Ginseng Facts - Some Basic Things to Know About Ginseng
–I’ve heard people talk about Ginseng, but I’m not sure what it is.
Nothing like starting from the beginning.
Ginseng is often characterized by its medicinal properties. Having originated in the Orient, Ginseng is classified under the genus of five or six species of slow-growing perennial plants. Ginseng has fleshy roots and belongs to the Araliaceae family of plants. Because of technology today, ginseng has been made available in herbal medicine shops and is effective in treating some diseases and health problems.
–What makes ginseng so great?
To those in the field of alternative medicine, it is well-known that ginseng is beneficial to a person’s health. Nevertheless, proving these claims scientifically has been difficult. So, what is it in ginseng that makes alternative medicine doctors and herb experts so sure about its medicinal properties? Ginseng is considered to be an adaptogen. Basically, what this means is that while it increases resistance to stress, it has no harmful effects to the body. Due to this fact, many people take a daily ginseng supplement to increase their overall health.
–So, what are the different kinds of ginseng?
Different kinds of ginseng cure different kinds of health issues and medical problems. Some forms of ginseng are taken to help cure cancer. The most common kinds of ginseng are Chinese Ginseng, Korean Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, Aralia, Schefflera, and Tropical Snowflake Ginseng. Each one has unique features and healing properties.
Panax Ginseng is also known as Korean Ginseng. It is a deciduous perennial shrub with roots that are cultivated for 4-6 years before the plant is ready and has reached maturity. Ginseng Panax is the most popular kind of ginseng. This is commonly used as an anti-aging herb by most of the people of China and Korea. Panax Ginseng is a popular herb today because it is not harmful to the body, has no toxic properties and few side effects.
Not as common as Panax Ginseng is Wild Ginseng. It is not planted or cultivated domestically but can be found almost anywhere since it grows naturally. Unfortunately, Wild Ginseng is more difficult to find now as it is already becoming endangered.
–Should I consider one form of ginseng over another?
Ginseng taken in certain forms can be more effective. Standardized extracts and solid forms of ginseng are proven to have a greater effect. They also provide more reliable effects than the other formulations. Here’s a great post on the effects of ginseng that compares Panax Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng.
–How much should I expect to pay for ginseng?
Prices of ginseng products vary quite a bit. It will depend on the kind and form of ginseng your pharmacist recommends. Types of ginseng range from 10 to 100 dollars or higher.
There are also ginseng roots that are sold for low prices, but the highest grade will reach as high as $10,000 per root. There are other things that may effect the price. Harvesting and cultivating can also effect the price. Of course, demand for a certain kind of ginseng will also raise the price.
–Is it better to take ginseng in capsules, in tea or by simply chewing it?
It’s really a matter of preference. Here are some guidelines. For ginseng capsules, plan to take your dose an hour before bedtime. You can also prepare it as tea. However, it is not a good idea to take all forms, i.e. tablets, teas and tinctures at the same time. This could cause an overdose of ginseng.
–Is it best to take ginseng with food?
The use or intake of ginseng sometimes differs from culture to culture. Furthermore, there are currently no specific restrictions that have been placed in terms of food, beverages or any other specific activity a person can do while taking any form of ginseng. Even so, it is a good idea to involve your health care provider in your combination of any kind of medicines and herbal remedies.
–How should I store ginseng?
You’ll usually find storage instructions on the package. In general, ginseng should be protected from too much light and moisture to preserve its effect. So, store it someplace where it’s dry and dark.
Get to know Glenda Fiddler at her Ginseng Blog. Get more information on ginseng at GinsengFAQ.com.
- Glenda Fiddler