All about ginseng

We hear reports that ginseng can be a wonder plant, but why? Here we look at how it can treat everything from stress to old age.

The studies on its benefits may be fairly recent, but the use of ginseng has been going on for hundreds of years. Native Americans knew many of the healing properties of ginseng, and it has been noted that when running or traveling great distances they would chew on the root to maintain their stamina.

Ginseng root is native to China, as well as North America. Since the general population of America has gotten away from practicing folk medicine, we tend to relate the major usage of ginseng to Eastern Asia. In fact, most ginseng that is cultivated in the United States is exported to China.

In Chinese, the word ginseng translates to mean the essence of man (gin = man; seng = essence). In China you will rarely find a prescription from a doctor that doesn't include ginseng.

So what is all the fuss about? What is it about this natural plant that makes some translate the name to mean "the wonder of the world"?

Those who used it centuries ago didn't need medical studies or documentation to confirm what they already knew. For years ginseng has been known to be a remedy for fatigue and to increase vitality. The roots were chewed by those who were suffering from ill-health due to old age. Both then and now it is used to treat heart problems. As years have gone by, the list of ailments that can benefit from ginseng has grown. If the previous benefits listed weren't enough to make you want to make it a regular part of your routine, take notice of those to follow.

Ginseng is claimed to strengthen the body. This may be accomplished by the fact that it increases vitality, even in older people, increases endurance and helps fight fatigue, making them more active. Beyond the increased energy for daily living, ginseng is also said to contain steroid compounds. These are much like those found naturally within the body and thus ginseng is attractive to athletes searhing for natural body building aids.

It is said that ginseng can help one resist diseases by enhancing your immune system. Components in ginseng called "saponins" contain anti-oxidants, which along with building the immune system help fight the aging process.

Biologically it is also believed that ginseng can balance your metabolism and prevent headaches. The saponins mentioned above are also claimeed to regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

The above are all claims made by users over years and years. However, more recent clinical studies have also been done, validating even further claims to the benefits of ginseng usage. For years it was said to be an aphrodisiac and now studies claim to show that it truly does increase verility in men, yet it also helps improve the problems associated with sexual dysfunction in both men and women.

Here in western culture, the field of medicine regards ginseng as a digestive tonic and appetite stimulant. When people suffer from mental stress or nervousness, it can wreak havoc on the digestive system. In these instances it is considered useful and valid. It is not regarded as highly here as it is by Chinese medicine, which accounts for our exportation of it to them.

With all of the benefits claimed by ginseng supporters, why hasn't everyone started taking it regularly? Many medical professionals feel that the studies that have been done on the effects of ginseng lacked controls, while some studies that were done seemed to show mixed results. While some studies claim that ginseng can calm the nerves, relieve stress and reduce blood pressure others show the opposite effects. In some subjects blood pressure was dangerously elevated, while others experienced nervousness and sleeplessness.

How can there be such a variety of results with the same herb? The answer may lie in the saponins.

The saponins are found in the root of the ginseng plant and studies claim that there are approximately 29 of them. It is these saponins that are credited with assisting the body in recovering from illness and fatigue. Some conclude that these saponins are not the same or in the same proportion in every sample of root. These samples can be so different because ginseng root is grown in diffrent geographical locations, from the northeast to Vietnam. Experiments have shown that as the plants grow the saponins, also called adaptogens, adapt and increase their resistance to chemical, biological and physical stresses. This would cause the adaptogens to occur in different combinations in different plants. Some claim that Chinese ginseng is stimulating, while American ginseng offers calming benefits.

So what should one do if they

want to try ginseng? Many medical experts believe that until further studies are done and their claims are conclusive, regular use of ginseng should be avoided.

If you desire to try it to see if it will relieve symptoms or help you in any way, be careful in how you choose to supplement it. There is no control over any ginseng products sold, as the FDA does not consider it a drug. In fact, studies have shown that some products out there claiming to have ginseng actually contain none at all. The only way to be sure of quality is to purchase the ginseng root. To make your own ginseng tea, boil 24 ounces of water in a porcelain pot. Add 2 grams of dry, sliced root. Simmer the mix for 30 minutes. This is recommended by supporters to be consumed twice a day.

Even though claims differ as to the benefits or effects of ginseng, the only way to know what it can or cannot do for you is to try it for yourself. Remember, this should be done with medical supervision so the effects can be monitored and noted.