A perennial plant, ginseng grows between 7 to 21 inches in height when wild. The plant takes only 5-6 years to grow, yet the roots can stay alive for over 100 years. The root is creamy yellow or white in color, and it branches off sometimes in the shape of a person. Ginseng grows naturally on the slopes of ravines and shady, well drained, mountainous, hardwood forests. The root carries all the nutrition and makes it the most widely used herb in the Orient.
There are three types of ginseng root. Korean or oriental ginseng is the most widely used ginseng in the world. American ginseng grows from Quebec to Minnesota and to the south to Georgia and Oklahoma. Some claim American ginseng has a cooling quality on the body but oriental ginseng a heating effect. Siberian ginseng is a cousin of oriental ginseng, not a true ginseng. The Chinese named it ginseng meaning “Man Plant” for the roots frequently resemble human form.
The goodness of ginseng has been known for thousands of years. Its benefits first center around its being an adaptogen. This means it stabilizes the systems off the body. Ginseng contains 27 ginsenocides. These enable ginseng to balance and counteract the effects of stress. Ginseng can also be used to lower high blood pressure and to raise low blood pressure. Ginseng increases performance and energy levels in people who are constantly exhausted. Those recovering from an illness and those experiencing a heavy work load will benefit from ginseng.
Ginseng root contains vitamins A, B-6 and Zinc. These help in the functioning of the immune system. Ginseng will increase estrogen levels in women and treat symptoms of menopause. It improves memory as well.
A list of things ginseng is used to treat might include colds, coughs, rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, diabetes, anemia insomnia, stress, headache, backache and double vision. Women find it helpful in normalizing menstruation and easing childbirth. Ginseng was used effectively as a mouth wash against Periodontal Disease which is a progressive destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. Ginseng also counteracts fatigue without caffeine, and improves stamina. Medically, ginseng stimulates the immune system by also spurring the production of the body’s own virus fighting chemicals.
Ginseng has also been effective in treating sexual desire. It does this by promoting sex hormone production. Ginseng is also helpful in the slowing down of the aging process. Ginseng’s real value is as a preventative though some use it in cures. As a preventative, it needs to be taken over a long period of time.
Ingesting ginseng is easy. Start by preparing a tea with root slices brewed slowly in a silver or glass tea pot for one hour. The bitterer it is, the higher the potency. These root slivers can also be added to soups or other cooked dishes. By grinding it, the powder can be used in meals or can be placed under your tongue where the high concentrations of blood vessels allow direct it to the blood system. Also, chew the dried root, soaked in boiling water for five minutes, like a piece of hard candy. The best dosage of ginseng is two or three grams a day. As stated earlier, ginseng is most effective over a long period of time. It may take six months before its benefits are felt.
Ginseng is safe but it is possible to overdose, especially on Korean ginseng, the most potent of the three types. Overdose symptoms may include nervousness, dizziness, mood changes, insomnia, headache and loss of appetite. Some warn women who are pregnant or nursing not to use it but others say it is safe for everyone. Check with your doctor to be safe.Ginseng Root provides improved energy, lowered blood pressure, stress relief and more health boosting benefits to those who use it regularly. To find out more about this and other bulk dried herbs, visit More Than Alive – an online store and trusted resource for family health information.
