Ginseng, among one of the most widely used herbs in the far east, is derived from a perennial plant. The root, which is medicinally useful, is typically creamy yellow or white, with multiple rootlets. It has been used in traditional eastern medicine for many years, and was taken as a health tonic, with touted benefits for arthritis, low energy, erectile dysfunction, and aging, among other conditions.

Modern scientific research has tested many of the claims about ginseng. The herb is now known to have beneficial effects in metabolism, including stress reduction, boosting the immune system, and lowering blood cholesterol levels. Moreover, studies have shown it to have anti-hyperglycemic effects, thereby rendering it useful in the adjunctive treatment of diabetes. In blinded clinical trials, it lowers blood glucose by up to twenty percent more than placebo treatment. Moreover, users also often subjectively report increased energy and endurance, reduced fatigue, and resistance to stresses on the body. In addition, it has been tested for its anti-aging properties. It can prevent senescence of the blood system and maintain the production of red and white blood cells (a process known as hematopoiesis), and also improve mental and physical recovery. As a result, it is now used by both older individuals, as well as younger segments of the population who are seeking to improve their performance.

In addition, because of its excellent safety track record and minimal side effects, it is used to treat a variety of other conditions. These include anemia, rheumatic disease, the common cold, as well as periodontal disease, neuralgia, insomnia, and certain forms of muscle diseases. Finally, many of the pharmacologically active ingredients in the herb are known to be anti-oxidants, and these can therefore be useful in reducing the risk of cancer, liver cirrhosis, and other deleterious aging associated conditions.

When people speak of ginseng the herb and its benefits, they are speaking of one of three different plants. American ginseng is found in North America, and is also now farmed in china. It has a cooling energy on the body, and is believed to be important for stress resistance. The other type of herb is Asian ginseng. This type is also referred to as Korean or Chinese ginseng, and is of a different variety. In contrast to the American herb, it is believed to have a warming effect on the body. Finally, there is an herb known as Siberian ginseng. This variety is thought to have less of the pharmacologically active compounds than the other two varieties; its health effects have received less attention and study.

Both American and Asian ginseng appear to confer beneficial effects on the body with sustained use, potentially pointing to the need to reach certain blood levels of pharmacologically active compounds. In general, ginseng is traditionally taken once a day, in the morning. Users who take the herb in a supplement form typically take up to 1.5 grams a day, although for medicinal and therapeutic purposes, doses of greater than two grams a day can be taken with supervision.

The numerous benefits of this herb make it appropriate for most people in all states of health. Follow this link for an iherb coupon for $5 off the purchase of ginseng from our favorite supplier, and begin to reap the rewards of this amazing traditional herb for yourself!

Disclaimer: This author is not a doctor, and these claims have not been evaluated by the FDA.