Ginseng [Archive] - HealthBoards Message Boards

Sarah68

01-13-2003, 08:56 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?

Sponsor

Tangle

01-13-2003, 11:33 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

01-14-2003, 12:05 AM

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, 06:19 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, 10:42 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).]

Sarah68

01-14-2003, 10:53 AM

Thanks, that info is very helpful. I do have a standardised version of 800 complex. It says 1 capsule provides 300mg of Root Powder and 100mg of Root Extract. The Ginko is also standardised too and says that I capsule contains 80mg of Ginko Extract.

Is this enough and are they safe to take on a regular basis? The capsules that I have are also lactose, gluten, starch, wheat and yeast free because of my stomach problems.

Thanks

isolated one

01-14-2003, 12:10 PM

As far as the Ginseng goes, just 100 mg of standardized extract may not be enough. I don't know it we are allowed to use name brands here but I would take something that's 500 mg with at LEAST 2% ginsenosides two or three times daily. I have to let you know that Vitamin C can interfere with Ginseng being absorbed in your system. Allow at least two hours between taking the C and Ginseng. The Ginkgo sounds strong enough but something came to mind when you mentioned stomach problems. Because Ginkgo Biloba is a strong blood thinner, it may cause a problem if you have any bleeding. My suggestion is to maybe start with only the Ginseng and see how you feel after one month. As far as how long you can use Ginseng? There's two different schools of thought on that. In Oriental medicine, many say it's best used for six week periods with one or two week breaks. Others suggest daily long term use. Maybe it's just because of my personality type but I've noticed long term daily use of the Korean Ginseng is great for the extra energy but it also causes more problems with the slightest things getting on my nerves. This is when I switch to American Ginseng and I'm in calmer frame of mind, though the energy isn't quite the same.

Sarah68

01-14-2003, 12:37 PM

Thanks for that. I think it is ok to mention brand names as far as I am aware. I spend a lot of time on the Digestive and Bowels boards because of my stomach and a lot of people there are always mentioning brand name products to help? What would you recommend as good and you would recommend at least 500mg root extract? Is that directly from the plant? It also says that it contains 8% Ginenosides. Presumably this is not enough either.

I will stick to the Ginseng first however and see how I go just because of my stomach, but I don't actually have bleeding as a result of my stomach problems. They are caused mostly by food intolerances, including lactose, wheat, yeast and most other dairy produce, hence the caps that I bought and I would only really get a bad belly ache and diarrhea when I eat the wrong things.

Thanks again.

You seem very knowledgeable about herbs. Have you studied them? It sounds as if you use herbal products a lot yourself. I don't know a lot about them, I have to say, but have just been finding out a little recently. Up until now I have always been a strong advocate of homeopathy, but just wanted to try and spread my wings a little.

isolated one

01-14-2003, 02:24 PM

Well, if what you have is 100 mg at 8% plus 300 mg root powder, that should be good to start with. I have noticed a difference between different brands because the various ginsenosides aren't always extracted in the right proportion. I've learned to stick with Nature's Way. They have a 500 mg product which isn't standardized however it still provides the minimum of 2%. I use their potent standardized Korean Ginseng which is 500 mg at a high 7% ginsenosides. That most definitely gives a lift but may be too much if you're not used to it. And yes, everything in extract form is directly from the plant and there is a method to isolate the most active parts. I do take several different herbs and vitamins daily. The extent of my knowledge is of the supplements I'm taking, have taken, or am interested in anyway but there are also many which I haven't really given much attention to. Anything I do know is all from being self taught from the internet. Once you discover how to use the internet, you will be able to find answers to most anything you want if you try hard enough. I think it's a shame that most who have access to the web only use it for e mail, shopping, or following sports. Anyway, I hope the Ginseng will soon start to show some results.

Iloveseung

02-28-2003, 06:53 AM

Ginseng is effective in certain types of cancer. It is excellent for an energy boost, which is what I take it for.

However, ginseng has been known to cause VERY high heart rates. So if you notice a very high heart rate after taking it, you should probably stop.

Farmer Sue Tickle

02-28-2003, 01:18 PM

"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)."

Gar fla, I once went looking for Panax ginseng and found only Siberian at a local HFS which I admire a lot, so your above comment strikes me. What am I missing here, and how could that be ? (I also got a great adaptogen and energy boost from it)

isolated one

02-28-2003, 08:37 PM

As I said, Siberian Ginseng is not true Ginseng, as it is not of the "Panax" species. This is a simple fact.

Farmer Sue Tickle

03-03-2003, 12:11 PM

My mistake, it wasn't the Siberian I noticed was the panax variety.

Gar fla, thank you for your kind assistance in helping me find out what what I was missing or was mistaken over.