For thousands of years, the Chinese have known this herb increases energy, cognitive ability, mood, and even sex drive. And Native Americans gathered this herb for untold centuries to obtain similar results.
The herb is ginseng. Although it grows wild in the Northern hemisphere, many countries including the US have chosen to cultivate this valuable herb. Today, ginseng is one of the most popular herbal remedies the world over.
Oddly, Americans seem to prefer Asian or Korean ginseng, while 95% of American ginseng is exported to China!
Most ginseng supplements are made from its bulbous root that is dried and ground to a powder. But the leaves and berries may be processed as well.
As with most herbal supplements, there are few clinical studies in the US on the health benefits of ginseng. This is because most pharmaceutical research is funded by the large drug companies who stand to gain from their research. Since herbal remedies cannot be patented, studying herbs does not attract their dollars.
The scientific name for ginseng is Panax, which comes from the Greek word panacea, meaning “all- healing.”
While many take ginseng for a wide variety of reasons, the most common include:
♦ Boosts energy and stamina. Athletes as well as cancer patients and those recovering from other illnesses or injuries find that ginseng enhances their energy and helps them overcome fatigue.
♦ Increases cognitive function. Many take ginseng to improve their concentration, clarity of thought and ability to learn new things.
♦ Improves libido and helps with erectile dysfunction. Over and above all its other benefits, more people supplement with ginseng to improve sexual function than for any other reason.
♦ Promotes anti-aging. Due to its generous supply of anti-oxidants and its ability to improve blood circulation and support the immune system, ginseng packs some real restorative power!
How to supplement with ginseng
Typical of herbal supplements, you may need to take ginseng for a few weeks or months before you notice its full benefits.
Also, more is not better. Often, people who experience negative side-effects such as headaches or upset stomach can alleviate them by taking a lesser dose.
You may wish to start with one or two capsules of ginseng (200 mg) per day and see whether you obtain the desired benefits.
Also, as with other herbal supplements, after you’ve been supplementing with ginseng for a while, it’s a good idea to occasionally stop taking it for a week and then start up again. This actually helps maintain peak effectiveness of the herb in your system.
Also, because ginseng is a stimulant, it’s best to take it in the morning rather than before bedtime. Remember too that everyone is different, so what works well for you may not work well for others and vice-versa.
Finally, as with all herbal medicines, check with your doctor before you begin supplementing with ginseng.
How about you? Are you looking for a boost in energy, libido, or mental clarity? Try supplementing with ginseng and see what the Chinese have been raving about for 5,000 years.
Yours in Health,
Danette
P.S. I hope you will share this information with your friends and I welcome your comments below.
