Ginseng is one of the most popular herbs and is the most widely recognized plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is very helpful if you consider it as part of your overall health regimen.
There are various types of ginseng. This herb is in use for more than 7000 years. Today, it is the most popular supplement used in various medicines.
The three main species of ginseng includes oriental, Siberian and American.
All these three species have various common elements, but they also have subtle differences.
Benefits of ginseng
An adaptogen: Ginseng acts as an adaptogen, in that it normalizes physical functioning based on your individual needs. For instance, it lowers high blood pressure and at the same time raises low blood pressure.
As a tonic: This herb is used to diminish the effects of stress, boost your energy levels, improve your performance, and stimulate your immune system.
Research showed that ginseng supports the central nervous system, lung function, circulatory system and liver function. So, ginseng acts as a general tonic for your entire body.
Sexual health: Men use this herb to improve the sexual function and also as a remedy for impotence. Ginseng helps effectively to reduce the menopausal symptoms because it increases the levels of estrogen in your body.
Prevention and cure: Most of the conventional medicine systems use ginseng as an essential component in variety of prescriptions and consider the herb as both preventative and curative.
This herb removes both physical and mental fatigue, dissolves tumors, cures pulmonary complaints, and also reduces the effects of aging.
Ginseng is effectively used for:
- Colds
- Diabetes
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy protection
- As a sleep aid
- Chest problems
- Appetite stimulant
The herb is prescribed to restore your memory, and enhance cognitive abilities and concentration that is damaged with improper blood supply to the brain.
Active ingredients of ginseng:
Ginseng consists of vitamins A, B6 and zinc metal. Zinc helps in the development of thymic hormones, which are essential for the functioning defense system.
The active ingredients in ginseng are called as ginsenosides. These ingredients have adaptogenic properties, which enable ginseng to balance and counter the effects of stress.
Other types of ingredients are glycosides, which act on your adrenal glands and help to remove adrenal hypertrophy and production of additional corticosteroids in response to chemical, physical and biological stress. Benefits of ginseng multiply when it is combined with other herbs.
But, there are some precautionary measures to be taken while using ginseng. Pregnant women and children should avoid the usage of ginseng. People with illnesses such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or cancers of ovaries, breast, prostate, and uterus should avoid ginseng as it has estrogenic effects.
Diabetic people should also avoid ginseng as it lowers blood sugar levels. There are some mild side effects of ginseng such as insomnia, heart palpitations, diarrhea, high blood pressure, agitation, headaches, and nervousness.
So, you should also keep these in mind along with the benefits of ginseng.
