Chinese remedy provides numerous benefits
by KC Jones, reporter

    The Chinese civilization spans centuries, and the Chinese knowledge of organic remedies is extensive. One of their favorites is ginseng.

    Shen Nung, Chinese emperor from around 3000 B.C. recommended the herb for enlightening the mind, increasing wisdom and longevity.

    Ginseng is a root recommended for its overall strengthening effects on the immune system. Considered a tonic, it has been called the ultimate adaptogen by Anthony Cichoke, a chiropractic doctor. An adaptogen helps the body adapt to stress.

    “Substantial research has shown that ginseng does possess beneficial pharmacological, biochemical and medical properties,” he said.

    Ginseng contains numerous essential oils, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, saccharides, saponins and ginsenosides. Ginsenosides are the primary active components and the source of the most current ginseng research.

    Asian cultures have traditionally used ginseng as a low-dose tonic, consumed over a long period of time. Taken in this way, ginseng’s chemical composition and strength are not very important. This may be the way to pursue consumption since potency among products is unpredictable.

    According to a study by Martha Harkey at the University of California, less than half of the products tested quoted their ginsenoside levels on the label.

    “In the products that did, measured ginsenoside concentrations ranged from 11 percent to 330 percent of the amount claimed,” she said

    Each product batch can have a different potency depending on several factors including the climate a plant was grown in and the manufacturing processes.

    Most Americans take ginseng because they believe it can fight fatigue. Biologically, ginseng has been shown to aid in cell utilization of stored sugar, enabling red blood cells to carry more oxygen. But, three common varieties of ginseng exist, each with a different list of benefits.

    The American and Asian varieties are very similar. Their botanical names include the word panax, which means all healing. It is the origin of the word panacea. There is also a weaker variety, Siberian sometimes called eleuthero that is a less expensive ingredient that has shown valuable in the treatment of many cancers.

    The American ginseng has a higher level of the substance Rb1, which is an anticonvulsant and tranquilizer.

The Chinese ginseng has a higher level of Rg1. It has a slight stimulant effect helping prevent fatigue, enhancing mental acuity and intellectual performance.

    Experts do not recommend the combination of coffee and ginseng because evidence shows that even too much ginseng can keep you awake at night.

    Chinese ginseng causes the heart to contract more strongly; therefore, it is not recommended for people with high blood pressure.

    Ginseng also is used for wheezing, shortness of breath and other lung troubles.

    The Chinese regard ginseng as an aphrodisiac because its hormonal-like substance saponin has a stimulatory action on sexual function in both males and females.

    Ginseng promotes appetite and is useful in digestive disturbances including stomach problems, constipation and inflammation of the urinary tact. It also reduces cholesterol.

    The most researched form of ginseng is the standardized herbal extract that supplies 5–7 percent ginsenosides.

    The dose suggested is 100–200 mg per day for two to three weeks continuously. After that, one is advised to discontinue use for one to two weeks before resuming consumption.