Ginseng has been shown in human studies to have a long-term anti-stress
effect and to Improve physical and mental performance, memory, and reaction
time.
This herb is well known, yet shrouded in myth. In Asia, ginseng is taken daily
by millions of people, and is widely revered as a superior herbal medicine.
Ginseng is a confusing topic, yet we can make sense out of the chaos
True ginseng is in the genus Panax, which comes from the Latin word
panacea. The type of ginseng typically used is of the species ginseng. Ginseng
is used to treat a host of conditions, and, when it is taken daily, to
maintain general good health. Because ginseng has such a wide variety of uses
in Asia, it has been viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism by scientists in
the West.
Herbs, including ginseng, with such broad-spectrum action, are termed
adaptogens. The herbs in this category, also called tonics, are, by
definition:
Nontoxic
Capable of creating a nonspecific action. They increase resistance to a
wide range of stresses.
Normalizing. They bring balance to the body, no matter what the problem.
This ability to bring the body to balance and to support a wide variety
of functions is what makes ginseng so valuable as a remedy for just about
any condition. Adaptogens, including ginseng, work best after long-term
moderate use by regulating biological functions, including hormone
function, to defend us against the destructive effects of chronic stress.
In the spirit of this wide- ranging action, ginseng has been shown in
human studies to:
Have a long-term anti-stress effect
Improve physical and mental performance, memory, and reaction time
Enhance mood
Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Relieve hangover symptoms and improve alcohol clearance
Improve congestive heart failure, blood circulation to the heart, and
lower cholesterol
Treat anxiety when due to stress
Stabilize diabetes
Lessen symptoms of menopause, including vaginal atrophy
Ginseng is used in Asia to support sexual energy in older people, but
the scientific evidence for this use is scanty. From what we know about
adaptogens, it seems reasonable that long-term use would enhance all the
body's functions, and a healthier body is likely to behave better
sexually. Even so, there is some scientific evidence that ginseng does
treat impotence, and clinical trial have shown that it increases sperm
production and sperm motility. Clinicians, though, do report that ginseng
increases sexual desire (libido). The same argument applies to the
purported longevity effects. However, though these claims have yet to be
proven scientifically, ginseng has been used by millions of people for
5,000 years, and is the most important herb for men in one of the most
well developed and extensively practiced medical systems in the world.
True ginsengs, in the Panax genus, include Panax ginseng, from East
Asia, the plant we usually think of as "ginseng," and Panax
quinquefolius, or American ginseng.
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), comes from many areas in East Asia, and
is often identified by the region of its origin. Like tea, coffee, or
wines, with their varietal classifications, ginseng can be Korean,
Chinese, or Manchurian, for example.
All ginseng roots, when peeled, are white. Asian ginseng can be
processed by steaming, which turns the root red. This process makes he
root more stimulating. So, Asian ginseng is available as red or white.
Thus, we could have "red Chinese ginseng," or "white
Manchurian ginseng." Ginseng is a connoisseur herb, and different
aficionados have their favorite preparations.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), which grows only in North
America, is prized in Asia. Considered to be a little "cooler"
and less stimulating than Asian ginseng, its uses are similar. American
ginseng is not available steamed, so is only "white."
Several other herbs in the Panax genus, relatives of ginseng, are used
as medicine. They have their own characteristic uses. Most are somewhat
stamina enhancing, similar to ginseng, as well:
"Tienchi Ginseng" (San qi)( Panax pseudoginseng)- not used as
a general energy tonic, moves blood and reduces pain
"Zhu Ze Ginseng" (Zhujieshen) (Panax japonicus)- a ginseng
substitute, also used for digestion and heart disease
Other valuable Asian herbs with similar properties are used along with,
or as substitutes for ginseng:
"Prince's Ginseng" (Tai zi shen) (Pseudostellaria heterophylla)-
a root from the carnation family that is botanically unrelated to ginseng,
used as an energy tonic
"False Ginseng" (Dang Shen) (Codonopsis pilosula)- used as a
substitute for the more expensive ginseng, milder, less stimulating
"Dong Quai" (Tang Kwei) (Angelica sinensis)- probably the most
widely used herb in the world, taken by about 1 billion women daily in
Asia, the main general tonic for women
Ginseng is generally indicated for daily, consistent use in moderate
doses by men over 40 years of age. It is not used in Asia by young people,
unless there is a clear stamina deficiency. Do not use ginseng as a
short-term stimulant. A dose that will feel temporarily energizing can
cause uneasiness, irritability, headache, and heart palpitations.
Ginseng is not generally used by premenopausal women in Asia. This is
not an absolute prohibition, but there are better tonics for a woman's
body. Ginseng is a "hot" herb, in the Chinese herbal system, and
considered less suitable for the woman's metabolism. Women in our culture
sometimes receive benefit at menopause, but ginseng will cause breast
tenderness in some, a hint about the wisdom of the Chinese herbalists.
A typical dose of moderate quality ginseng would be 4,000-6,000mg per
day. Remember that the effects are slow and gradual, and extend over a
period of years.
By becoming informed and following a few selected guidelines, you can
unravel the myths and mysteries surrounding this precious herb. Probably
the most respected, and definitely the most researched long-term tonic
herb in the world, ginseng has something to offer just about everyone. If
it's right for you, make it a part of your life.
INGREDIENTS Panax Ginseng, 200 mg, 60 veg cap
Serving
Size :
Ingredient
Quantity
Measure
RDA *
Oriental ginseng
(root)
200
mg
14% ginsenosides
28
mg
Other ingredients:
Rice powder, magnesium stearate, cellulose.
* RDA means the Recommended Daily Allowance established by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration. This is the minimum daily amounts of
specific essential nutrients necessary for healthy adults 18 year of
age. Requirements increase with age and the RDA may be insufficient
for older adults or those with poor health
INGREDIENTS Panax Ginseng, 200 mg, 120 veg cap
Serving
Size :
Ingredient
Quantity
Measure
RDA *
Oriental
ginseng(root)
200
mg
14%
ginsenosides
28
mg
Other
ingredients: Rice powder, magnesium stearate,
cellulose.
* RDA means the Recommended Daily Allowance established by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This is the minimum daily
amounts of specific essential nutrients necessary for healthy
adults 18 year of age. Requirements increase with age and the
RDA may be insufficient for older adults or those with poor
health
**Statements contained herein have not been evaluated
by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to
diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your
professional health care provider before changing any medication.**
