In this article we will talk about the Asian (Panax) ginseng. There are American and Siberian ginseng, which have different effects from the Asian.
Benefits for health
In the next few paragraphs we will list all the diseases and conditions that ginseng supposedly cures. We classified them into three categories: proven effective, can be effective and ineffective.
What is ginseng proven to be effective?
The US base of natural remedies evaluated ginseng effective for the following:
Intelligence and memory
Taking Asian ginseng may improve oral abstract thinking and mathematical ability. Ginseng also improves mental abilities in people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Ginseng improves memory in combination with the extract of ginkgo leaf.
Diabetes
There is some evidence that ginseng may reduce blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes (type 2).
Male potency -- erectile dysfunction
In one study related to erectile dysfunction, 66.6% of men after taking ginseng three times a day reported stronger erections. In the placebo group, there was no improvement. Asian ginseng is a natural alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Promising results for the following diseases
For the following states there is no have any hard evidence that ginseng can be of help, but smaller studies suggest it could be effective.
Bronchitis and colds
Ginseng may be effective in killing bacteria in lung infection. There is also some evidence that it can prevent you from getting the flu and colds if taken regularly.
Cancer of the stomach, lung, liver, ovarian, and skin
Preliminary studies suggest that ginseng may reduce the risk of these cancers.
Some studies show that ginseng could be efficient and to reduce an enlarged prostate and for hair growth, but more studies are needed to give the final conclusion.
Ginseng is NOT effective in improving athletic performance, improving mood, night sweats in menopausal women (although it could be effective against fatigue, insomnia and depression in menopausal women).
Certainty?
It is not recommended to take ginseng for more than 3 months due to certain hormonal changes it causes. If you want to take it long-term, it is best that you make a month- pause after 3-month consumption and then continue with the intake.
Ginseng is also not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children.
Rare side effects include insomnia, rapid heartbeat, headaches, loss of appetite, diarrhea, rash, itching, dizziness, and changes in mood.
Diabetics: If you are using medicines to lower blood sugar, do not use ginseng with them, because ginseng also lowers blood sugar so the sugar may fall too low.
Monitor your blood sugar carefully if you use ginseng for diabetes.
How many doses are taken?
In case of diabetes, 200 mg of ginseng are taken daily.
For male potency, 900 mg are taken three times a day.
Conclusion
While it is completely natural, ginseng is a very potent drug that affects many mechanisms in the body.
Therefore, we recommend that you consult your doctor before taking it, especially if you already have an illness like diabetes or heart problems.
Ginseng can increase your libido, mental capacity and the activity of your immune system. Most often it is used by elder people or people in their mid’s.
This Asian ginseng we talked about can be found under the names of Panax, Chinese, Korean, Japanese or red ginseng.
source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com
