in water.
About
Ginseng (Latin Panax ginseng) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a thick fleshy root and a stem that ends with few leaves. The flowers are white, while the fruit is red. When mature, it is 30-70 cm high. The plant has been in traditional medicine use for centuries, but many researchers believe that ginseng is overrated.
The name of the genus, Panax, means "all-healing" in Greek and was chosen by Carl Linneus because of its wide use in Chinese medicine, primarily for muscle relaxation. Increasing market demand for ginseng led to the endangerment of the wild-type plant, which is now rarely found.
Ginseng available for purchase, in the form of different products and supplements, usually comes from the cultivated type.
Composition
To what does ginseng owe its fame? It is more than clear that this secret lies in the complex of useful substances, among which are many glucosides, triterpene saponins (panaxin, panaxic acid, panaquylene, panacene, ginseng), phytosterols, mucus, resin, tannins, alkaloids, enzymes, sugar, pectins. Ginseng has a high content of vitamins C, B1, and B2. In addition, the root is rich in salts of phosphorus, manganese, and iron, micro-elements, and macro-elements. The main biologically active substance of ginseng is glycosides; therefore, ginseng has the ability to reduce the concentration of sugar in the blood and to stimulate the synthesis of glycogen.
Another important ingredient is panaxen essential oil. It successfully stimulates and tones the heart, along with blood vessels. It has a calming effect and dulls the feeling of pain. Regulation of metabolism is a function of panaxic acid in the composition of the root. It regulates the glands with internal secretion. Many scientists, however, recommend taking the research as preliminary due to the lack of sufficient in vivo studies.
Side Effects
Although very useful, it is recommended to take ginseng after consulting a specialist, because the dosage and frequency of intake depend on the person's age and the specific disease. Improper use of ginseng can have side effects, such as anxiety, headaches, and even high blood pressure.
There is evidence that overdoses of the medicinal root can also cause nausea, vomiting, insomnia, muscle tension, and fluid retention. It is best to start with low doses, and then, if necessary, increase the dose after a few weeks.
Taking ginseng should be limited to a few week intervals at the most. It is not recommended for people with hypertension.
Expert advice is not to take ginseng during the summer season...
Fun Facts
Ginseng is lucrative! Illegal harvesting market price reaches up to $500–$1,000 per pound of the root.
Sources
Sievenpiper, J. L., Arnason, J. T., Leiter, L. A., & Vuksan, V. (2003). Null and opposing effects of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Meyer) on acute glycemia: results of two acute dose escalation studies. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 22(6), 524-532.
Ernst, E. (2010). Panax ginseng: an overview of the clinical evidence. Journal of Ginseng Research, 34(4), 259-263.
Mishra, J. N., & Verma, N. K. (2017). An overview on Panax ginseng. International J Pharma Chemical Res, 3(3), 516-22.