GINSENG Benefits and virtues

Ginseng is a plant that carries many fantasies! Focus on the many medicinal virtues of this energizing root … it exists in two colors red and white, is of Asian origin, American, Siberian or Korean

Origin of GINSENG :

Ginseng, or Panax ginseng, is a perennial plant belonging to the genus Panax. It is therefore considered a universal remedy.

This plant must be cultivated for at least 6 years to reach its maturity, and its medicinal qualities increase with time. The price of this plant therefore varies greatly according to its age.

Knowing that, the most famous is the Korean ginseng and its trade is highly regulated by the state and recognized by a quality label “Korean Office of Monopoly”.

The use of ginseng for medicinal purposes is estimated to date back to several millennia before our era.
It is thus in Asia, and more particularly in China, that the emperors, the great feudal lords and their guards used it for therapeutic purposes.
It was then reputed to fortify the body.

In the 17th century, ginseng became as successful as in Western countries. A North American species was even introduced in China during the 18th century.
Currently, wild ginseng is categorized as an endangered species in Canada and a very rare plant in Asia. The wild roots found by walkers are sold at auctions at a high price.

The active ingredients of Ginseng:

The roots of this plant are of powerful active ingredients. The most well-known and sought-after are the ginsenosides, also called panax-osides.
They are responsible for a large part of the medicinal virtues of ginseng and the best dietary supplements are those that are the richest in them.

also it contains heterosides of tetracyclic tri terpenes, fatty acids, polysaccharides and sterols.

Ginseng is rich in vitamins B, C and E minerals and trace elements zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese …

Benefits and virtues :

• Fight fatigue and stimulate the immune system

Strengthening the body and helping it to protect itself against infections are the main indications of ginseng since its origins.
These first uses have been confirmed by several tests and studies, first on animals and then on humans.

One of them dating back to 2004 shows that American ginseng extracts 200 mg twice a day decreased the risk of contracting respiratory infections caused by viruses in people.

• Improve physical and intellectual performance

Commission E and WHO (World Health Organization) recognize the use of Asian ginseng to “restore physical work capacity and intellectual concentration”.
This plant would have a beneficial effect on short-term memory and reflexes.
It would also allow a better resistance to the effort by decreasing the feeling of tiredness, by reducing the muscular pains and by increasing the use of oxygen by the muscles.

• Decrease type 2 diabetes

Ginseng seems to be promising for reducing blood sugar levels in diabetics.

A first Canadian study in 2000 showed that a 3g dose of American ginseng, taken about 2 hours before meals, reduced blood sugar levels by up to 20%.
A second study conducted three years later confirms that American ginseng is one of the most effective plants for lowering blood sugar levels, while pointing out that the results would justify further studies.

• Improve sexual function

Its reputation at the same time the most anchored but also the most controversial.
Ginseng is said to be a powerful aphrodisiac and to be able to awaken the most sluggish libidos. So, myth or reality?

By boosting the synthesis of NO (nitric oxide), a powerful vasodilator, ginseng would promote a better blood flow.
This general action would allow, among other things, to maintain the erection by stimulating the irrigation of the cavernous bodies.

The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) recognizes its effects on the improvement of erectile disorders.

As for its effect on libido, it would not be unfounded because some good quality ginsengs have an action on testosterone, the hormone mainly responsible for desire in men and women.
A 2007 Brazilian study even concludes “that KRG may be an effective alternative to invasive approaches to treating erectile dysfunction in men.”

• Recommended dosage for ginseng consumption

The recommended dosages vary according to the indications and the types of extracts. However, it is recommended not to exceed 3 g of dried root per day with a minimum of 800 mg to benefit from its virtues. It should be taken preferably in the morning and in a cure of at least 3 months.

To stimulate the immune system, 100 to 200 mg of standardized extracts (4 to 7% ginsenosides) are recommended once or twice a day.

As a tonic, to treat physical or intellectual fatigue or to stimulate sexual function:
– 200 mg of standardized extracts (4 to 7% ginsenosides) one to three times daily.
– 5 to 10 ml of mother tincture
– 800 to 3g of dried root in capsules or decoction.

• Side effects and contraindications

Commission E recommends avoiding the consumption of Asian ginseng in case of high blood pressure.

People with heart rhythm disorders, pregnant and breastfeeding women and children are not recommended to consume ginseng.

In case of excess of ginseng, heart palpitations, high blood pressure or insomnia may occur. It is also forbidden to combine ginseng with other stimulating plants such as guarana or coffee.