Ginseng

Ginseng is any one of eleven distinct species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, in the Panax genus, in the family Araliaceae. It grows in the Northern Hemisphere in eastern Asia (mostly northern China, Korea, and eastern Siberia), typically in cooler climates.

Ginseng is promoted as an adaptogen (a product that increases the body’s resistance to stress), one which can to a certain extent be supported with reference to its anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties, although animal experiments to determine whether longevity and health were increased in the presence of stress gave negative results.

A comparative, randomized and double-blind study at the National Autonomous University of Mexico indicates it may be “a promising dietary supplement” when assessed for an increase in quality of life.

A 2002 study by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (published in the annals of the New York Academy of Sciences) found that in laboratory animals, both Asian and American forms of ginseng enhance libido and copulatory performance. These effects of ginseng may not be due to changes in hormone secretion, but to direct effects of ginseng, or its ginsenoside components, on the central nervous system and gonadal tissues. In males, ginsenosides can facilitate penile erection. This is consistent with traditional Chinese medicine and Native American medicinal uses of ginseng.

Ginseng termed as panax ginseng is responsible for improving the overall health of a human being. It is also known as adaptogen in terms of scientific research.

Adaptogens are those substances that are responsible for the restoration of the body to its normal health conditions and that which are also essential for assisting the body to work with out any crucial side effects. Ginseng lowers the cholesterol content present in a human body, prevents the crucial side effects of stress, infections and builds up the energy required by the body. Diabetes patients can include ginseng in the diet since it has the property of lowering the sugar content present in the blood.

Ginseng has the most powerful anti aging properties and it is essential for increasing the mental and physical capacity there by preventing depression. There are three types of depression prevented by the consumption of Ginseng. They are clinical depression, teen depression and bipolar disorder. Ginseng prevents diseases like arthritis, asthma, cancer and releases the blockage present in the airways. Ginseng cures lethargy, fatigue and keeps the body active. It can also cure cold when it is consumed in the form of small doses before the commencing of the cold. It maintains the immune system strong and is also helpful for increasing the immunity against toxins.

Ginseng is essential for relaxation of the lung muscles. Ginseng also improves the male fertility, helps in the activation of the hormones, increases the sperm count there by leading to an increase in the production.

Ginseng termed as panax ginseng is responsible for improving the overall health of a human being. It is also known as adaptogen in terms of scientific research.

• MedlinePlus-Ginseng – National Institutes of Health
• Asian Ginseng – NCCAM – National Institutes of Health
• Panax ginseng – American Family Physician
• Korea Ginseng- The Official Korea Tourism Guide Site

Picture: © Günter Menzl – Fotolia.com

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