Is Ginseng For Me?

Is ginseng for you? I’m so glad that you asked! Let’s explore that together.

What the Chinese have known for 3000 years is that:

By manipulating the Qi in these meridians (whether by Acupuncture, Herbs etc) one can assist the body to return to balance from illness. Weak organs are strengthened, inflammation can be dispersed, muscle tightness can be softened, agitation is calmed, heat is cooled, cold is warmed, dryness is moistened, and dampness is drained. Dis-ease in the body such as joint pain, headache, anxiety, fatigue, asthma, menstrual cramps, high blood pressure, indigestion and the common cold will occur when the energetic (Qi) circulation is disrupted.

One way to manipulate the Qi in the meridians is through the use of the famous ginseng herb GINSENG. 

Ginseng's genus name Panax is derived from the Greek words pan akos, meaning cure-all. When you look at the root its shape is in the form of a man and is often called ‘man root’. Ginseng is a slow-growing perennial herb native to the mountain forests of northeastern China, Korea, and the Far Eastern regions of the Russian Federation. 

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginseng uses are:

• Replenish chi (general energy)

• Supplement lung's yin (vital essence and oxygen intake)

• Benefit the organs (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys)

• Soothe the mental state

• Increase wisdom (mental capacity)

• Tonify the heart (against hardening arteries)

• Enhance virility

• And delay aging 

(Hsu et al., 1986). 

The Scientific Side

In terms of modern scientific research, ginseng is called an "adaptogen" because it assists the body to restore itself to health or adapt. In other words, ginseng helps the body deal with stress (any type) and creates a balance in the body. 

In Western terms Ginseng has been shown to: 

• Increase physical stamina

• Reduce the effects of stress

• Increase energy, alertness, reflexes and endurance

• Lower cholesterol

• Prevent infections

• Increases resistance to disease Increase cardiovascular health

• Aid in cancer treatment, arthritis and impotency to name a few cases

• Has a tranquillizing effect 

• Improves mental capacity

• Strengthens general well-being and prolongs life

There are 3 main types of ginseng: Korean, American, and Siberian Ginsengs. Although their functions are similar, not all ginsengs are created equal. It is important to understand the heating and cooling elements of each to ensure you have the correct form for YOU before consumption. Ginseng should be used under the direction of a herbalist or licensed health care professional. 

Judy Mazurin B.Sc., D.TCM, R.Ac.