Ginseng is a common herb found in the northern hemisphere, typically in cold regions like Siberia. It’s been used as a flavour in cooking but it has a reputation for fantastic health benefits. There’s evidence from Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries today it has been used to alleviate anxiety, assist in nutrition and with digestive pain. It’s said to influence the “chi” (energy) and is used to treat a lot of “yang” that is an imbalance in the energy within the body.

Ginseng

The benefits of Ginseng include the stimulation of the immune and nervous system, helping in reaching sufficient levels of blood glucose and blood pressure. It has also been proven to aid in treating erectile dysfunction, illnesses like Hepatitis C, to combat deficiencies in the spleen and kidney as well as menopausal symptoms. The broad range of illness that Ginseng has helped with is potentially because of its chemical properties that are called saponins.

These compounds vary in concentration from one geographical zone to another. In Siberia Ginseng may be utilized to boost energy and immunity in addition to stimulate memory and appetite. In Russia it’s has been proven to be used for stress relief. So different countries add various things to the geographic use of the herb. Generally speaking though Ginseng aids the body with anxiety, illness and fatigue.

Inflammation

These saponins have anti inflammatory properties. They also alleviate pain and assist with convulsions. Furthermore, they are linked to the regulation of cholesterol and glucose levels. Ginseng also contains polysaccharides that boost the immune system and lower blood glucose levels. Ginseng is found in many shops in the form of capsules, teas, creams and poultices. Ginseng is an adaptogen.

An adaptogen herb is a herb which may work in different and opposite ways. It can help to lower or raise blood pressure. It can also be used for calming a stressed individual or stimulating someone who’s tired. This is why it has to be used with caution. New investigations have reported that taking Ginseng can assist with the body managing heat exposure, cold, fatigue, viruses, bacteria and extremes of pollution and noise.

Good to know

Research also shows it may help with concentration and memory, colds and flu, increase muscle strength and assist the elderly to be alert. Other studies reveal that it assists with lesions in herpes simplex virus by lowering frequency and severity of outbreaks. Later studies are on the interaction of Ginseng with other medications using the slant of using herbs to treat chronic lung disease, higher sugar levels and Alzheimer’s disease.

The issue however is that some people aren’t tolerant to Ginseng and it may cause headaches, gastrointestinal and sleep issues. Others might have allergic reactions like breast tenderness, higher blood pressure and it could impact your menstruation. In diabetics it may reduce their glucose levels so if you’re on insulin you want to be careful how you use it. Additionally, it interacts with bitter melon and Fenugreek which also lower blood glucose. It shouldn’t be used if you snore (sleep apnoea), have narcolepsy or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. So Ginseng can be a useful herb to get around.