| Health Mail Vol.1 Issue 3 | Title : Ginseng | 1/1 |
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Ginseng is the most famous Chinese herb. Various forms of ginseng have been used as a panacea for more than 7,000 years. This is reflected in its name Panax Pseudo ginseng. Panax from pan meaning all, and akos meaning remedy. The word Ginseng is derived from Jin-chen or Schin-seng, meaning man-root or like a man after the peculiar human shape of the root. Ginseng is native to China, Russia, North Korea, Japan and some areas in North America and Canada. Native North Americans considered it one of their most sacred herbs and add it to many herbal formulas. Red Korean Ginseng is one of the most expensive and sought-after types. Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is said to be safer for use than Asian ginseng. Dried root of Panax quinquefolius , (the species of ginseng which is native to eastern North America) has long been valued in Asia since it was shipped there as early as the eighteenth century. In 1716, a Jesuit missionary, Father Lafitau, found wild ginseng near present-day Montreal, (Québec). A trade in dried ginseng soon developed between North America and Asia. The wide range of effects on human physiology claimed by Chinese physicians has only recently been acknowledged by western pharmacologists who then created the new term 'adaptogen'. The term adaptogen means it normalizes physical functioning depending on what the individual needs. It will lower high blood pressure, but raise low blood pressure. The main active ingredient of ginseng are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called 'ginsenosides'. These steroid-like ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that make it so unique. Studies done in China showed that ginsenosides also increase protein synthesis and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Ginseng is used to restore memory and enhance concentration and cognitive abilities, which may be impaired by improper blood supply to the brain. It increases mental and physical efficiency and resistance to stress and disease. Ginseng is also believed to increase estrogen levels in women and also used to treat menopausal symptoms. It is a herb that is widely used as vital energy tonic. The constituents of ginseng are:
If you do decide to try ginseng, confirm that you are getting actual ginsenosides (one of the main ingredients in ginseng root) as many products labelled ginseng contain little or none of the real thing. Traditional healers say that anyone taking Asian ginseng on a regular basis should take a 1 to 2 week break every 2 to 3 weeks. People taking Siberian ginseng can go 5 to 7 weeks before taking a 1 to 2 week break. Caution: avoid in cases of extreme nervous anxiety, hypertension, cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Those in robust health should limit the use to short periods. Large doses may cause depression, insomnia and nervous disorders. Do not combine with any herbal remedies containing iron, or with Indian or China teas. |
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