Post by Joanna on Mar 22, 2015 20:08:32 GMT -5
Benefits of American Ginseng
American ginseng (panax quinquefolius) is a slow-growing perennial herb native to North America. Panax is from the Greek word panacea meaning “all healing.” Known as redberry, five-fingers and five-leafed ginseng, the plant is most prolific in deep, moist soil. The root – the useful part of the plant – is spindle-shaped, off-white in color and about 4 inches in length. American Indians used the root as a sacred healing herb. While they were collecting pelts, trappers and fur traders, including Daniel Boone, often collected ginseng to sell for extra money. In China, ginseng is known as a cooling herb and is often called the “king of he herbs.”
American ginseng contains many ginsenosides, a class of triterpene saponins and steroidal glycosides that are found exclusively in ginseng. These ginsenosides are believed to be what gives this herb its healing properties.
American ginseng is used by grinding the root and making tea or by boiling the root in water and creating a decoction. It may also be extracted in alcohol creating a tincture. The ground root is often pulverized and taken in capsules. A liquid extract can also be created from ginseng.
American ginseng is considered a stress reducer, energizer and normalizer and has been used traditionally to negate the effects of fatigue and stress. It is often used as a general health tonic to enhance a person’s mental and physical performance. Ginseng is a powerful “adaptogen,” a substance that reduces the effects of all sorts of stress, be it physical or mental. Roots must be at least four years old to be beneficial – the older the root, the more potent the ginseng. Though wild ginseng is best, it has been over-harvested and is now very rare. Commercially sold American ginseng is grown under artificial shade such as canvas tents.
American ginseng contains zinc, vitamins A, B6 and C and polysaccharide glycans and is often taken in the hot summer months because of its cooling effect. The “warm” Korean ginseng is best taken in the cold, winter season. The American variety is well-known for it’s ability to fight physical and mental fatigue and many athletes take it during training to boost their strength and stamina. Students also take ginseng while cramming for tests as because it helps them maintain a high level of mental alertness and improves memory.
A study in 2005 published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal claims American ginseng may help prevent and treat the common cold. Participants in the study who were given American ginseng got fewer colds than those receiving a placebo. Although some of those taking ginseng did get colds, their symptoms were less severe and their colds did not last along as people in the control group. American ginseng contains potent antioxidants that help boost the immune system and it is believed those who take it come down with fewer communicable illnesses.
American ginseng also helps regulate blood sugar levels and may be beneficial to diabetics. People taking American ginseng before meals have reported post-meal blood sugar levels in the normal range. The herb also has a beneficial effect on the adrenal glands and other organs of the body such as the kidneys. The adrenal glands secrete hormones important to the reduction of physical and emotional stress. Additionally, those suffering from depression and anxiety have benefitted from taking ginseng.
But, like all good things, American ginseng has side effects and those taking it may experience, diarrhea, itching, insomnia, headache and nervousness. Some taking the herb have experienced rapid pulse, increased or decreased blood pressure, tenderness in the breast and vaginal bleeding. Accordingly, people with high or low blood pressure, or women who are pregnant or nursing should consult with their physician before taking ginseng. It should also be avoided tho those taking blood-thinning drugs.
Sources: Medicinal Plants and Herbs and WebMD.