Ginseng
Brand Names
Asian Ginseng, Asiatic Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Chinese Red Ginseng, Ginseng, Ginseng Asiatique, Ginseng Blanc, Ginseng Blanc de Corée, Ginseng Chinois, Ginseng Coréen, Ginseng Coréen Rouge, Ginseng de Corée, Ginseng Japonais, Ginseng Oriental, Ginseng PanaxWhat is Ginseng
Ginseng is a herbal supplement made from the roots of ginseng plants. It is used for many purposes. Ginseng is commonly used to stimulate the immune system or to improve mental functioning and overall mental health.
There are 3 main types of Ginseng:
- Asian ginseng
- American ginseng
- Siberian ginseng. It is actually not a true ginseng, because it does not contain any ginsenocides.
Side effects of Ginseng
The possible side effects of Ginseng include the followings:
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Breast pain
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- A spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Unexplained happy or pleasant feelings (euphoria)
Indication
Ginseng is traditionally used in the treatment of such diseases as stress, impotence, type II diabetes, anemia, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, gastritis, fever and several respiratory tract infections (the common cold and influenza).
Scientists do not have enough evidence that it can be benificial in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and even in HIV/AIDS and cancer. It reduces the risk of heart diseases.
It is helpful in the treatment of COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) by improving the functions of the lung.
Today, ginseng is also used in a number of weight loss formulas, for its presumed effect on lowering cholesterol. It prevents the full absorption of fat and its conservation so it can be effective for treating of obesity.
Precautions
Before using Ginseng you have to inform your doctor if you have:
- a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease
- are taking any medicines to prevent or treat these conditions
- allergies (especially to plants)
- are taking other medicines or herbal supplements
- are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding
Dosage forms
BY MOUTH:
For treating type 2 diabetes: 200 mg daily.
For erectile dysfunction: 900 mg 3 times daily.
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
For premature ejaculation: a cream (SS-Cream) containing Panax ginseng and other ingredients has been applied to the glans penis one hour before sexual contact and washed off before it.
