Ginseng - Asian, Asiatic ginseng, Chinese
ginseng, wonder of the world, Asian Ginseng
Parts Used
Root
Active Compounds
Ginseng's actions in the body are due to
a complex interplay of constituents. The primary group are the ginsenosides,
which are believed to increase energy, counter the effects of stress,
and enhance intellectual and physical performance. Thirteen ginseno-sides
have been identified in Asian ginseng. Ginsenosides Rgl and Rbl have
received the most attention.
Other constituents include the panaxans, which help lower blood
sugar, and the polysaccharides (complex sugar molecules), which
support immune function.
History
Asian ginseng has been a part of Chinese
medicine for over 2,000 years. The first reference to the health enhancing
use of Asian ginseng dates to the first century A.D Historically,
it had been described as: "It is used for repairing the five
viscera, quieting the spirit, curbing the emotion, stopping agitation,
removing noxious influence, brightening the eyes, enlightening the
mind, and increasing wisdom. Continuous use leads one to longevity
with light weight." Ginseng was commonly used by elderly persons
in the Orient to improve mental and physical vitality.
Remedies
For
Ginseng is believed to be helpful in:
Aerobic capacity
Alzheimer's disease
Atherosclerosis
Athletic performance
Chemotherapy support
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Common cold/sore throat
Diabetes
Endurance and stress
Fibromyalgia
Influenza (flu)
Male reproductive system support
Ginseng is a demulcent, panacea, stimulant, stomachic. The chines
have held ginseng root in almost religious esteem as a panacea for
all ailments for thousands of years. The roots that resemble a human
being is the most prized ones.
Ginseng is considered valuable for feverish and inflammatory illnesses,
for hemorrhage, and for blood diseases. Women also take it for everything
from normalizing menstruation to easing childbirth. Ginseng promote
both physical and mental vigor. It is believed to be an aphrodisiac.
It promotes appetite and may help digestive disturbances. It is
mildly stimulating to the central nervous system and to various
glands. It is helpful for coughs, colds, and various chest problems.
Description
Asiatic ginseng is a small perennial plant
which grows in the damp woodlands of Manchuria. It is cultivated primarily
in Korea. The aromatic root commonly grows to a length of 2 feet or
more and is often divided at the end. The simple, glabrous stem bears
near the top a whorl of three or five palmately compound leaves consisting
of five oblong ovate, finely double serrated leaflets. From June to
August, the plant is topped by a solitary simple umbel of greenish
yellow flowers. The fruit is a small red, edible, berry. Ginseng's
high reputation in the orient ensures that the wild plant remains
extremely rare; world trade in ginseng consists almost exclusively
of cultivated plants.
Dosage
The best known clinical forms of ginseng are standardized herbal
extracts that supply approximately 4-7% ginsenosides; more concentrated
extracts may be less effective due to reduction of panaxan levels.
People often take 100-200 mg per day. Nonstandardized extracts require
a higher intake, generally 1-2 grams per day for tablets or 2 -
3 ml for fresh herb tincture.
Use only thoroughly dried root. Make it into a tea according to
your taste and use as needed.
Ginseng is usually used for two to three weeks continuously, followed
by a 1 to 2 -week "rest" period before resuming.
Safety
Used at the recommended dosage, ginseng is generally safe. In rare
instances, it may cause over-stimulation and possibly insomnia.
Consuming caffeine with ginseng increases the risk of over-stimulation
and gastrointestinal upset. Persons with. uncontrolled high blood
pressure should not use ginseng. Long-term use of ginseng may cause
menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women. Ginseng
is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
M
