Ginseng is a widely recognised traditional herb. Its use can be traced back
over 7,000 years. It is native to China, Korea, Japan, Russia and parts of North
America. Korean and North American are the most medicinally active of the
ginsengs. It is commonly referred to as an adaptogen which means it normalises
the physical functioning of the body, depending on what the individual needs.
Modern medicine has done a good job in developing treatments for many diseases.
There is however, a growing acknowledgement that it is equally important to look
at the underlying causes of disease and practice preventative medicine with good
diet, exercise and so on. Ginseng can play an important role in maintaining
sound physical and mental health, and the
benefits of Ginseng are well known.
The main active ingredients that give ginseng its medicinal qualities are
referred to as "ginsenosides". These ginsenosides provide the adaptogenic
properties that enable ginseng to balance and counter the effects of stress.
Ginseng's ability to increase protein synthesis and the activity of
neurotransmitters in the brain aids in memory restoration and enhances
concentration and cognitive abilities. Ginseng has also been shown to stimulate
the body's immune system through increased production of white blood cells, to
decrease cholesterol and to decrease blood sugar levels.
Ginseng is considered to be an anti-aging herb. Presumably this is partially due
to the many beneficial effects of ginseng, and partially due to its antioxidant
properties. Oxidation results in the generation of free radicals that damage
tissue and can lead to cancer. Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) is
involved in hardening of the arteries (artherosclerosis).
The anti-oxidant effects of American ginseng are well documented in the
literature. It chelates metal ions and scavenges free radicals. Ginsenosides Rb1
and Rg1 have been found to inhibit lipid peroxidation in rat liver and brain
microsomes.
Ginseng is a popular herb used the world over. Its main functions are to
increase mental and physical efficiency, assist the body in coping with stress
and as a general rejuvenator. To be effective, ginseng needs to be taken at a
dose level of 1-2 grams per day.
Ginseng
capsules are the most convenient way to take a daily dosage.
About the author - Sue Armstrong
In the mid - 1990's, Sue Armstrong and Greg Oliver started to grow
American
Ginseng on the family cattle farm in the Southern Tablelands of NSW, Australia.
After many trials and tribulations, they finally felt that they had enough
experience to found a company - Simply Ginseng, dedicated to the supply of
American ginseng of the highest medicinal value and purity. |
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