Ginseng
How the root of life can help you too
What makes ginseng an adaptogenic medicinal plant?
Ginseng, or Panax ginseng, comes from Korea. Its Greek name “Panax” means “all-healing.” The small secondary and hair roots of ginseng are rich in beneficial plant compounds called ginsenosides. The rule is: the older the plant, the higher the concentration of these valuable substances.
Ginsenosides are responsible for ginseng's adaptogenic effect: depending on the situation it can calm or balance, strengthen or rebuild. The two most-studied ginsenosides act as counterplayers.
Ginsenoside Rg1 has a stimulating effect, raises blood pressure and improves reaction times. Rb1, on the other hand, soothes excitement, lowers blood pressure and helps you relax. In interplay, the two ginsenosides complement each other harmoniously and likely act in the hypothalamus, where hormonal and neuronal processes are regulated.
How does ginseng strengthen the immune system and fight inflammation?
This health-promoting root is therefore not targeted at a single specific disease: ginseng helps the body better protect itself against various harmful influences and cope with physical, mental and emotional stresses. Such problems include different pathogens, environmental toxins, radiation and psychological stress.
Ginsenosides strengthen the body's immune defences, allowing infections to be fought more effectively. In addition, ginsenosides contribute to the reduction of inflammation in the body by increasing the survival of infected cells.
This can provide relief in chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatic diseases. For this effect, ginseng preparations should contain at least 1.5% ginsenosides. The same applies to respiratory diseases, asthma, hay fever and allergies: through the action of ginsenosides these conditions can be milder and symptoms alleviated.
Wie wenden Sie Ginseng heute an?
What effect does ginseng have on mental performance and stress?
Ginseng improves mental performance. While it is not a miracle cure, a study by the Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit at the University of Newcastle showed that a single dose of 200 mg ginseng extract reduced mental fatigue and produced significant improvements in cognitive tests.
Ginsenosides stimulate brain cells to take up more sugar – this promotes concentration and brain performance. In addition, ginseng extract has a balancing effect on the so-called HPA axis (the regulatory circuit between the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal cortex) – a stress axis activated by various pressures that leads to the release of the stress hormone cortisol.
Ginseng extract thus reduces the effects of stress hormones and helps reduce stress and its consequences. According to US studies, this action of ginseng can also help cancer patients suffering from severe fatigue. Ginsenosides stimulate the production of feel-good hormones and help patients better tolerate cancer therapies.
editorial.facts
- The ginseng root has been used for more than 2000 years in the Far East as a tonic against tiredness and exhaustion.
- Red and white ginseng do not represent different species but different processing methods of the roots. White ginseng is simply dried, while the reddish colour appears when the roots are exposed to hot steam and become slightly caramelised.
- “Coffee” made from ginseng is popular for its stimulating, strengthening effect. With high coffee consumption, however, adding ginseng has a calming effect.
- Ginseng is considered the “root of life” because of its shape, which sometimes splits at the tip and can resemble the shape of a human being.
Can ginseng help with weight loss?
Ginseng is also used against overweight: the ginsenoside Rg3 prevents cells from storing fat. This supports weight loss, prevents weight gain and enhances the positive effect of ginseng when used alongside detox programmes and diets.
How to use ginseng correctly: so the root unfolds its full power
- Ginseng extract in capsule form is preferable: capsules are easy to dose. This is important so that the active ingredients can fully unfold their effect. Note that tinctures, shampoos and cosmetic products containing ginseng are wellness products and do not have proven therapeutic effects.
- For a cup of ginseng tea you need two grams of dried, finely sliced root and 150 ml of boiling water. Let the infusion steep for five to ten minutes and then strain the tea. Ginseng tea can be taken up to three times daily for three to four weeks to stimulate the production of gastric juice, bile, pancreatic secretions and thus peristalsis and overall digestion, and to help eliminate metabolic wastes. Be aware that its bittersweet taste is not to everyone's liking.
- To prevent influenza and colds as well as coughs and runny noses, take ginseng extract daily over a longer period – ideally as a treatment twice a year. This helps modulate immunity and can significantly reduce existing symptoms and speed recovery.
- Ginseng extract is also a good aid against bad breath associated with stomach conditions and Helicobacter infections. For this purpose, ginseng extract is taken for ten weeks.
- It is advisable to combine ginseng extract with other effective plant extracts such as brahmi and ginkgo biloba to extend its effect on overall mental performance.
- Ginsenosides also have a soothing and harmonising effect on the skin. Face creams with ginseng are well suited to demanding and sensitive skin. There are also cosmetic products for hand and foot care with ginseng that promote circulation, gently care for dry skin and provide a relaxed skin feeling.
- Do not take ginseng extract for more than three months and do not exceed the maximum daily dose. Overdosing can cause insomnia, high blood pressure and diarrhoea.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should avoid ginseng, as there are no scientific studies confirming safety in these groups.
- If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or take anticoagulant medications, consult your doctor. Ginsenosides can affect blood clotting.
Ginseng is a true power plant for performance, stress relief and immune strengthening. Try it for yourself!
