Ginseng
There are eleven different species
of Ginseng. American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Chinese or
Korean Ginseng (P. ginseng) are two of the best known. Ginseng is a
slow-growing perennial herb that is the most widely used herbal
supplement. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is part of
a different botanical family that the American and Korean ginseng
are, but its properties are very similar, and are just referred as
ginseng.
In earlier times Ginseng went by a different name, "man root."
because the root resembled that of the shape of a man. To this day
many people believe in the powers of Ginseng as they believe that it
has healing and mystical powers. The Ancient Chinese thought that
when a plant resembles a human body part that it would have a
healing effect on that part of the body. In other words if a plant
resembled a hand it would have the ability to heal the hands. But
since Ginseng resembles the entire body it is thought that is can
bring balance and well being to the whole body.
Ginseng nutrients are iron, calcium, choline, magnesium, manganese,
phosphorus, potassium, silicon, zinc, fiber, folate and vitamins
B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5 and C.
Ginseng contains complex carbohydrates, is an anti inflammatory, an
anti oxidant, and has anti cancer elements. It can help the adrenal
and reproductive glands. Ginseng is used by athletes for overall
body strengthening. It may be able to improve drug or alcohol
related liver problems.
Today many energy drinks contain Ginseng because it is known for
creating energy, this was brought to the forefront by the Chinese
but Americans have a different plan for Ginseng which is use it for
mental lucidity and treating stress. There has been a growing
relationship between Ginseng and its ability to strengthen
physically, as well as mentally and maintain good balance. (which
can be helpful to athletes) It was the Russians who actually made
that discovery however the Asians have discovered that Ginseng helps
mental improvement, eliminates anemia, and helps prevent diabetes,
neurosis, coughs, asthma, and TB. Further they found that it can be
very beneficial to the liver and can also reduce the effects of a
hangover.
There has been more recent research on Ginseng than on any other
herbal supplement. The concern is that many times when people
purchase Ginseng at various stores it may have been over processed
and therefore not as effective. The best way is to make sure that
you are purchasing authentic Ginseng and in order to do that you may
have to purchase the Ginseng root. Oddly enough, with all of the
research and studies that have been conducted on Ginseng the FDA has
yet to endorse it.
It is known that people who suffer from high blood pressure, heart
disorders, hypoglycemia, asthma, insomnia, bleeding or clotting
disorders, or diabetes should not use Ginseng unless they speak with
their physician first. Also, Ginseng should not be used by pregnant
or nursing women.
While it is true that Ginseng is most widely recognized as a
medicinal herb it is also used quite frequently in teas and in
cooking. Most people are aware of the infamous Ginseng tea but many
are not aware that Ginseng is sliced and put into soups and often
boiled and mashed, added to stir fry dishes, and added to boiling
water when making rice. It is much more common for cooking in
Chinese, Korean, and Asian foods.
Often Ginseng is used when cooking chicken and mushroom dishes. Many
people also use it in desserts for some added zing. It is often used
in soups, salads, and even jellies. It seems that most people who
enjoy the benefits of Ginseng for cooking are vegetarians but it
might be becoming more popular since people are now learning the
true benefits of this very popular herb.
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