The benefits and properties of ginseng
Write the 09/02/2023 by Santarome Bio
Native to the forests of the Far East, Ginseng is an adaptogenic plant that rarely grows in the wild. Its main root, which can measure 20 cm in length, has a more or less striped light yellow color and white, brittle flesh. The use of Ginseng dates back more than 4000 years. Long used exclusively by the Chinese imperial family, it has become the symbol of traditional Chinese medicine, earning it the name "Root of Life".
Name : Ginseng
Latin name : Panax Ginseng CA Meyer
Type : Araliaceae
Part used : Root
Origin : Asia
Origin and history of ginseng
This adaptogenic plant belongs to the panax family which means “remedy that cures everything”. The word ginseng has the etymology “root” and “man”. This plant originated in the mountainous areas of China and Korea. It is grown in acidic and light soils for optimal development. Formerly used in Asian countries to cure ailments and to tone the 5 organs of our body, it subsequently became known and coveted by the Western world for its magical virtues.
Appearance and format
The therapeutic active ingredients of ginseng find their origin in the roots. This plant has palmate lobes, whitish flowers where small red berries resembling gooseberries grow.
Yellow and white in color, ginseng somewhat resembles ginger. When ginseng matures, it can reach 10 centimeters in length. There are 2 types of ginseng:
- white ginseng: the roots are washed then exposed to the sun to dry for two weeks.
- red ginseng: the roots are washed then steamed before being dried like white ginseng.
The ginseng is then reduced to powder in order to be made in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid or ampoules.
Ginseng is composed of several active ingredients which give it this status as a remedy:
- ginsenosides which is the most important element of ginseng
- polysaccharides
- alkaloids
- glycosides
- phenolic acids
There are several varieties of ginseng:
- American ginseng
- Chinese ginseng
- Siberian ginseng
- Indian ginseng
Properties of ginseng and benefits of ginseng
Ginseng needs to be cultivated for 6 to 7 years for the roots to mature and develop all of its qualities.
Ginseng is known for its medicinal, stimulating and therapeutic properties. But also anti-aging and antioxidants.
Ginseng acts on well-being by reducing stress, and reduces daily fatigue in order to prevent insomnia. It promotes cognitive performance and works short-term memory. Ginseng helps increase physical and sporting performance and increases endurance, particularly in cases of exhaustion or increased fatigue. Ginseng is known to be an excellent aphrodisiac that stimulates the libido. For minor depressions, ginseng is often recommended.
The benefits of ginseng have been proven, particularly thanks to its therapeutic effects, it regulates cholesterol levels. Ginsenosides, which make up ginseng, stimulate the immune system. Its antioxidant effects help slow down the aging of cells and alleviate the symptoms resulting from menopause.
Ginseng is also used to regulate hypotension, diabetes, blood pressure, arthritis.
The virtues of ginseng help prevent and fight against certain cancers and the antioxidants of this plant are very often used to treat anemia. Ginseng remains a powerful remedy against winter illnesses such as bronchitis.
Some studies have notably demonstrated the benefits of ginseng for healing superficial wounds and skin diseases such as psoriasis.
