Ginseng Description

What is it?

'Panax ginseng / P. quinquefolius / Eleutherococcus senticosus'. Ginseng is extracted from the root of several different species of the Panax group of plants from the Far East and North America.

Traditional use

Used through the ages as a tonic, ginseng helps to improve stamina and stress resistance and is often called an adaptogen which helps to adapt to prevailing situations which could be stressful.

Who could benefit?

People suffering stress or those requiring additional stamina. People recovering from long illnesses.

How to buy/take

Take supplements containing standardised extracts. Some experts recommend that you stop taking ginseng for a week every two to three weeks and then resume your regular dose.

Side effects/ contra-indications

Not to be taken if taking tranquillisers or anti-depressants, or if pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not take continuously for periods longer than three months.Do not use if you have high blood pressure.