Ginseng health benefits
Ginseng has a long tradition
in traditional Chinese medicine of being very effective in treating fatigue, lethargy and weakness in old age. It boosts the immune system and provides additional energy which can be also be useful for those suffering from male sexual dysfunction.
There are various types of ginseng, this page focuses on Panax Ginseng otherwise referred to as Asian, Chinese Red, or Korean ginseng
Ginseng can be used for:
Treating lethargy and fatigue
Improving the health of people recovering
from illness
Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina
Improving both mental and physical performance
Treating erectile dysfunction,
Treating hepatitisC
Treating symptoms related to menopause
Lowering blood glucose and controlling
blood pressure
Contraindications and side effects
When taken by
mouth, ginseng is usually well tolerated. Some sources suggest that its use be
limited to 3 months because of concerns about the development of longer term side effects.
The most common
side effects are headaches, sleep and gastrointestinal problems.
Asian ginseng
can cause allergic reactions.
There have been
reports of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and high blood pressure
associated with Asian ginseng products, but these products' components were not
analysed, so effects may have been due to another herb or drug in the product.
Asian ginseng
may lower levels of blood sugar; this effect may be seen more in people with
diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian
ginseng, especially if they are using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking
other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenugreek, that also lower
blood sugar.
Active compounds
Steroidal glycosides called panaxosides;sterols, D vitamins
Adult tincture dosage:
Based on a tincture with a herb to alcohol ratio of 1:3 take 2ml to 4ml three times a day
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