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What Is It
Panax ginseng (also called Asian, Chinese, or Korean ginseng)
has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to
enhance both longevity and the quality of life. Panax ginseng
is the most widely available and extensively studied form
of this herb. Another species, Panax quinquefolius or American
ginseng, is grown mainly in the Midwest and exported to China.
The medicinal part of the plant is its slow-growing root,
which is harvested after four to six years, when its overall
ginsenoside content (the main active ingredient is ginseng)
is at its peak. There are 13 different ginsenosides in all.
Panax ginseng also contains panaxans, substances that can
lower blood sugar, and polysaccharides, complex sugar molecules
that enhance the immune system. "White" ginseng
is simply the dried root; "red" ginseng has been
steamed and dried.
What Does It Do
The primary health benefits of Panax ginseng derived from
its immune stimulating and antioxidant properties, as well
as from its ability to protect the body against the adverse
effects of stress.
Common Uses
•Combats the physical effects of stress.
•May treat impotence and infertility in men.
•Boosts energy.
Prevention
Ginseng may help the body combat a variety of illnesses. It
stimulates the production of specialized immune cells called
"killer T cells," which destroy harmful viruses
and bacteria.
Studies have also indicated that the herb may inhibit the
growth of certain cancer cells. A large Korean study found
that the risk of developing cancer in people who took ginseng
was half that of subjects who did not take it. Although ginseng
powders and tinctures were shown to have cancer-preventive
effect, eating fresh ginseng root or drinking ginseng juice
or tea did not lower cancer risk.
Additional Benefits
Ginseng may benefit people who are feeling fatigued and over
stressed and those recovering from a long illness. The herb
has been shown to balance the release of stress hormones in
the body and support the organs that produce these hormones,
namely the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain and
the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys. Ginseng
may also enhance the production of endorphins, "feel-good"
chemicals produced by the brain.
Many long-distance runners and body-builders take ginseng
to heighten physical endurance. Herbalist believe that ginseng
can delay fatigue by enabling the exercising muscles to use
energy more efficiently. Some research, however, contradicts
this hypothesis.
Though the way it works is not clear, ginseng may be helpful
for impotence. Some of its active ingredients appear to affect
smooth muscle tissue and improve erectile function. Men with
fertility problems may benefit from ginseng as well because
animal studies indicate it increases testosterone levels and
sperm productions.
How To Take It
Dosage: Select a product that is standardized to
contain at least 7% ginsenosides. For general health and combating
fatigue: Take 100 to 250 mg Panax ginseng once or twice a
day. To support the body in times of stress or during recovery
from an illness: Take 100 to 250 mg twice a day. For male
impotence and infertility: Take 100 to 250 mg twice a day.
Guidelines For Use: Start at the lower end
of the dosage range and increase your intake gradually. Some
experts recommend that you stop taking ginseng form a week
every two or three weeks and then resume your regular dose.
In some cases, ginseng may be rotated with other immune-stimulating
herbs, such as astragalus or Siberian ginseng.
Possible Side Effects
At the doses recommended, ginseng is unlikely to cause any
side effects. There have been reports that higher doses cause
nervousness, insomnia, headache, and stomach upset; if you
have any of these problems, reduce your dose. The combination
of ginseng and caffeine may intensify these reactions, so
cut back on or avoid caffeine. Some women report increased
menstrual bleeding or breast tenderness with high doses of
ginseng. If this occurs, reduce your dose or stop using it.
Caution!
• Don't take Panax ginseng if you have uncontrolled
high blood pressure or a heart rhythm irregularity.
• Don't use Panax ginseng if you are pregnant.
• Don't use Panax ginseng if you take MAO inhibitor
drugs.
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