A perennial plant, ginseng grows between 7 to 21 inches in height when wild. The plant takes only 5-6 years to grow, yet the roots can stay alive for over 100 years. The root is creamy yellow or white in color, and it branches off sometimes in the shape of a person. Ginseng grows naturally on the slopes of ravines and shady, well drained, mountainous, hardwood forests. The root carries all the nutrition and makes it the most widely used herb in the Orient.
Ginseng root comes in three types. Korean or oriental ginseng is the most widely used ginseng in the world. American ginseng has a cooling quality on the body versus a heating quality for oriental ginseng. American ginseng grows from Quebec to Minnesota and to the south to Georgia and Oklahoma. The third type is Siberian, which is also common in North America. Siberian ginseng is a cousin of oriental ginseng but has similar properties. The name ginseng is Chinese meaning “Man Plant” from the root’s frequent likeness to the human form.
The benefits of ginseng have been known for thousands of years. The benefits include being used as an adaptogen, which means it stabilizes physical functioning as needed. Ingredients in ginseng include 27 ginsenocides that enable ginseng to balance and counterbalance the effects of stress. It can be used to lower high blood pressure and also to raise low blood pressure. Ginseng also increases performance and energy levels in people that are constantly exhausted. Those who are recovering from an illness, people with a heavy work load or those that always feel run down are first to praise the effects of the herb.
The presence of vitamins A, B-6 and Zinc strengthen the immune system. Ginseng also increases estrogen levels in women and treats menopausal symptoms. By increasing circulation, ginseng improves memory as well.
Ginseng is used in a wide variety of treatments. These include headache, insomnia, ease in childbirth, strengthening teeth, treating fatigue without caffeine, reducing blood sugar levels, treating rheumatism, gout, neuralgia, and double vision.
Traditionally, ginseng has been used to enhance sexual desire by promoting sex hormone production. Recent research shows that regular use of Ginseng is helpful in the slowing down of the aging process. Ginseng’s value is mainly as a preventative though it is also used by some in cures. It should be taken over a long period of time to stimulate rejuvenation and virility.
Root slices can be brewed slowly in a tea pot (silver or glass) for one hour. Generally a bitter tasting root indicates higher potency. Root slivers can also be added to soups or other dishes. In some preparations it is desirable to first grind your ginseng. The resulting powder can be used in meals or can be placed under your tongue where the high concentrations of blood vessels allow the ginsenocides to be absorbed directly into the blood stream. Also, try chewing the dried root like a piece of hard candy. A quick five minute soak in boiling water will make the root more palatable. The optimal dosage of ginseng is two or three grams a day. Ginseng tends to kick in after six weeks or so, and the most significant results can be seen after six months of use. This is especially true in people with pale unhealthy skin, lassitude, and depression.
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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