Ginseng - A great healing herb
Ginseng is a name attributed to roughly 11 species within the genus Panax. Ginseng is native to the colder climates of Eastern Asia, including China, Korea, and Russia. It is a low growing perennial that has a large root, actually a rhizome, which is frequently used in herbal medicine. One variety of ginseng called American Ginseng has historically grown in the wild in America. It grows in the northern regions including the east coast and is even grown commercially in the north. Ginseng is not related to another herb called Siberian Ginseng.
Ginseng has traditionally been used to help with stress, provide an energy boost, and act as an aphrodisiac. The root of the plant is most prized for medicinal properties. It is can eaten raw and is often available in a dried form. The leaves of the Ginseng plant also offer some medicinal value, but not in as potent a form as the root. Ginseng can come in the form of roots, a powder, an extract, or mixed into products such as tea. Products containing ginseng generally do not produce any noticeable effect, as the amount of ginseng present in such products generally falls short of the minimum clinical dosage.
Ginseng has been used to treat various symptoms and conditions, including fatigue, stress, diabetes, and menopause. It has also been studied for its effects on aging. One study found that a compound in ginseng significantly prolonged life in mice. Some studies have found ginseng to be effective at treating cancer in animals, although conclusive studies have not been done on its effects in humans.
Another benefit attributed to ginseng is a general feeling of wellbeing and increased quality of life. One Swedish study over the course of 12 weeks found that those who took ginseng showed an increased improvement in quality of life over those taking the placebo. Although ginseng is often claimed to be a memory enhancer, studies have shown only limited effectiveness. Ginseng acts as a stimulant in many ways and may make it difficult for one to fall asleep. It is also known for its libido enhancing effects.
In Western medicine, there has been a great deal of debate over the effectiveness of ginseng. Various studies have reached differing conclusions, which could be a result of the varying potency of the different species of ginseng. Additionally, ginseng has been studied less due to the fact that it is not patentable, reducing the incentive to study it. There have been suggestions that confusion between true ginsengs and Siberian Ginseng may have been the cause of some conflicting evidence.
Ginseng is considered to be very safe for consumption.
Note: This information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
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