New Interest in an Old Root – Ginseng
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When thinking about ginseng, the first health benefit that comes to mind is its ability to increase energy or fight fatigue. Ginseng does not effectively enhance physical performance in athletes, yet it may be useful for couch potatoes who need an extra boost of energy to get motivated.
Ginseng is a tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue and debility, for declining capacity for work and concentration, also during convalescence.
In other words, if you are already at peak performance, ginseng will not make you any better. On the other hand, if your energy is at much less than optimum efficiency, ginseng may give you the boost you need to get up from the couch.
Works as an Aphrodisiac
Another traditional conception of ginseng is that it is an aphrodisiac, improving or increasing libido. Whether a substance is an aphrodisiac is a difficult question to study because desire, libido and so-called performance are intricately linked with so many factors in life. It may be very difficult to separate actual effects from placebo effects. Up to now only Korean ginseng has demonstrated a clinical effect on erection.
Reduces Blood Sugar
Diabetes is a new reason for using ginseng. Doctors at the University of Toronto made this discovery. They first studied American ginseng and found it useful to reduce postprandial glycemia (high blood sugar after meals).
They then studied the components of the ginseng root and identified ginsenosides as the molecules responsible for reducing blood sugar. Finally, they studied Korean ginseng and also found it effective but with a slightly different action.
Improves Immunity
Although clinical studies supporting the effect of ginseng on immunity are few, a new purified polysaccharide ginseng extract seems to be effective. Its effect is documented in numerous clinical studies that reveal its ability to reduce the number and intensity of colds and flu.
Ginseng May Not be for Everyone
A word of caution is in order. In the Chinese perception, ginseng is a hot herb and as such, they may amplify “hot temper” in people already prone to it. We all know someone who fits this description – the type A personality – and, more often than not, that person also has high blood pressure. Asian ginseng may not be a good choice for these people.
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