The ginseng plant takes over 5-6 years to grow but the roots can live for over 100 years. It is a perennial that grows between 7 to 21 inches in height when wild. The root is creamy yellow or white and i t has rootlets that branch off sometimes in the shape of a person, thus giving it the Chinese name. It grows naturally on the slopes of ravines and in shady hardwood forests. Ginseng root is the most widely used herb in the Orient.
A perennial plant, ginseng grows between 7 to 21 inches in height when wild. The plant takes only 5-6 years to grow, yet the roots can stay alive for over 100 years. The root is creamy yellow or white in color, and it branches off sometimes in the shape of a person. Ginseng grows naturally on the slopes of ravines and shady, well drained, mountainous, hardwood forests. The root carries all the nutrition and makes it the most widely used herb in the Orient.
Ginseng root comes in three types. Korean or oriental ginseng is the most widely used ginseng in the world. American ginseng has a cooling quality on the body versus a heating quality for oriental ginseng. American ginseng grows from Quebec to Minnesota and to the south to Georgia and Oklahoma. The third type is Siberian, which is also common in North America. Siberian ginseng is a cousin of oriental ginseng but has similar properties. The name ginseng is Chinese meaning "Man Plant" from the root’s frequent likeness to the human form.
The goodness of ginseng has been known for thousands of years. Its benefits first center around its being an adaptogen. This means it stabilizes the systems off the body. Ginseng contains 27 ginsenocides. These enable ginseng to balance and counteract the effects of stress. Ginseng can also be used to lower high blood pressure and to raise low blood pressure. Ginseng increases performance and energy levels in people who are constantly exhausted. Those recovering from an illness and those experiencing a heavy work load will benefit from ginseng.
The presence of vitamins A, B-6 and Zinc strengthen the immune system. Ginseng also increases estrogen levels in women and treats menopausal symptoms. By increasing circulation, ginseng improves memory as well.
Ginseng helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, has anti-clotting effects, reduces the risk of arterial blood clots, and helps control diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels. It is known as an antioxidant, protects the liver from the effects of drugs, alcohol, preventing the cumulative cell damage, and toxins, minimizes cell damage from radiation, and increases intestinal absorption of nutrients.
Ginseng promotes the production of sex hormones and thus is used to enhance sexual desire. It is also used to slow the aging process. Ginseng is used in cures but its main value, when taken over a long period of time, is as a preventative.
Root slices can be brewed slowly in a tea pot (silver or glass) for one hour. Generally a bitter tasting root indicates higher potency. Root slivers can also be added to soups or other dishes. In some preparations it is desirable to first grind your ginseng. The resulting powder can be used in meals or can be placed under your tongue where the high concentrations of blood vessels allow the ginsenocides to be absorbed directly into the blood stream. Also, try chewing the dried root like a piece of hard candy. A quick five minute soak in boiling water will make the root more palatable. The optimal dosage of ginseng is two or three grams a day. Ginseng tends to kick in after six weeks or so, and the most significant results can be seen after six months of use. This is especially true in people with pale unhealthy skin, lassitude, and depression.
Ginseng is safe but it is possible to overdose, especially on Korean ginseng, the most potent of the three types. Overdose symptoms may include nervousness, dizziness, mood changes, insomnia, headache and loss of appetite. Some warn women who are pregnant or nursing not to use it but others say it is safe for everyone. Check with your doctor to be safe.
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