The ginseng plant takes over 5-6 years to grow but the roots can live for over 100 years. It is a perennial that grows between 7 to 21 inches in height when wild. The root is creamy yellow or white and i t has rootlets that branch off sometimes in the shape of a person, thus giving it the Chinese name. It grows naturally on the slopes of ravines and in shady hardwood forests. Ginseng root is the most widely used herb in the Orient.
There are three types of ginseng root. Korean or oriental ginseng is the most widely used ginseng in the world. American ginseng grows from Quebec to Minnesota and to the south to Georgia and Oklahoma. Some claim American ginseng has a cooling quality on the body but oriental ginseng a heating effect. Siberian ginseng is a cousin of oriental ginseng, not a true ginseng. The Chinese named it ginseng meaning “Man Plant” for the roots frequently resemble human form.
The goodness of ginseng has been known for thousands of years. Its benefits first center around its being an adaptogen. This means it stabilizes the systems off the body. Ginseng contains 27 ginsenocides. These enable ginseng to balance and counteract the effects of stress. Ginseng can also be used to lower high blood pressure and to raise low blood pressure. Ginseng increases performance and energy levels in people who are constantly exhausted. Those recovering from an illness and those experiencing a heavy work load will benefit from ginseng.
Ginseng root contains vitamins A, B-6 and Zinc. These help in the functioning of the immune system. Ginseng will increase estrogen levels in women and treat symptoms of menopause. It improves memory as well.
Ginseng helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, has anti-clotting effects, reduces the risk of arterial blood clots, and helps control diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels. It is known as an antioxidant, protects the liver from the effects of drugs, alcohol, preventing the cumulative cell damage, and toxins, minimizes cell damage from radiation, and increases intestinal absorption of nutrients.
Ginseng has also been effective in treating sexual desire. It does this by promoting sex hormone production. Ginseng is also helpful in the slowing down of the aging process. Ginseng’s real value is as a preventative though some use it in cures. As a preventative, it needs to be taken over a long period of time.
Consider these ideas for ingesting ginseng. First, make a tea with root slices brewed slowly in a silver or glass tea pot for one hour. Generally the more bitter it is, the stronger it is. Second, root slivers can also be added to soups or other dishes. As a powder, it can be used in meals or simply placed under your tongue where it is absorbed directly into the blood stream. Also, if you soak a dried root in boiling water for five minutes, you can chew it like a piece of hard candy. Recommended dosage is two or three grams a day. As mentioned above, it may take up to six months of daily use before the benefits of ginseng are noticed.
Ginseng is safe but it is possible to overdose, especially on Korean ginseng, the most potent of the three types. Overdose symptoms may include nervousness, dizziness, mood changes, insomnia, headache and loss of appetite. Some warn women who are pregnant or nursing not to use it but others say it is safe for everyone. Check with your doctor to be safe.
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