How to Use Ginseng for Health
Ginseng is the common name for any plant in the Panax genus, especially the pseudoginseng species of eastern Asia and the quinquefolius species of eastern North America. Ginseng also refers specifically to powder made from the dried roots of this plant. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.
1
Know the historical uses of Ginseng. It has been extremely popular as a general panacea in Asia for centuries but is particularly valued as an adaptogen, aphrodisiac, stimulant and treatment for Type II diabetes. Ginseng also has been traditionally used for many other purposes, including decreasing cholesterol, improving physical and mental function, and improving the immune system.
2
Learn the results of modern scientific testing. The clinical benefits of ginseng have not been clearly established. One problem has been that there is a great variety in the quality and type of the ginseng used in scientific studies. Some studies have shown an improvement in sexual function. Other studies have indicated ginseng has cancer-inhibiting effects in animals, but this has not been applied to humans.
3
Study the side effects of Panax ginseng. The most common one is sleeplessness. Other well-established side effects include diarrhea, headaches, nausea, nosebleeds and vaginal bleeding.
4
Consider the two methods of preparing ginseng. Red ginseng is steam cured and then dried. White ginseng may contain less of the therapeutic ingredients because it is peeled and dried in the sun. Ginseng energy drinks do not typically contain therapeutic concentrations of ginseng.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2063132_use-ginseng-health.html
Ginseng is the common name for any plant in the Panax genus, especially the pseudoginseng species of eastern Asia and the quinquefolius species of eastern North America. Ginseng also refers specifically to powder made from the dried roots of this plant. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.
1
Know the historical uses of Ginseng. It has been extremely popular as a general panacea in Asia for centuries but is particularly valued as an adaptogen, aphrodisiac, stimulant and treatment for Type II diabetes. Ginseng also has been traditionally used for many other purposes, including decreasing cholesterol, improving physical and mental function, and improving the immune system.
2
Learn the results of modern scientific testing. The clinical benefits of ginseng have not been clearly established. One problem has been that there is a great variety in the quality and type of the ginseng used in scientific studies. Some studies have shown an improvement in sexual function. Other studies have indicated ginseng has cancer-inhibiting effects in animals, but this has not been applied to humans.
3
Study the side effects of Panax ginseng. The most common one is sleeplessness. Other well-established side effects include diarrhea, headaches, nausea, nosebleeds and vaginal bleeding.
4
Consider the two methods of preparing ginseng. Red ginseng is steam cured and then dried. White ginseng may contain less of the therapeutic ingredients because it is peeled and dried in the sun. Ginseng energy drinks do not typically contain therapeutic concentrations of ginseng.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2063132_use-ginseng-health.html
