Ginseng plant

Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) - native of Eastern Asia, Siberia and North America is a perennial species known and appreciated for its pharmaceutical properties for almost 5000 years. The Korean and Chinese ginseng is a tonic for the whole body. It was very precious in ancient times and its price was the same with the price of gold. Beginning with the 9th century, the herb was introduced in Europe by an Arab physician and after nine centuries it became one of the most popular natural remedies. It was used initially for its tonic effect over the immune system and for its power to heal virosis and fever states, but its area of use increased gradually and in our days it is used to treat fatigue, afflictions of the nervous system and lack of concentration. Protected by law, ginseng is intensively cultivated in China, Japan, Korea and Russia. Etymologically, its name comes from the word "gin" that means "human" and the word "seng" that means "the essence".

Properties and benefits of Ginseng

Ginseng contains 12 types of bio-active chemical substances also known as ginsenoids. It also contains panaxan (Panax Ginseng), which diminishes the level of glicemia and increases the effect of insulin. Ginseng has tonic (especially over the nervous system), anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressive, hypotensive, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and aphrodisiac effects. It increases the concentration and aids memory processes. It has a positive effect over blood circulation and it improves the function of lungs. Even more, it can revitalize weak bodies; reduce fatigue, and increase work and effort capacity as well as stimulating the secretion of adrenalin. Due to these properties, the consumption of ginseng is recommended to those who sustain serious physical efforts.

It is important to be aware that owing to its nutritive qualities, ginseng can be used by all people, irrespective of age. Because it stimulates the endocrine glands, ginseng increases mineral and vitamin absorption. Because it is an adaptogen herb it contributes to the capacity of the body to adapt itself to the natural negative environment states such as cold, stress and malnutrition.

The quantity of active compounds is significantly larger if the root of the herb is older. The general belief is that the herb reaches its maturity after 6 years of life.

Treatments

According to Chinese tradition, ginseng treats hypertension as well as hypotension, anemia, asthenia, arthritis, digestive disorders, insomnia, and fatigue and increases body resistance during stress periods. The general belief is that ginseng prevents the ageing of tissues and treats impotence. Ginseng is included in the treatment of depressive and debilitative states, memory disorders and diabetes.

Because it is also a stimulant for the immune system, this herb is recommended in the treatment of low resistance to periods of cold. It is efficient in treating physical and intellectual fatigue that is generated by stress. It helps older and younger people as well.

It is recommended in the treatment of seasickness, airsickness and senility.

Mixtures

Used as capsules, powder, tea or nutritive supplements, ginseng can be easily found in any drug-store. The pharmaceutical products must be administrated by heeding the doctor's recommendations. It is important to know that the most efficient mixtures are obtained from the 5 year old herb roots. The soluble tablets are more efficient that the alcoholic extracts. The normal dose for an adult is about 0.03 oz and for a child the dose diminishes to half.