Find Out What Ginseng Is and How and When to Use It

Ginseng can be a natural alternative to caffeine-based energy drinks as it's also packed with vitamins and minerals.

Ginseng is a medicinal plant known for its restorative powers. It’s one of the best natural energy boosts out there, both physically and mentally.

In addition, it’s much healthier than energy drinks, which aren’t very good for your nervous system. Find out more about ginseng in this article: what it is and what’s it for.

You’ll be surprised by all the health problems this root can help you with. Fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression are just a few. Plus, there are no side effects.

Ginseng

It’s rich in B vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc, among other active ingredients.

There are many varieties of the ginseng plant. However, all of them have similar healing properties, although the best known is Chinese, Asian or red ginseng (Panax ginseng). 

Its thick root acquires medicinal properties as time goes by and its distinctive shape is similar to that of mandrake.

There is another quite popular variety, the Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), very common in this part of ​​Russia. It is especially good for counteracting radiation.

In any case, both varieties share the benefits we’ll go over here.

What is it for?

Adaptogenic tonic

The most outstanding virtue of ginseng root is as a tonic. This means that, by taking this remedy, we manage to stimulate our organism in different senses but without causing overexcitation.

Overexcitation is an alteration of the nervous system caused by cola, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated drinks, etc. Ginseng, on the contrary, offers us an improvement of our performance without the risk of suffering ups and downs.

This virtue has a very positive impact on our organism in different ways:

• It is one of the best options to cope with different situations of physical or intellectual overexertion. For example, in the case of students or athletes.
• Because it is an adaptogenic remedy, ginseng is very balancing. It helps regulate energy and prevent states of anxiety or mild depression.
• Furthermore, it helps us to relieve stress.
• It provides a rapid improvement in cases of fatigue, exhaustion, weakness, convalescence, anemia or decay.

Other properties

Ginseng root also brings us other benefits for some health disorders:

• Firstly, it’s antioxidant properties can delay aging.
• Secondly, it can help relieve some headaches.
• In addition, it relieves some symptoms of menopause — Siberian ginseng in particular.
• Balances blood pressure, both in cases of hypertension and hypotension.
• Also, it activates the irrigation of the brain. Thus, it can improve memory problems, as well as concentration and learning.
• It strengthens the immune system and raises our defenses to fight pathogens.
• Furthermore, it improves our cardiovascular health by promoting good circulation, and reduces high cholesterol levels.
• Moreover, it regulates blood sugar levels, which helps prevent insulin resistance.
• Improves inattention in children with ADHD.
• Finally, Asian ginseng can relieve erectile dysfunction and improve fertility in men.

How to use ginseng

• You can find ginseng in capsules or tablets in herbalist stores and even in some pharmacies. Furthermore, you can also buy the root in its natural form and make your own infusions.
• It’s important to take ginseng remedies in the morning as they might keep you awake at night and hinder your rest.
• Don’t take ginseng for long periods of time without taking breaks in  between. Do so for one or two weeks at specific times such as in preparation for a physical effort or to relieve stress.
• Rest for two weeks and the repeat if you need to continue with the treatment.
• High doses of it will lead to nervousness.
• As with almost all natural remedies, skip it if you have a chronic disease or are undergoing medication; always consult your doctor.
• Finally, don’t take ginseng if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and don’t give it to children.

Of course, consult your doctor before using this plant.