Alternative Health and Medicinal Herbs for Living

Ginseng Facts - Some Basic Things to Know About Ginseng

--I've heard people talk about Ginseng, but I'm not sure what it is.

Nothing like starting from the beginning.

A chinese herbal remedy, ginseng is often characterized by its medicinal properties. From the Orient, Ginseng is classified under the genus of five or six species of perennial plants that grow slowly. As part of the Araliaceae family of plants, Ginseng's roots are fleshy. Because of technology today, you'll find ginseng in any herb store and is used to treat multiple diseases.

--What can ginseng do for me?

To those in the field of alternative medicine, it is well-known that ginseng is beneficial to a person's health. However, it is difficult to scientifically prove these claims. So, what is it in ginseng that makes herb doctors and alternative medicine doctors speak of its medicinal properties? Ginseng is considered to be an adaptogen. Basically, what this means is that while it increases resistance to stress, it has no harmful effects to the body. For this reason, many people take a dietary ginseng supplement everyday for managing stress.

--So, what are the different kinds of ginseng?

Different kinds of ginseng cure different kinds of medical or health issues. Some forms of ginseng have anti-cancer effects in the body. The most common kinds of ginseng you may hear about include Chinese and Korean Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, Aralia, Schefflera, Tropical Snowflake Ginseng and even Wild Ginseng. The different ginsengs contain different healing abilities.

Panax Ginseng is sometimes called Korean Ginseng. This deciduous perennial is a plant with roots that are cultivated for 4-6 years before the plant is ready and has reached maturity. Ginseng Panax is the most popular kind of ginseng. This is commonly used as an anti-aging herb by most of the Korean and Chinese countries. Panax Ginseng is a popular herb today because it has fewer side effects and no toxic effects.

Not as common as Panax Ginseng is Wild Ginseng. It is not planted or cultivated domestically but can be found almost anywhere since it grows naturally. Nevertheless, Wild Ginseng is not as readily available as it once was as it is already becoming endangered.

--Should I consider one form of ginseng over another?

Some forms are actually more effective than others. Standardized extracts and solid forms of ginseng are more powerful and more effective. They also provide more reliable effects than the other formulations. Here's a great post on the different effects of ginseng showing some main differences between Siberian and Panax Ginseng.

--How much should I expect to pay for ginseng?

Prices of ginseng products vary quite a bit. It will depend on the kind and form of ginseng recommended for you by the pharmacist. Types of ginseng typically will range from $10 to $100 or more.

Very few ginseng roots sell for low prices, but the highest grade will reach as high as $10,000 per root. There are other things that may effect the price. Harvesting and cultivating can also effect the price. Of course, demand for a certain kind of ginseng will also raise the price.

--Is it better to take ginseng in capsules, in tea or by simply chewing it?

It's really a matter of preference. Here are some things to consider. If you use capsules, take your ginseng an hour before going to bed. You can also prepare it as tea. However, one should never take all the forms like tablets, teas and tinctures at the same time. This could cause an overdose of ginseng.

--Is it best to take ginseng with food?

The use or intake of ginseng sometimes differs from culture to culture. Interestingly, at present there are no specific restrictions in terms of food, beverages or any other specific activity a person can do while taking any form of ginseng. Nonetheless, it is always wise to let your healther care provider know you are taking ginseng and allow him or her to direct your health care.

--Does ginseng have specific storage needs?

Most ginseng will have storage directions on the package. Generally, ginseng should be protected from too much light and moisture in order to preserve its effectiveness. With that in mind, it's best to store in in a dark, dry place.

06:29 - 2007-Jun-16

Last Page

Description
Discuss alternative health concepts, the latest alternative medicines, and herbs that give us life and keep us well. We'll also discuss chinese and medicinal herbs such as ginseng.

Home
User Profile
Archives
Friends

Recent Entries
- Is there much of a difference between Panax Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng?
- Ginseng Facts - Some Basic Things to Know About Ginseng
- Why Alternative Health, Medicinal Herbs and Ginseng?