By: Ozren Podnar, Zdenka Jurković |
Ginseng – a miraculous root from Far East |
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Ginseng is one of the most famous herbs in the world.
Ginseng (Lat. Panax) is the name of a family of eleven species of healing herbs.
Although Chinese ginseng is the most famous variety in Europe, this plant grows in Korea, Vietnam, Siberia and USA.
The most popular are three ginseng varieties – Asian ginseng (so-called Devil’s bush, Lat. Panax ginseng), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Siberian ginseng (Panax senticocus – eleutero).
Ginseng root, because of its stimulant effects on human organism, has been used since the old days in concentrated form or in diluted form as tea formulation.
The Chinese realized that the regular ginseng consumption enhances overall state of human body, appetite and mental activity and has preventive effects on many forms of diseases.
During Vietnamese War, ginseng was used by many Vietcong soldiers as a remedy for treating soldiers wounded in the explosions.
In the late 50-es of the 20th century, Soviet scientists proved its extremely positive effects on the athlete condition enhancement and ginseng was used in the former Soviet Union as a diet supplement for athlete performance enhancement.
The Russian Olympic team even today uses mixtures based on Siberian ginseng.
Japanese researchers discovered that consummation of Siberian ginseng greatly enhances results of the cyclists – as much as 23% in comparison to athletes not using ginseng.
Root power
The most important compounds in ginseng are ginsenosides, peptides, glycosides and minerals in traces.
Active ginseng root ingredients have many positive effects on human organism - from immune system stimulation to lowering bad cholesterol and sugar levels.
Ginseng has strong anti-stress effect, but unlike caffeine, ginseng does not cause the so-called depressive phase.
It is assumed that such effects are the result of increased activity of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the human brain, But without activation of adrenaline (suprarenal) gland, which is usually activated by ACTH.
Ginseng is used for lowering high cholesterol levels and blood pressure normalization.
It helps reducing bloating, anxiety and fears and is also efficient against insomnia.
Ginseng enhances memory and accelerates acquisition of new skills and knowledge.
It is also used for strength and endurance enhancement and it is believed that ginseng has a rejuvenating effect on human organism.
Ginseng has a positive effect on sexual desire and it goes into the category of natural aphrodisiacs.
In Chernobyl, ginseng was used for reducing the harmful consequences of radiation. Furthermore, it was confirmed that Russians often use ginseng in combination with chemotherapy with very good results, especially regarding bone marrow recovery after transplantation.
During researches, this planted exhibited great results in type 2 diabetes treatment with a 20% reduction of blood glucose levels after sugar-rich meal.
This miraculous root:
- enhances energy level
- protects against chronic fatigue
- reduces stress and insomnia
- strengthens immunity
- prevents many diseases
- reduces bad cholesterol and sugar levels
- enhances memory, learning and concentration
- normalizes blood pressure
- is natural aphrodisiac
- enhances strength and endurance
Application
It takes five to seven years for ginseng to mature from a seed to fully developed plant, when it gets its sweet aromatic taste.
One stem develops several leaves with greenish white flowers that later in ginseng’s life produce cluster fruits of light red berries.
The ginseng’s root is most commonly used in healing purposes. The best time to use it is four to eight years after planting.
Ginseng root is extracted during autumn when it is grinded and prepared into powder, capsules, liquid extract or honey sweets.
Ginseng’s leaves can also be used, but ginseng root powder preparations are most commonly found on the market.
The recommended ginseng dose is 2 teaspoons of liquid tincture 3 times a day. In a powder form, use 2-4 grams of ginseng every day.
Using ginseng is not recommended during pregnancy or during lactation. If you suffer from high blood pressure, consult your doctor before using ginseng.
Panax ginseng can be purchased on our webshop.
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