Ginseng refers to 11 species of slow growing plants within the Genus Panax. These plants are found primarily in northern China, eastern Siberia, and Korea.
For more than 2000 years, it has been a valued plant in Chinese medicine.
The two most common species are American and Asian Ginseng. The Asian variant of this plant grows wild in northern Manchuria and has been harvested there for thousands of years.
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These plants typically grow in cooler climates, with Panax Vietnamens, found in Vietnam, being the southern-most variation of this plant found.
The main ingredient in Panax Ginseng is ginsenoside. Most of the published medical research on this herb has focused on ginsenosides.
Cold Prevention
It may work to reduce the frequency of colds.
A study of 323 individuals who had experienced at least two colds in the previous year was done. One group took two capsules daily of North American Ginseng while the other group took a placebo daily for a period of four months.
Both groups were also advised to keep logs of their symptoms while simultaneously ranking their severity.
At the study's conclusion, 23 percent of those in the placebo group reported two or more colds, compared to 10 percent of those in the study group.
The study group also reported milder symptoms and fewer symptom days. The duration of each cold was also lower in the group taking the herb, 8.7 days versus 11.1 days in the placebo group.
Erectile Dysfunction
It is also useful for Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
In a study of 90 men who had ED, 60 percent of those taking this herb noticed an improvement in their condition, versus 30 percent of those in the placebo group.
However, for it to be a useful treatment for ED, it should be taken continuously.
Stress Reduction
Ginseng has been proven effective in reducing stress. In clinical studies, those taking this herb were able to withstand higher levels of emotional and physical stress than those who hadn't.
It is considered to be an adaptogenic herb. This term refers to any substance that improves your body's ability to handle stress.
By taking Ginseng, your first encounter with a stressful event will probably be less intense.
Help With Diabetes
Several studies have found it might be useful in lowering blood sugar levels of individuals with type II Diabetes.
In a study published in 2000, Diabetics who were already taking diet or prescription medications were also given this herb.
At the study's end, they found those individuals who were given a daily Ginseng capsule had blood sugar levels that were 59.1 percent lower than those who were taking a placebo.
More research in this area is needed, as long-term effects of this herb are not known. Additionally, there is limited research on how it interacts with prescription medications.
While both types of this herb have been found to lower blood sugar, there is more research available about the American type.
We found several additional studies concerning Diabetics who were taking it. These individuals were able to lower their fasting blood sugar levels, and also lower blood sugar levels after eating.
Researchers have also discovered taking one to three grams of it forty minutes before eating will lower blood sugar levels.
Another study of Diabetics who were taking it along with a high level of dietary sugars, experienced less of an increase in their blood sugar levels.
Help With Alzheimer's Disease
There have been animal studies indicating that the ginsenosides, the chemicals found in American and Asian Ginseng, may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease while improving memory.
However, population studies of large groups of people are needed to confirm this theory.
Dosage
In most of the literature concerning Panax Ginseng, the recommended dosage is 200 mg daily, taken in capsule form or mixed with water.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Chinese medical practitioners recognize a condition called Ginseng Abuse Syndrome. This condition is caused by using very large amounts of this herb or by using it incorrectly.
Symptoms of this syndrome are: high blood pressure, dizziness, heart palpitations, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, edema, vomiting, and a skin rash most noticeable on the face. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should stop taking Ginger immediately.
Since it affects blood sugar levels, Diabetics should contact a physician before using.
It is contraindicated in individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease.
It may also decrease the effectiveness of blood thinners such as Coumadin..
When taken simultaneously with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor Phenelzine (Nardil) you may experience manic-like symptoms.
Those taking diuretics for high blood pressure or Congestive Heart Failure should use caution when taking it.
It should not be used by children, or by pregnant or nursing women.
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine recommend you stop taking it for a week every three to four weeks. They also recommend a rest period of two to three weeks, after two or three months of taking it.
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Ginseng refers to 11 species of slow growing plants within the Genus Panax. These plants are found primarily in northern China, eastern Siberia, and Korea.
