An ancient medicinal herb, ginseng derives its name from the Chinese gen shen which means man-shaped. It is the root of the ginseng plant that is most prized; it is somewhat man-liked with a central trunk and pieces of the root growing outward forming 'arms' and 'legs'.
A less romantic description would be that the ginseng root is somewhat like an elongated turnip with the color and texture of ginger root.
At present, ginseng in its natural form is literally worth its weight in gold.
Health Benefits of Ginseng
Various clinical studies have revealed a wide array of health benefits of ginseng. Ginseng root is believed to improve a person’s overall health. For example, ginseng helps in curbing and fighting stress, anxiety, and depression.
Individuals that regularly consume the herb stand a better chance of handling various forms of stress.
Ginseng enables the brain to produce sufficient endorphins which help the body balance the production of stress hormones secreted by adrenal glands. The root is also used to prevent premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as cramps and distress because it emanates a soothing effect in women.
Among the most common health benefits of ginseng root is its ability to effectively improve the cognitive performance of an individual thus enhancing mental performance. This characteristic plays a vital role in treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and curbing the development of neuroses.
Ginseng facilitates a metabolic equilibrium and improves the flow of blood, oxygen as well as nutrients to the brain of weak and tired individuals. A balanced metabolic rate for both nucleic acid and proteins is established thereby facilitating and improving the functions of body organs.
Moreover, it increases the level of physical endurance and energy production by enhancing the functions of the endocrine glands.
Other health benefits of ginseng include burning of body fats thus helping in weight loss. Ginseng improves digestion and enhances metabolism. This helps in the conversion of body fat to muscles.
The root also ensures the extra mass of muscles is well toned thereby enabling individuals to maintain desired body shape. In addition, ginseng is highly used to rejuvenate the need for food in individuals suffering from loss of appetite and cure chronic diarrhea.
Furthermore, ginseng effectively cures anemia by increasing hemoglobin count. Conversely, it is used to successfully treat neutropenia by increasing white blood cells.
Ginseng has successfully been used to cure and prevent cancer as it contains ginsenosides compounds that curb the growth of cancerous cells. It also reduces cholesterol and sugar levels in the blood hence used to treat Diabetes II.
Men also highly benefit from the health benefits of ginseng as it acts as an aphrodisiac thus boosting their sexual performance and vigor.
Scientific studies show that ginseng contains antioxidant and anti-aging effects. For instance, it enables body cells to continue functioning appropriately in anaerobic conditions. This protects the cells from damage, therefore, enabling the individual to maintain a youthful look even when old.
Potential Side Effects of Ginseng
Ginseng should not substitute a medical treatment. Always speak to a health professional before using this herbal supplement.
There also lacks studies on side effects of gingseng for kids and pregnant women. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid ginseng as it may overstimulate the nervous system.
The Bottom Line
Ginseng is an underrated supplement that has been used for centuries in China. It can be consumed raw, steamed, in capsule or even in powdered form! This natural antioxidant can offer you numerous health benefits.
