Ginseng is a herbal medicine used widely throughout the world to moderate the effects of stress and support or enhance circulation, immunity, cognitive performance, and antioxidant activity. In fact, Ginseng is traditionally used in Asian countries to maintain homeostasis of the body and to enhance vital energy, or Chi. The herb has received significant research attention in Europe and the U.S, where the effects of stress play a role in quality of life and in many chronic diseases.
Recent research shows that Ginseng has anti-fatigue properties that support the health of cells by reducing oxidative stress (antioxidant activity) and help strengthen the immune system. Taken together, these properties can explain Ginseng’s use as remedy to help with recovery from fatigue and physical and mental stress.
There are several varieties of Ginseng but it is Panax Ginseng (Asian) and Panax quinquefolius (American variety) that has received the most attention. Panax is a Greek term meaning “all heal.” Another related root is Siberian Ginseng, which has different effects and benefits for the body. It’s always best to obtain a Ginseng supplement from your holistic practitioner. This will ensure that you are using the proper variety and dose for your particular health concerns.
References
- Al-kuraish, H.M. & Al-Gareeb, A.I., “Eustress and Malondialdehyde (MDA): Role of Panax Ginseng: Randomized Placebo Controlled Study,” Iranian Jl of Psychiatry (July 2017) 12:3, 194-200. Accessed 2 Nov 2017: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5640581/
- Reay, J. L., Scholey, A. B. and Kennedy, D. O. “”Panax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adults.” Hum. Psychopharmacol. Clin. (2010), Exp., 25: 462–471. doi:10.1002/hup.1138 Accessed 2 Nov 2017: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hup.1138/abstract
- Geng J., Dong J., Ni H, Lee, M.S., et al., “Ginseng for cognition. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews” (2010) Issue 12. Art. No.: CD007769. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007769.pub2. Accessed 2 Nov 17: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21154383
- Shergis, J. L., Zhang, A. L., Zhou, W. and Xue, C. C. (2013), “Panax ginseng in Randomised Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review.” Phytother. Res., 27: 949–965. doi:10.1002/ptr.4832 Accessed 2 Nov 17: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.4832/abstract
- Kim, Hyeong-Geug et al. “Antifatigue Effects of Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Ed. John E. Mendelson. PLoS ONE 8.4 (2013): e61271. PMC. Web. 2 Nov. 2017. Accessed 2 Nov 17: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3629193/