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Ginseng

What Is It?

This plant mildly stimulates the central nervous system and various glands and is most widely acclaimed as a mental and physical rejuvenator. Unlike ephedra, ginseng is known to be valuable for improving ailments like inflammatory illnesses and blood diseases and for normalizing menstruation in women and supporting the immune system. Siberian ginseng is quite  different. Although it is not a true ginseng, it is frequently referred to as such because it appears to have some of the adaptogenic effects of ginseng.

How It Works

Ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral Zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the defense system. The main active ingredients of ginseng are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called "ginsenosides". These steroid-like ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that enable ginseng to balance and counter the effects of stress. The glycosides appear to act on the adrenal glands, helping to prevent adrenal hypertrophy and excess corticosteroid production in response to physical, chemical or biological stress.

Indications

• Ginseng is commonly used as an adaptogen, meaning it normalizes physical functioning depending on what the individual needs (for example, it will lower high blood pressure, but raise low blood pressure).

• It is also used to reduce the effects of stress, improve performance, boost energy levels, enhance memory, and stimulate the immune system.

• Asian medicine has deemed ginseng a necessary element in all their best prescriptions and regards it as prevention and a cure.

• It is said to remove both mental and bodily fatigue, cure pulmonary complaints, dissolve tumors and reduce the effects of age.

• It is also used for diabetes, radiation and chemotherapy protection, colds, chest problems, to aid in sleep, and to stimulate the appetite.

Potential Problems

Ginseng is safe when used in recommended dosages. Very high doses can cause nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness, muscle tension, and fluid retention. Anyone  with high blood pressure should check with a doctor before taking ginseng. Also avoid taking ginseng in extremely hot weather. Individuals with heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes or migraine should not take ginseng.