GINSENG - Asia's Ultimate Tonic

Family: Araliaceae; other members include ivy
Genus and species: Panax ginseng (Chinese/Korean/Japanese); Panax quinquefolius (American); Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian) Also known as: Man root, life root, root of immortality, Tartar root, heal-all, ‘seng, ‘sang
Parts used: Roots

Ginseng is as fascinating as it is controversial. The root of an unassuming ivylike groundcover, it has been the subject of more than 1,200 books and scientific papers, yet its effect are still hotly debated.

HEALING with Ginseng
Ginseng owes its healing value to several chemicals called ginsenosides. They are not fully understood, and their effects can be downright confusing. For example, some ginsenosides stimulate the CNS; others depress it. Some raise the blood pressure; others reduce it. These observations need to be clarified with additional research. But researchers have learned a great deal about this herb and its many effects.
1. Resistance to Disease. Some advocates of ginseng call the herb an adaptogen, a technical term for what traditional herbalists call a tonic. Chief among ginseng’s adaptogen
- Counteracts fatigue without caffeine and improves physical stamina.
- Counteracts the damage caused by physical and emotional stress.
- Prevents the depletion of stress-fighting hormones in the adrenal gland.
- Enhances memory.
2. Immune Stimulant. Ginseng appears to stimulate the immune system of both animals and humans. It revs up WBC’s that devour disease-causing microorganisms. Ginseng also spurs production of interferon, the body’s own virus-fighting chemical, and antibodies, which fight bacterial and viral infections.
3. High Cholesterol. Ginseng reduces cholesterol. It also increases good cholesterol (HDLs). As good cholesterol increases, heart attack risk drops.
4. Heart Attack. If the arteries that supply blood to the heart have been narrowed by cholesterol deposits (atherosclerotic plaques) and blood clots form in them, the result is a heart attack. Ginseng has an anti-clotting (anti-platelet) effect which reduces the risk of these clots – and heart attacks.
5. Diabetes. Ginseng protects the liver from the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol, and other toxic substances.
6. Radiation Therapy. Ginseng can minimize cell damage from radiation. Ginseng can provide the best protection against damage to healthy cells, suggesting value during cancer radiation therapy.
7. Cancer. Chinese researchers claim to have extended the lives of stomach cancer sufferers by as many as four years using ginseng. Soviet scientists say the herb shrinks some animal tumors.
8. Loss of Appetite. Asians have always considered ginseng particularly beneficial for the elderly. As people age, the senses of taste and smell deteriorate, which reduces appetite. As a result, some older people suffer undernourishment, which reduces their energy and alertness and increases their risk of illness.
9. Intriguing Possibilities. Several studies have investigated the Chinese belief that ginseng is a mild sex stimulant. None involved humans, and one must be extremely careful about applying animal sex research to people. In animals, instinct controls sex. In humans, more complex social and psychological factors govern it. But, for what it’s worth, Russian studies suggest ginseng treatment increase the sperm quality in bull semen.

Rx for Ginseng
Even if you start with real ginseng, it may not work because it may not be mature. Ginseng roots should not be harvested until they are six years old, but sometimes younger roots are mixed in to stretch the amount, a form of adulteration which may render the herb useless.

Finally, processing can also decrease ginseng quality.

Researchers urge consumers to take “great care in selecting ginseng products,” But how? Unfortunately, the only way to be absolutely certain of ginseng purity and age is to grow it yourself, which is much easier said than done. If you buy ginseng, read labels carefully. Look for products identified by species made with whole, unprocessed, six-year old roots.

Ginseng tastes sweetish and slightly aromatic. To take advantage of ginseng’s many healing benefits, use root powder, teas, capsules, all of which are available at health food stores and through herb outlets. Recommendations range from the equivalent of about ½ to 1 teaspoon per day. Sources say ginseng may be used daily. Others suggest daily use for a month, followed by a two-month layoff.

You can also make a decoction from dried, pulverized root material. Use ½ teaspoon per cup of water. Bring to a boil. Simmer 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day.

SAFETY FACTOR
With controversial herbs, critics often blow any side effects out of proportion, prompting outraged proponents to counter that herb is “completely safe.” Ginseng side effects are no cause for alarm, but no drug, herbal or otherwise, should be considered completely safe.

Problems with ginseng are rare, but the medical journals contain a few dozen reports. Ginseng may cause insomnia, breast soreness, allergy symptoms, asthma attacks, increased blood pressure, and disturbances in heart rhythm (cardiac dysrhythmias). People with insomnia, hay fever, and fibrocystic breasts should use it only with caution. Anyone with fever, asthma, emphysema, high blood pressure, or cardiac arrhythmia should not use it.

In addition, ginseng’s anti-clotting action should place it off-limits for those with clotting problems.
In Asia, ginseng is considered an herb for the elderly. It should not be given to children. Asian studies show ginseng causes no birth defects in the offspring of rats, rabbits, and lambs, but pregnant women should err on the side of caution and not use it.

Other Cautions
The FDA includes ginseng in its list of herbs generally regarded as safe. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults who do not have insomnia, hay fever, fibrocystic breasts, fever, asthma, emphysema, high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, or clotting problems, ginseng is considered relatively safe in amounts typically recommended.

Ginseng should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If ginseng causes minor discomforts, such as allergy symptoms or insomnia, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.

Ref.: Healing Herbs, by Michael Castleman, 1991