Ginseng is a powerful antioxidant-rich herb. According to Arlene Semeco of Healthline, research suggests that it may benefit brain health, immune function, blood sugar control, and other areas. Ginseng has also been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This slow-growing, short plant with fleshy roots can be classified as fresh, white, or red depending on how long it has been grown. Fresh ginseng is harvested before four years, white ginseng is harvested between the and six years, and red ginseng is harvested after six years or more. Sun-Hye Choi and colleagues found that ginseng contains two important compounds: ginsenosides and gintonin. These compounds work together to provide health benefits.
Ginseng has traditionally been used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Western scientists and health professionals, according to Joseph Nordqvist of Medical News Today, frequently question the medicinal properties of ginseng. There is no conclusive evidence of its true efficacy. The quality and potential medicinal properties of ginseng products can vary. Before purchasing any ginseng product, check the ingredients, as some may contain a trace or negligible amount of ginseng, while others may contain other substances. Ginseng may help people who are tired and weak to increase their physical and mental activity. Ginseng was found to be effective in treating chronic fatigue in a 2013 study of 21 men and 69 women. However, the study only looked at the energy-boosting effects of ginseng in people who were currently undergoing treatment. Ginseng did not produce statistically significant results in people who had completed cancer treatment.
Ginseng has been shown to boost memory and reduce stress. More research is needed, but it may also help with cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and anxiety. Ginseng may also alleviate erectile dysfunction symptoms by lowering oxidative stress in tissues and increasing blood flow to the penile muscles. Furthermore, it can improve immune function and possibly increase immune cell levels. More research, however, is required to support these claims. Ginseng, particularly fermented red ginseng, may aid in insulin production, blood sugar uptake in cells, and antioxidant protection. Ginseng root can be used in a variety of ways. It can be eaten raw or lightly steamed to soften. Tea can be made by stewing it in water. Simply add hot water to freshly sliced ginseng and steep for several minutes. Ginseng can be used in a variety of recipes, including soups and stir-fried dishes. The extract is also available in powder, tablet, capsule, and oil forms. According to Arlene Semeco, daily doses of 1-2 g raw ginseng root or 200-400 mg extract are recommended. It is best, to begin with, lower doses and gradually increase them.
Ginseng appears to be safe and should not have any serious side effects, according to research. People on diabetes medications, on the other hand, should closely monitor their blood sugar levels when using ginseng to ensure they do not fall too low. Ginseng may also reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs. For these reasons, it's best to consult with a doctor before taking it. Ginseng is an herbal supplement that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels and have anti-cancer properties. Ginseng may be worth a try if you want to improve a specific condition or simply boost your health.
DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas
References:
1. 7 Proven Health Benefits of Ginseng
By Arlene Semeco, MS, RD — Medically reviewed by Amy Richter, RD, Nutrition — Updated on October 17, 2022
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginseng-benefits
2. What are the health benefits of ginseng?
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Joseph Nordqvist — Updated on May 16, 2021
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262982
3. Ginseng pharmacology: a new paradigm based on gintonin-lysophosphatidic acid receptor interactions
Sun-Hye Choi, Seok-Won Jung, Byung-Hwan Lee, Hyeon-Joong Kim, Sung-Hee Hwang, Ho-Kyoung Kim, and Seung-Yeol Nah
