|
Ginseng had long been acknowledged by ancient medical literatures as precious plant capable of "maintaining balance and strengthening the foundations" of the human body. This extraordinary plant was discovered in the mountains of Northern China over 5,000 years ago. Historical records show that ginseng has been an integral part of Chinese medicine for more than 3000 years.
Ginseng is difficult and expensive to grow. Before ginseng can be planted, the same plot of land can not be used to grow another ginseng crop for at least 15 years, during which time red cedar trees are planted. After the cedar trees are removed, the soil needs to be turned over to allow for the absorption of natural essential ingredients, treated with organic fertilizers but avoiding any drugs or chemical compounds. Every two years after planting, the roots need to be transferred to another bed and the four-year seeds can be harvested for cultivation. Because ginseng is not easy to harvest, and because of its strength-giving powers and commercial value, there is very little wild ginseng left in the world. Today, 99% of all ginseng is commercially grown.
Components of GinsengGinseng is a remedy that facilitates a healthy equilibrium in the body,and eliminates disturbances in bodily functions. In doing so, it can adjust its effects to the needs of the individual. This almost unique harmonizing effect is based on the remarkable interplay of ginsenosides, the special active agents of the ginseng root.
Ginseng contains a complex mixture of carbohydrate compounds, nitrogenous compounds, fat-soluble compounds, vitamins and minerals. In the 1960's specific complex carbohydrate compounds called ginsenosides were identified and tagged as significant active ingredients. Up to 29 different ginsenosides have been identified to date. These compounds have chemical structures similar to human hormones and it is believed that they may work similarly, effecting various enzyme systems at locations in the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, adrenal gland and immune system.
Health Benefits of GinsengIn China, ginseng is known as the "King of all Herbs". It is unique in its ability to absorb all the minerals present in the soil over its six years' growth. It is an effective traditional Chinese medicine with no harmful side-effects that helps the body maintain peak health. Many Asians view ginseng as a regenerative elixir that, if taken over a period of time, not only increase health and vitality, but also prolong life. It is believed that ginseng makes the body more resistant to disease, prevents decline in potency in older men, restores virility, increases general vitality, negates some of the effects of stress and gives seriously ill patients strength, energy and stamina.
Go To
Chinese Herbal King For
More Details.
Ginseng; Is It Really Beneficial or an Asian Myth?
For thousands of years, has been revered in the Orient as an almost magical natural supplement with amazing benefits for those who use it regularly. It is said that will boost the immune system, enhance vitality, increase physical endurance, increase mental alertness, and treat illnesses like colds, fevers, headaches, and vomiting. It is even believed to be an aphrodisiac.
Lets face it, if actually had the properties to give all the benefits it is believed to give, people would be taking it with every meal. The fact is however, the benefits of fall a far sight short of its claims.
Commercially, is taken as tea, in capsules, in liquid form from viles, or even by eating the root itself. Usually it is taken in doses of around 5 grams at a time. Ginseng is most commonly grown in Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan, although it can also be found in wooded areas from Quebec to Missouri.
Ginsenosides, which is the active substance in the root, has been shown to increase endurance and decrease fatigue in mice when given to them in large amounts. One study where large amounts were given to humans noted a small improvement in the endurance levels of those who took it. Also, Chinese herbal medicine? published by the US National Institute of Health, claims the use of can raise unusually low blood pressure and can help prevent shock after heart attacks.
However, there is no good scientific evidence to support any of the claims made of these alleged benefits of consuming this root. It is also very likely that when you buy at the store, it will have a low concentration of ginsenosides in it. This means that even if does have some marginal benefit to offer, you will probably not receive any of them.
The lancet, a British medical journal, published a study done in Sweden which showed that most commercially sold products contained only trace amounts of ginsenosides. These findings concluded that the amount of ginsenosides found in these products was too insignificant to be of any benefit. Some of the products, including two sold in the US (Siberian Ginseng?and Up Your Gas?, had almost none of this substance at all.
For the most part, taking small to moderate amounts of will not be harmful to you, but you have to ask yourself if dollar for dollar it is worth taking something which is of no real value or benefit to you. We all can fall victim to hype made about a product, especially one that has been around for thousands of years, but when there is no good, proven science to support that products claims, save your money for a more useful purpose.
Jim O'Neill
|
