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Ginseng

Ginseng

Aid Overall Health

Panax ginseng is a plant found in Northern China. Panax, in English, means all healing. In China, ginseng was initially used as a spice in food but was eventually determined to be beneficial in the body. So much so that the panax was added to the word ginseng because of all the benefits it provided.

Ginseng has had some studies into its use, but the results have been conflicting. These conflicting results have prevented doctors from including ginseng as part of treatment plans in many of the areas that it is believed that ginseng may be beneficial.

Ginseng has long been used to increase energy levels, endurance and to provide a general sense of well being. The root can be used fresh or in supplements

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Summary

Ginseng Benefits There is quite long list of things that it is believed that ginseng can benefit. This is a partial list of many of the claims made about ginseng. Erectile dysfunction Increased energy Impotence Improved thinking Improved memory Improve... more

Ginseng Benefits

There is quite long list of things that it is believed that ginseng can benefit. This is a partial list of many of the claims made about ginseng.

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Increased energy
  • Impotence
  • Improved thinking
  • Improved memory
  • Improved concentration
  • Increased stamina
  • Increased athletic endurance
  • Joint pain
  • Treats or prevents many forms of cancer
  • Treats depression
  • Treats anxiety
  • Treats chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
  • Reduces asthma attacks
  • Improves headache
  • Relieves menopausal symptoms
  • Many more

As you can imagine, many people look at ginseng as a miracle plant that can be used for any condition. While there are some completed studies on ginseng, there is a long way to go before it is determined if ginseng is beneficial in these areas.

Some of the areas that ginseng has had positive results in clinical studies include:

  • Improved thinking and memory when combined with ginkgo biloba
  • Lowers blood sugar levels
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Premature ejaculation (when used as a topical cream)
  • Speeds up healing from cold or flu
  • Prevents cold and flu from occurring

Some of the areas that studies show promising results in are:

  • Fatigue, insomnia and depression caused by menopause
  • Enhanced athletic performance

As for cancer and depression not caused by menopause, some studies have been done but conflicting results prevent scientists from reaching a solid conclusion.  This is also the case for fever, fluid retention and CFS.

Any condition not mentioned in the above list has not been clinically tested or is currently being tested at this time with no proven results!

Ginseng Side Effects, Interaction and Warning

Ginseng actually only has one common side effect and that is insomnia. The rest of these side effects are unusual and if you experience them, you should discontinue using ginseng. They include:

  • Breast tenderness/pain
  • Accelerated heart rate
  • Headache
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Mood swings

In infants, ginseng can be fatal. Do not take while you are pregnant or nursing. In addition, do not give ginseng to infants or adolescents!

You should also avoid these things while taking ginseng:

  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine

Ginseng may prevent your laser eye surgery from being successful. For some reason, the ginseng interferes with the effectiveness of this procedure. You need to wait at least one month after you stop taking ginseng before you have laser eye surgery.

You should not use ginseng if you have an autoimmune disease, any blood disorders or bleeding disease, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, an organ transplant or schizophrenia. This is because ginseng can lower or increase blood pressure, thin the blood, and interfere with diabetes medications.

You should also avoid ginseng if you are taking an anticoagulant, stimulants, or medication for depression.

Ginseng in not considered safe for use longer than 2 months because that is the longest human trial with ginseng. It is possible that ginseng is safer for longer periods, but you need to discuss this with your doctor before taking it.

You should speak to your doctor before taking ginseng if you have any medical conditions or if you are taking any medications to ensure that ginseng won’t interfere with your treatment.

Ginseng Supplements

Ginseng is typically combined with other herbs in supplements. You should ensure that the other herbs do not have blood thinning effects before taking a combined supplement because those combinations can be dangerous.

You can buy ginseng supplements in powder, liquid, capsules and tablets. The price starts around $5, making ginseng very affordable. As with any supplement, ensure that you buy your ginseng from a reputable brand because many herbal supplements from overseas become contaminated during manufacturing.

If you are buying ginseng for memory, make sure that it is combined with gingko and that at least 24% of the combination is ginseng, otherwise it will be ineffective. Compare the various supplement companies and forms for this produce by using the free supplement finder now!

Other

  • Side Effects
  • Other Names
  • Uses
Accelerate Heart Rate
Breast Tenderness/Pain
Decreased Blood Pressure
Diarrhea
Headaches
Increased Blood Pressure
Insomnia
Mood Swings
Rashes
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Anxiety
Asthma
Athletic Endurance
Cancer Prevention
Cancer Treatment
Concentration
Depression
Endurance
Energy
Erectile Dysfunction
Headaches
Impotence
Joint Pain
Lower Blood Pressure
Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Memory
Menopause
Premature Ejaculation
Prevent Cold And Flu
Speed Healing Of Cold And Flu
Stamina