Health Benefits Of Ginseng
October 30th, 2009
Several species of the genus Panax are referred to as ginseng. A root herb which promotes longevity and vitality, ginseng can reduce fatigue and protect against illness.
In Chinese herbal formulas, ginseng is used as a yang, or energy tonic. Chinese herbal practitioners often use ginseng to strengthen qi and increase stamina. Ginseng has been a part of Chinese medicine records for over 2000 years.
Ginseng improves stress resistance, enhances mental sharpness and stimulates the immune system, improving the body’s ability to fight off certain viruses and bacteria. Active chemical components called panaxosides produce the herb’s medicinal effects. The root is dried and used to make extracts, teas, capsules, tablets, and creams.
While Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) are known as adaptogens which protect against adverse stress symptoms, American ginseng is different in its composition and effects. American ginseng is known for its antiviral properties.
Ginseng’s chemicals, or ginsenosides, have specific effects on the cardiovascular, hormonal, immune, and central nervous systems.
Health benefits and conditions ginseng treats: Ginseng can lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Studies indicate that ginseng can improve exercise capacity and pulmonary function. Ginseng can improve fatigue of various causes.
Ginseng is a natural treatment for upper respiratory tract infections. The standard extract of North American ginseng can reduce occurrence and frequency of colds as well as treat cold symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, malaise, fever, headache, hoarseness, earaches, and cough.
Ginseng stimulates the activity of immune cells in the body. Ginseng may lower blood pressure for individuals with hypertension and can improve white blood cell counts in people with anemia. Ginseng can also improve general health-related quality of life.
For information about herbalism and acupuncture for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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