Ginseng - Alternative Medicine Message Board

Sarah68 · 01-13-2003, 05:56 PM

Does anyone know what Ginseng is good for? I know Ginko is good for increasing the circulation and for aiding memory but what are the benefits of the aforementioned?

Tangle · 01-13-2003, 08:33 PM

Ginsing stimulates the Adrenal glands thus increasing a number of hormones which lead to an increase in energy and vigor. It also increses immune system.

isolated one · 01-13-2003, 09:05 PM

Ginseng is most known for helping to increase energy and stamina but the Ginsengs have many other proven benefits as well. Ginseng is best described as an "adaptogen". This means that the herb helps the body better adapt to physical and emotional stress as well as the effects of toxins. There are different kinds of Ginseng, each having their own unique effect on the system but the one thing they all share is the action of being an adaptogen. By far, the most common form of Ginseng is the Asian (or Korean) variety. What makes it so popular is mainly it's stimulating effect. You can see why, looking at our western culture. A much lesser known variety (but I think even better) is "American" Ginseng. Unlike the Asian variety, American Ginseng has a "calming" effect on the system yet it ALSO helps to increase energy and stamina. Asian Ginseng is great for a "quick boost" of needed energy but, as I've even noticed, regular use can be over stimulating and create an increase in tension and anxiety. American Ginseng not only provides better long term energy but is more suited for those of us "type A" people because of it's calming or "cooling" effect. Another popular form of Ginseng is "Siberian", however most people aren't aware that this isn't true Ginseng (not a member of the "Panax" species). It's given the name "Ginseng" because of it's similar adaptogenic properties. Anyway, American Ginseng is more expensive than Asian Ginseng for a reason you would never think. American Ginseng has been in such great demand in the Asia because it's THEIR most popular type of Ginseng, just as the Asian type is HERE. It makes sense when you compare the general attitude of the two different cultures. If you decide on taking the Asian variety of Ginseng, I highly suggest only using a "standardized" extract. The American variety doesn't really have to be standardized because it contains a much higher potency of it's active ingredients.

Sarah68 · 01-14-2003, 03:19 AM

Hi,

Thanks for that info. It is very helpful.

I have some Korean-Panax Ginseng. How long should I be taking it for? It tells you on the bottle to take one to two caps daily? Is it beneficial to use over short periods?

Also, can both Ginseng and Ginkobiloba be taken together and what are the benefits of this? I had heard that you should not take Ginko if you have high blood pressure because of its effects on the circulation? I have normal blood pressure.

You said under another post that Ginko was slow acting and Ginseng was quick acting. Can the two still be taken together?

Thanks

isolated one · 01-14-2003, 07:42 AM

Even though herbs/vitamins are natural, you have to pay close attention to the possible side effects, contraindications, and which ones you combine. Ginkgo and Ginseng are available in combination formulas because they both work on mental alertness. The only thing which comes to mind though is that Ginkgo is a known blood thinner and Ginseng is also but to a lesser extent. This "could" be a problem if you happen to need surgery. It's also suggested that Vitamin E and Garlic should be avoided before surgery for the same reasons. I take a strong dose of E, Garlic, and Ginseng every day and had no problems at all when my appendix were taken out. What I'm saying is that everyone is different in how their systems react, so it's best to use as much caution as possible before taking any supplement. I also do quite a bit of web research before trying any new supplement. So I don't see any serious problems with taking the Ginkgo with Ginseng as long as you do your share of reaserch and come to the same conclusion for yourself. While I have my share of knowledge on many herbal remedies, I'm by no means an authority. So I don't think I'm in the position to say "Yes, go ahead and take this or that". I'm more than happy though to provide the information I know. Anyway, I suggest both the Ginkgo and the Korean Ginseng be "standardized". If not, you have no idea if the herbs are potent enough to give results. This is often the reason why people give up on an herb and write it off as useless. You should give it at least a month before deciding whether or not it's helping. The increase in energy from the Ginseng could be noticed as soon as you start taking it. But again, everyone's different. Hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by gar fla (edited 01-14-2003).]