Ginseng: Asia’s Answer To Longevity

Used by the Chinese for thousands of years, Ginseng has long been thought to increase longevity and the quality of life. Interestingly enough, it is derived from the Greek work Panax, which means panacea, or all healing. Let’s discuss ginseng and its medicinal qualities.

Regarded as one of the most highly regarded herbs in the Asian hemisphere, ginseng has gained wide popularity in promoting long health and preventing such 

conditions as: depression, diabetes, fatigue, inflammation, nausea, tumors, pulmonary problems, vomiting, anxiety, stress, and ulcers. This is one powerful herb! It has also been used in the treatment of cancer, anemia, insomnia, shock, radiation, environmental toxins, and chronic illness. It increases the appetite as well as energy; eases childbirth and increases infertility in women. What is so interesting about this herb is that is contains anti-aging properties, such as anti-oxidants. 

Moreover, ginseng’s effect on the immune system has been studied for it efficacy in preventing colds, flu, and some forms of cancer. Recent studies have determined that ginseng lowers blood levels of both sugar and cholesterol and may help in the treatment of Type II diabetes. Other studies reveal that a combination of ginseng and ginkgo biloba increase memory. While the components in ginseng promote the growth of blood vessels, this could be effective in treating injuries. 

Additionally, the range of effects from the use of ginseng reveals it has an influence on the central nervous system, cellular aging, internal organs, metabolism, blood pressure, and appears to relieve stress. Specific to stress reduction, which is caused by the adrenal glands secreting hormones used to ward off both physical and emotional stress, it is believed that ginseng is responsible for fighting such stress. More importantly, ginseng has been reported to prolong survival time during cardiac arrests. Not only does it prevent diseases including cancer, diabetes, hypertension and impotence, but it aids in their treatment as well. 

Ginseng is also one of the few herbs that have shown promise in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. While this condition has puzzled physicians for decades, there is no accepted treatment for the overwhelming fatigue that typifies this condition. However, those suffering from CFS often report an improvement in their symptoms after taking regular ginseng supplements.

Ginseng is one of the most widely available of all herbal supplements, and one of the most commercially produced. It is important, therefore, for those shopping for a ginseng supplement to choose one made with the highest quality ingredients. It is also important to look for a ginseng supplement which has been processed as little as possible, as excessive processing is thought to reduce the effectiveness of this herbal product.

Ginseng Overview

Ginseng is thought to be a cure all herb in some cultures, and many people think of it as an aphrodisiac too. In reality it can be too, but it's not as cut and dry as some might like to think.

Ginseng is actually a hormonal herb which helps regulate hormones for both men and women. It also stimulates the body and gives it energy, and the combination of these two factors is what makes it act as an aphrodisiac. Because when a man or woman's hormones are balanced properly they are healthier and thus they have a healthier sexual appetite. Combined with the increased energy Ginseng gives you, it's not uncommon for Ginseng to cause an increase in sexual activity for both men and women.

Ginseng is considered a good herb to take for both physical and mental stamina and health too. It helps the body build resistance to stress, and these of course also help contribute to having healthier sex lives.

Ginseng is also known to help prevent impotency in men though, and it can reverse impotency problems too. As noted above of course, when you start increasing the general health of your body, balance the hormone levels, reduce stress, and improve your energy both mentally and physically... improved sexual performance is an almost automatic and guaranteed result.

Ginseng is also a wonderful herb to use for regulating both blood pressure levels and blood sugar levels too, both of which can contribute to improved heart health and weight or fat loss efforts. Ginseng is also believed to slow the regular affects of aging too.

Ginseng is often used in combination with other herbs for quick energy and stamina. Mixed with Cayenne and Gota Kola for instance, and the combination is considered to be an excellent "pick me up".

Ginseng is often added to teas and other commercially marketed "energy drinks", but unfortunately this is more often a marketing tactic than an actual useful product, because there isn't usually enough Ginseng added to be of much use or good.

There are also many types of Ginseng: American ginseng, Asian ginseng, and Siberian ginseng being the most common, and each has small differences in capabilities as well as taste. Some actually taste quite bad when added to drinks.

In most cases when speaking of the natural medicinal properties ginseng offers, Siberian ginseng is the type being referred to.

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