Talking about ginseng makes someone think about Eastern Asia, particularly Korea and Northern China – countries which possesses the suitable environment to cultivate such a plant.  Ginseng is a member of the Ivy plant family or what they call the Araliaceae.  Having the qualities of an ivy plant, it usually grows in mountainous areas; often in hardwoods shaded by the towering trees.

There are two major types of ginseng: The Panax red ginseng and the Panax Quinquefolium.  The former can be found in Korea and Northern China and the latter is called the American ginseng.  The Siberian ginseng is not ginseng per se but it is commonly considered relatively the same with the two mentioned.

Traditionally, it is believed to be used as a treatment for diabetes and is also a known aphrodisiac making it a solution for any sexual dysfunction.  It is known to give energy and is mostly used as tea.

Up to this modern time, ginseng is considered as an adaptogen. This means that ginseng is a kind of plant that gives a boost to the immune system to help the body fight stress, fatigue, trauma and anxiety.  This is why it is considered as one of the most powerful gifts nature has given humankind.  It contains antioxidant properties and it is an anti-carcinogenic agent which protects people from all sorts of illnesses and cancer.

Furthermore, ginseng can benefit by:

• Improving Cognitive Performance

  The mind absorbs a lot of information gathered through our senses which makes it highly sensitive to stress.  It is recommended that taking 100mg to 200mg of ginseng capsule can actually help our cognitive performance and allows our minds to sustain longer periods of activities which require mental work.  This has been shown in a study relayed in the Journal of Psychopharmacology where 30 young people were involved in a clinical study.  Results showed that they experienced less mental fatigue while taking ginseng.  It was also mentioned that memory enhancement may be reached when taking ginseng with ginkgo biloba.

• Lowering Cholesterol Levels

  Cholesterol is a kind of steroids from fat which is produced in the intestines and in the liver.  It plays a vital part in the production of bile acids, vitamin D and steroid hormones.  In the case of hypercholesterolemia, a situation where the blood has high cholesterol levels with high concentrations of the “bad” cholesterol and lower concentration of “good” cholesterol, we are not far from experiencing any type of cardiovascular diseases.  Stroke, atherosclerosis and myocardial infarctions are quite fatal blows if not given enough attention.

  So when a person has high cholesterol level, ginseng is one great form of prevention from the conditions mentioned above.  It is recommended that one ginseng capsule taken once in two days can help lower cholesterol. An alternative for this is drinking once cup of ginseng tea, also once in two days. 

• Reducing Physical and Mental Stress

  Physical and Mental stress are sometimes inevitable especially when there are unusual requirements that needs to be met.  Ginseng can help soothe our physical body and our brain from all of the stresses in the world.  It helps improve our levels of alertness, energy, mental cognitive and vibrancy. This also relieves our body from all sorts of fatigue, stress, depression and mood swings.  Furthermore, taking ginseng regularly helps enhance concentration and recall.

  It is believed to boost resistance against any type of stress – be it biological, physical or chemical.  In effect, it brings balance within.

  A lot of athletes are taking ginseng to improve their endurance.  It is believed that ginseng increases strength and agility too.

  Thus, it is highly recommended that ginseng should be taken three times a week and athletes can take it religiously everyday for three weeks.

• Acting as a Natural Prevention for Cancer

  Due to its anti-carcinogenic effects, ginseng is considered by people from Eastern Asia to be one of the most combative forms of protection against cancer.  This protection is brought about by the compounds in ginseng called ginsenosides which have a parallel effect with that of steroid hormones.  It has anti-tumor attributes preventing cancer from proliferating and invasion, thus, cancer cells easily experience cell death.  Aside from this, ginseng relieves cancer patients from the stress caused by the disease.  It helps the cancer patients in coping with the side effects of chemotherapy.

  To prevent from having cancer, it is suggested to take one capsule five times a week for two months, stop for three weeks, and then continue taking it for five times a week for two months again.  If you have cancer, seek your physician’s advice before starting.

• Promoting Lung Health

  The lungs are responsible for bringing in oxygen to the blood through the cycles of respiration.  Compromised respiration would greatly affect the functions of our body due to the lack of oxygen or the inability of the lungs to expel carbon dioxide.  Ginseng can address this by giving the lungs coolness and moisture which helps one to breathe easier.

• Boosting the Immune System

  In a study mentioned in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, people who are taking ginseng have about 25% lesser chances of catching flu or colds in comparison to those who don’t take ginseng.  It was also mentioned that those who did catch colds or flu experience lesser symptoms. 

  Ginseng contains Zinc, Vit. A and Vit. B6. This means that ginseng strengthens our immune system and prevents us from getting sick.

• Improving Concentration

  Difficulty in concentrating can be an effect of another disorder.  It may be due to the lack of energy and sleep, flu or colds, or other sickness.

  Because of the strengthened lungs, immune system and the antioxidant properties that ginseng brings, it is highly expected that the mind can work well if ginseng is taken. It helps us to have enough focus and concentration.  Ginseng improves the stamina of our minds in dealing with a lot of stresses, thus, making the mind sharper and healthier.  Mental fatigue is minimized and the mind can cope easily.

Ginseng is highly popular in Eastern Asia as a source of cure for so many illness as well as being a source of energy and sickness prevention. It is also being explored by the Western world trying to find out the real benefits it offers especially in dealing with stress and mental alertness.

Sources
altmedicine.about.com
homeremediesweb.com
naturaltherapypages.com.aug
asiachi.com
altmedicine.about.com
chinese-herbs.org
chinesemedicinenews.com
umm.edu