Ginseng
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Ginseng comes from the botanical Araliaceae family which include Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), Panax being the Greek word for „heal-all“. In China, the use of ginseng can be traced back to around 100 AD, but it was not until the 18th century that it came to North America. The part of the plant that is used for medicinal and culinary purposes is the root. While ginseng is not exactly a „heal-all“, there is evidence that it can stimulate both physical and mental activity and strengthen and protect the human organism.
Ginseng Constituents
Ginseng contains six glycosides which are called panaxosides and six sapogenins which are connected to the glycosides. Sapogenins can increase endocrine and metabolic activities, as well as stimulate digestive processes and the circulatory system. Ginseng contains the vitamins B-1 and B-12 and is rich in iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, pottasium, phosphorus, mengenese, sulphur, silica, and sodium.
Ginseng Health Benefits
Ginseng is known to stimulate physical and mental activity, to strengthen and protect the human organism, to treat erectile dysfunction and symptoms related to menopause, to lower blood glucose and control blood pressure. It has further shown to bring relief to a number of illnesses, such as bronchitis, asthma, TB, hepatitis C, diabetes, influenza, and digestive problems.
How to Use Ginseng
The Ginseng root is dried and used to make capsules, tablets, extracts, teas, and creams or other preparations for external use. However, Ginseng has also found its way into the culinary area. There are a large number of recipes that either incorporate the root with original ingredients, or introduce it into the recipe. Today, any grocery store’s vitamin aisle carries a wide variety of Ginseng, and besides, there are chicken soup, chewing gum, porridge, seven-up or sprite, jelly, honey, and wine with Ginseng flavor on the market.
Ginseng Side Effects and Risks
Ginseng is usually well tolerated, although some sources recommend that its use be limited to 3 months because of the development of possible side effects. The most common side effects are headaches, sleep disorders and gastrointestinal problems. There have also been reports of menstrual irregularities, high blood pressure, and breast tenderness. As Ginseng may lower blood sugar levels, patients suffering from diabetes should use extra caution with Ginseng. Finally, Ginseng is also known to cause allergic reactions.
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