General information
Ginseng. Panax ginseng, is the root of the Araliaceous plant and is the most famous medicinal herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. Throughout the years, ginseng has been reserved for the exclusive use by the imperial families and the super-rich because of its rarity in nature and its demonstrable efficacy in enhancing health and well-being.
The first-ever recorded written documentation of traditional medicine "Shen nung ben tsao jing" (The Holy Farmer's Materia Medica) around 25 A.D. as an "imperial" herb because of its non-toxic and rejuvenating properties.
In China it was known as “man root”, the essence of the earth in the form of a man" and in fact the root's shape suggests the human form. because when the plant is harvested the root usually has two long parts that look like legs with smaller roots appearing above like arms with even smaller rootlets as fingers.
The actions of ginseng, according to its traditional use are to "replenish chi (energy), supplement lung's yin (vital essence), benefit the five viscera (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys), sooth the soul (mental state), increase wisdom (mental capacity), tonify the heart (against ischemia), enhance virility, and delay aging (Hsu et al., 1986).
Interestingly, many of these purported aspects have been verified through modern laboratory and clinical investigations (e.g. see reviews by Chong and Oberholzer, 1988; Liu and Xiao, 1992).
The word panax is derived from the Greek word panacea, which means all healing. Panax Ginseng, from Asia, could be one of the most significant restorative tonics ever known partly because of its remarkable effect on the body as well as Ginseng’s legendary reputation. Its reputation prompted a wealth of scientific study that launched its current popular use in the western hemisphere.
Ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the immune system. Its active constituents are ginsenosides, substances that increase the body's ability to deal with fatigue and stress. Today herbalists prescribe Asian ginseng root for minor ailments including fever, colds, coughs, and menstrual irregularities.
Claims and Common Uses:
- Helps the body adjust to stressful situations
- Believed to increase estrogen levels in women and is used to treat menopausal symptoms
- Used in the treatment of diabetes, exerts blood sugar lowering activity
- Offers some protection against harmful radiation and increases recovery time from radiation damage
- Appetite stimulant
- Possesses anticancer properties (ginseng powder or ginseng extract were shown to be very effective)
- Enhances endurance, stamina and performance
- Boosts immune function
- Beneficial in normalizing blood pressure and increasing blood circulation
- Reduces risk of heart disease
- Improves memory, concentration and cognitive abilities
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