Traditional Chinese medicine has valued the benefits of ginseng roots for over 2,000 years.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ginseng/NS_patient-ginseng Panax ginseng, which is also known as Asian ginseng, is one of the most understood and utilized species of ginseng. This slow growing perennial has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an herbal remedy to combat fatigue and weakness. It takes about 5 years for a plant to produce roots that are ready for harvest. Ginseng is classified as an adaptogen, which means it increases the body's resistance to stress.http://www.aafp.org/afp/20031015/1539.html It is also used as an aphrodisiac and for erectile dysfunction.http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1000-GINSENG%20PANAX%20%28GINSENG,%20PANAX%29.aspx?activeIngredientId=1000&activeIngredientName=GINSENG%20PANAX%20%28GINSENG,%20PANAX%29 Wild American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, was was discovered in American in 1716.http://www.mdidea.com/products/proper/proper00505.html Asian ginseng is noted to elicit more of a yang, or warming, effect, while American ginseng has a cooling, or yin effect.http://www.infobarrel.com/Asian_ginseng_health_benefits
Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus is different from Panx ginseng pharmacologically and it is from another botanical family. http://www.naturalstandard.com/index-abstract.asp?create-abstract=/monographs/herbssupplements/ginseng.asp It does not have the active principles, known as ginsenosides, that are found in Panax.http://www.ginsengfaq.com/GinsengTips/25.php These plants do contain eleutherosides which may function like steroid hormones. There appears to be immune-boosting capacity in those who take this herb.http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3x_Siberian_Ginseng.asp
There is much information about ginseng available, primarily health information about the ginseng herb, specific information about ginseng dosage levels, scientific research results, precautions for usage, videos that include one on how to grow ginseng root.http://ohioline.osu.edu/for-fact/0058.html
Scientific Classification of Panax Ginseng
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Apiales
- Family: Araliaceae
- Subfamily: Aralioideae
- Tribe: ]]Galegeae
- Genus: Panax
- Species: ginseng
How to Take Ginseng
There are various ways to buy ginseng. It is available as capsules, bulk powders, chopped roots, bagged for teas and tinctures. Tinctures can also be made by hand by following a specific set of instructions on How to Make Herbal Tinctures. Dosing recommendations for taking ginseng typically depend on the amount of ginseng which is being taken. They also depend on the condition being treated as well as the source of the ginseng
- Hot flashes/flushes - daily, ginseng tea with 2 teaspoons of royal jelly http://www.google.co.cr/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=6&ved=0CBcQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthsystem.virginia.edu%2Finternet%2Fwomen%2Falternativehandout.pdf&ei=qxY4S8aWCcHPlAfQi8SbBA&usg=AFQjCNHQN9T_QhQOiCWnHHisf8ZHpWth8Q&sig2=JqCLOyhAWNF-jVDJ7f4i1A
- Pulmonary edema - 200-600 mg per day http://pennstatehershey.psu.edu/healthinfo/heartandvascular/33/000137.htm
- Fatigue - chewing of the root, as per dosage recommendations in Fast Facts. http://www.google.co.cr/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=6&ved=0CCIQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fksuweb.kennesaw.edu%2F~pdunn%2Fportfolio%2Fp_program_study%2F6190_projects_contracts_folder%2F6190_project_test.swf&ei=OBs4S8DAKMmzlAfcgo2mBw&usg=AFQjCNH_dASgFonnpQVLmJTtAscP133VTw&sig2=0w2nutS2NiqW3-DqFmOCOw
Health Benefits of Ginseng (Siberian) with Good Scientific Evidence
- Boosting the immune system http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ginseng/NS_patient-ginseng/DSECTION=evidence MayoClinic
- Herpes Simplex Type 2 - can reduce the severity, intensity and duration of outbreaks. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/siberian-ginseng-000250.htm
- Type 2 diabetes http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ginseng/NS_patient-ginseng/DSECTION=evidence MayoClinic
- Improved quality of life in the elderly http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/siberian-ginseng-000250.htm
- Improvement of memory and concentration. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/siberian-ginseng-000250.htm
- Heart disease and Hypertension- As an antioxidant, ginseng enhances nitric oxide synthesis in the endothelium of the organs and blood vessels in the body, helping prevent hypertension, atherosclerosis and other types of heart disease. P. Sandroni. 2006. Aphrodisiacs Past and Present: A Historical View. Clin. Autonomic Res. 11:303-307
- Aphrodisiac - Ginsenosides enhance smooth muscle relaxation that is needed for erectile function, affecting nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway. Animal studies support a role of this herb for increasing reproductive capacity. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/siberian-ginseng-000250.htm http://www.springerlink.com/content/c250hw4hvg4j7737/#ContactOfAuthor
Other Uses of Ginseng Under Investigation
There is ongoing research for finding out if ginseng has a benefit for many different health disorders. Below find a list of disorders that are currently under investigation in this regard:
- Aplastic anemia
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Birth outcomes (anoxemic encephalopathy)
- Bronchodilator
- Cancer chemotherapy
- Cancer prevention
- Cardiovascular risk reduction
- Chronic hepatitis B
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Dementia
- Diabetic complications (kidney damage)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Exercise performance
- Fatigue
- Fistula (anal)
- Heart damage (cardiac bypass complications)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (refractory)
- Intracranial pressure (ICP)
- Kidney dysfunction (hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome)
- Liver protection
- Lung conditions
- Male infertility
- Menopausal symptoms
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Neurological disorders
- Pregnancy problems (intrauterine growth retardation)
- Premature ejaculation
- Radiation therapy side effects
- Respiratory infections
- Sexual arousal (in women)http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ginseng/NS_patient-ginseng/DSECTION=evidence
Precautions and Possible Side Effects
- Side effects are rare when ginseng is used at recommended doses, however the following precautions should be followed according the the Mayo Clinic:
- It is wise not to use ginseng for heat, excess syndromes or with symptoms of toxic heat (terms used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to describe disorders. http://gancao.net/herbology/nature-of-ginseng-453
- In case of diabetes or hypoglycemia, it may lower blood sugar levels.
- It may lower or increase blood pressure.
- There is some evidence that it may reduce the effects of the blood-thinning agent warfarin.
- Should not be used with hormone sensitive conditions, including breast cancer, uterine cancer, or endometriosis.
- Should be avoided during pregnancy due to high level of alcohol.
An Introduction to Ginseng - History, Uses, and Types
The use of ginseng through time is discussed in this video from Healthy Lliving. According to the announcer, the history of ginseng is ancient. The video highlights three particular types of ginseng and talks about their uses and where they can be found. Additionally, the difference between white and red ginseng is discussed.
Ginseng Growing in the Wild
This photo shows a 1-year old seedling of ginseng grown under woodland conditions. The type of sites where it grows best are indicated by the presence of understory plants such as Jack-in-the-pulpit, trillium, solomon's seal and maidenhair fern, sites with around 70% shade. It is also best to choose a northern or eastern slope to maintain adequate moisture. The site is prepared by raking off the leaf litter and pruning lower leaves of trees in the lot where you want to plant. The soil is worked to a depth of 6 inches and stratified seeds are planted at a 3/4 inch depth in the fall before the ground freezes. One ounce of seeds are needed per 100 square foot. The optimal density of plants is two per square foot. After seeding you can return the leaf litter to cover the planting area, or from an adjoining area that you will be planing, or you can use a compost consisting of 75% bark/25% vegetable matter. . About 2-3 inches of cover is needed. The following year, thin the plants to two per square foot. In five to six years, you will have a ginseng root that is mature for harvest.
Disclaimer
The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor for information on ginseng.
References
Fast Facts
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Number of species
Eleven
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Panax
Greek for "all heal"
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Growing ginseng
Typically grows in cooler climates; loamy, well drained soils; needs 70-80% shade
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Most commonly used species
Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius
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Part of plant used
Root
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Preparations
Extracts, crystals, powders, granules, sugared slices, whole dried roots
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Recommended ginseng dosage, long-term
Should not exceed 1 gram dry root per day, divided into various intervals during the day
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Dosage for athletes
400 mg dried root powder per day
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Panax ginseng tea preparation
3 g fresh root or 1.5 g dried root in 5 ounces of water, steep in boling water for up to 15 minutes and strain. May take for 3-4 times daily for up to 4 weeks
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Recommended duration of treatment'
Treatment periods last for 2-4 weeks and a break of 1-2 weeks is recommended afterwards.
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Premature ejaculation
0.2 g of SS cream applied to the skin
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Precautions
Do not use Panax ginseng' if you have high blood pressure or a heart condition
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First cultivated
16th Century in Korea
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Mode of action
It has effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, causing increased levels of plasma corticotropin and corticosteroids.
