Ginseng, the Herbal King

"Quieting the spirit, removing noxious influence, brightening the eyes, and enlightening the mind. Continuous use leads one to longevity with light weight."
- Shizhen Li, China’s sixteenth century naturalist and author of “Great Compendium of Herbs”

There is nothing average about Ginseng. In the West, ginseng is known as "miracle tonic" that gives people energy boost. Ginseng based energy drinks such as Jones Soda and Snapple Fire may be found at most stores, and ginseng supplements populate shelves of countless supplement shops. In the East, ginseng is considered to be the king of all herbal medicines. During the holidays, it is offered as a valued gift that will bring good health. While ginseng is a potent revitalizer, many people do not really know how it works in the body. Understanding its ginseng can help you administer the herb safely and avoid side effects.

Two most common types of ginseng are Panax ginseng, also known as Asian, Korean or Chinese ginseng, and Panax quinquefolius, commonly called American, Canadian, or North American ginseng. The word “Panax” means “heal-all” in Greek. In Asian cultures, people traditionally believe ginseng to be crystallization of earth essence in the shape of roots, and think it is a cure for all. Clinical studies have shown that such beliefs actually enhance the healing effects of the root. The therapeutic components of ginseng are ginsenosides, active (steroid-like) compounds found in the herb that stimulate body’s endocrine and sympathetic nervous systems, as the herb’s sedative properties induce relaxation. Siberian ginseng is an inexpensive substitute for Asian and American varieties, and effectively enhances blood oxygenation to improve stamina and alleviate altitude sickness. Many climbers and other endurance athletes prefer Siberian ginseng to the other varieties.

A popular adaptogen, Ginseng can increase one’s energy and resistance to physical stress over time when taken in small, frequent amounts (usually 100 or 200 milligrams, twice a week). Under the supervision of licensed clinicians, ginseng is used to treat anemia, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, it stimulates carbohydrate metabolism in the liver, increases/decreases blood pressure, enhances memory and cognitive functions, improves sleep patterns, and stimulates cell growth.
Different varieties of ginseng offer their own unique healing properties. In general, Asian ginseng has a warmer therapeutic effect than American ginseng. Chinese ginseng has a warming effect on the body, while Korean ginseng has a hot effect. Supplementing with Asian ginseng in the winter keeps body temperature warm and increases blood circulation, especially for middle-age and elderly. However, when a person experiences excessive emotional stress, anger and frustration or consumes too much fried and greasy foods, and alcohol, his internal body becomes hotter than normal. It is not recommended for him to take Asian ginseng, otherwise he may have flushed face, headache, sore eyes and skin rashes. American ginseng is considered to have a cooling effect that works well for fevers and respiratory tract disorders by strengthening immune system.
It is strongly recommended to consult with a healthcare practitioner before taking ginseng for health reasons. If you are thinking about trying ginseng drinks or snacks, make sure you don’t take it:

• With coffee because it may cause upset stomach.
• If you are pregnant or nursing.
• For colds and flu or other infections, as it nourishes bacteria and viruses, as well as the body.
• If you have hormone-dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or cancers of the breast, ovaries, uterus, or prostate (relates to panax ginseng).
• If you are on blood-thinner drugs such as such as aspirin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), and warfarin (Coumadin) because it may cause uncontrolled bleeding or hemorrhaging.
• If you are on sildenafil citrate (Viagra) because it may affect heart rhythm and increase risk for heart attack.