Ginseng is a herbaceous plant that reaches a growth height of between 30 and 60 centimeters. It is said to be particularly helpful for mental illnesses. But also cardiovascular diseases and sexual disorders are said to be well treated with ginseng.
Occurrence and cultivation of ginseng
In Asia, ginseng is still considered a symbol of health and long life.
Ginseng grows mainly in Korea and China and for this reason is also often referred to as Korean or Chinese ginseng.
In the medicine of these countries, ginseng has played an important role for several thousand years; meanwhile, the plant is cultivated worldwide and used as a medicine.
In Asia, ginseng is still considered a symbol of health and long life.
Effect and application
Medically of particular importance is the ginseng root, in common parlance, this is also often called man root and is considered a general tonic. Both with a decreasing concentration as well as with general exhaustion ginseng finds gladly application.
But also in chronic respiratory diseases, this plant has already proven its worth. Furthermore, the symptoms of adult-onset diabetes can be alleviated by ginseng, as can menopausal symptoms. The root even has a beneficial effect on reduced sexual desire. Ginseng is mainly administered in the form of tablets or as a solution.
In the case of prolonged fatigue or permanent exhaustion, however, a doctor should be consulted – after all, serious diseases can be behind these symptoms.
Since ginseng is a plant-based product, there are only minor side effects. Caution should be exercised by pregnant and breastfeeding women, and children should also consult a doctor before taking ginseng. Likewise, ginseng should not be prescribed when diabetes is being treated by insulin injections. Also, for patients taking blood-clotting medications, the use of ginseng is recommended only after consultation with a physician.
However, even in healthy people, ginseng can result in some mild side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea. However, these symptoms are usually harmless.
Importance for health
Only roots of the four to seven year old ginseng plants are used for medicines. Two types are distinguished, namely the so-called white ginseng and the red ginseng, whereby the latter is still more frequently used for food supplements and medicines. The different colors are caused by different treatments of the roots.
The ingredients of ginseng, which are of great importance for health, are the so-called ginsenosides, which belong to the plant ingredients of saponins. Also the peptide hormones as well as essential oils in the ginseng root, however, are quite effective in many diseases. All these aforementioned ingredients are responsible for boosting the metabolism in the human body.
In addition, there is an increased cell division and a build-up of proteins. Messenger substances such as norepinephrine and serotin are also increasingly released and thus ensure increased concentration. Even the body’s own defense cells are stimulated and one is less sensitive to infectious diseases.
In addition to its use as a medicine, ginseng also produces a tasty tea and even schnapps can be made with this plant. Ginseng coffee is not yet very widespread. This is thanks to the calming effect of ginseng quite tolerable and therefore people who drink a lot of coffee, definitely recommended.
