What are the Health Benefits of Ginseng?
Ginseng is one of the best known and popular herbal remedies. Believed to restore and enhance wellbeing it has been used for centuries in the Far East as a traditional medicine by both Chinese and Koreans doctors.
There are many known varieties worldwide. Two of the best known varieties are American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, L.) and Asian ginseng (P. Ginseng). The herbs generally have a light-colored, forked-shaped root, a relatively long stalk, and green leaves with an oval shape.
Ginseng has traditionally been taken to aid a range of medical conditions. It is believed to boost energy, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, promote relaxation, treat diabetes, and manage sexual dysfunction in men.
One of the main problems, though, is that the products offered for sale vary tremendously both in quality and in the amount of Ginseng delivered per dose. This naturally affects their medicinal benefits, so it is strongly that one research each product before taking it
The suggested health benefits of taking Ginseng
- Increased energy
Ginseng has been shown to help fight fatigue and promote energy by stimulating physical and mental activity in people who may be feeling weak and tired.
- Sharper cognitive function
Studies have indicated that Ginseng may improve thinking processes and cognition, which would benefit behavior and quality of life if taken regularly.
- Anti-inflammatory effects
Ginseng is a potent antioxidant and is often used to reduce inflammation. Researchers suggest that ginsenosides may be responsible for targeting pathways in the immune system that could reduce inflammation.
- Treatment of erectile dysfunction
One of the most popular uses by men is taking Ginseng to treat erectile dysfunction. It is thought that Ginseng may improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction by decreasing oxidative stress in tissues and enhancing blood flow in penile muscles.
A Korean study showed that 60 percent of the men who took Ginseng experienced some improvement in their symptoms. Research published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology also indicated that there may be “evidence for the effectiveness of red ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.”
More research is needed to confirm ginseng as a reliable treatment for erectile dysfunction.
- Lowering blood sugar
Ginseng seems to have a beneficial effect in the control of blood glucose in people both with and without diabetes
Several studies suggest that it may help lower blood sugar and help treat diabetes. Ginsenosides are thought to possibly impact on insulin production in the pancreas with beneficial effects.
The size and regularity of doses in order to achieve this, still need to be fully established.
- Can easily be made part of one’s regular diet
Because Ginseng can easily be added to recipes like soups and other dishes, it is easy to introduce it into one’s daily meals. It comes in a variety of packaging in powder, tablet, capsule and oil forms. As with all supplements, it’s best to start with lower doses and increase over time.
How does it interact with other medications?
Because there may be issues when certain medications are mixed, it is best to take care when taking Ginseng in combination with others.
People taking diabetes medications should monitor their blood sugar levels closely when using Ginseng to ensure these levels do not drop too low.
As Ginseng may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs one needs to consult their physician before starting a course.
What we should take away from the information available
While the full health benefits of Ginseng as a supplement are not fully known, it is still safe to take the herb in small doses. Over time it will become clear whether it has beneficial effects for you.
The current feeling is that to maximize its benefits, you should take Ginseng in cycles. Start for a few weeks and then take a break before starting again.
Thousands have discovered that Ginseng, taken regularly or in special ways, does have real and interesting effects. It seems to improve health and resistance to disease, protect against stress and make people feel more energetic. That is just what a tonic is supposed to do.
Try it and see what it can do for you!
References
Retrieved from:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b12-benefits
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-926/vitamin-b12