Ginseng is native to the mountainous area of north eastern China, Korea and far eastern regions of Russia. The older the root, the higher the concentration of ginsenosides, the active chemical compounds. Ginseng roots can live hundreds of years, increasing in potency as time goes on. Ginseng starts flowering in the fourth year, and the roots take 4-6 years to reach maturity.
In China and Russia, ginseng is well protected - exporting ginseng seeds is banned in China, and harvesting wild ginseng is illegal in Russia. Natural white ginseng can be steam-processed to produce "red ginseng" to increase the herbs medicinal potency. Ginseng products can also be found in some areas of North America. It was first cultivated in the United States in the late 1800's.
Its medicinal elements reduce the effects of stress, improve performance, boost energy levels, enhance memory, and stimulate the immune system. Oriental medicine used in prevention and curing ailments, has deemed ginseng a necessary element in all their best prescriptions. It is said to remove both mental and bodily fatigue, cure pulmonary complaints, dissolve tumors and reduce the aging precess.
Ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral Zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the defense system. The main active ingredients of ginseng are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called "ginsenosides". These steroid-like ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that enable ginseng to balance and counter the effects of stress.
In China studies showed that ginsenosides also increase protein synthesis and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, therefore, ginseng can also help to restore memory, and enhance concentration and cognitive abilities.
Animal studies have shown that ginseng extracts stimulate the production of interferons, increase natural killer cell activity, lower cholesterol and decrease triglyceride levels. Men have used the herb to improve sexual function and remedy impotence. Ginseng is believed to increase estrogen levels in women and is used to treat menopausal symptoms. It is also used for diabetes, radiation and chemotherapy protection, colds, chest problems, to aid in sleep, and to stimulate the appetite.
Benefits
• reduce the effects of stress
• boost energy levels
• assists with mental and body fatigue
• maintains excellent body functions
