Description

Panax ginseng is a slow growing perennial plant with fleshy roots. It is a member of the Araliaceae family of plants. Panax ginseng grows in the northern hemisphere in eastern Asia. It grows well in cool climates and is commonly found on mountain slopes.

Panax ginseng is characterized by the presence of ginsenosides. Ginsenosides are the active compounds that distinguish the Panax species. However, even though the root of the ginseng plant is the most valued form, it is the leaves that contain the highest amounts of ginsenosides.

Panax ginseng is noted for being an adaptogen. An adoptogen is a herb which appears to increase the body’s ability to adapt to stress and changing situations. This adaptogenic claim, to a certain extent, can be supported with reference to its anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties.

Uses

Panax Ginseng has been used in China for over 5,000 years. It is believed to increase the efficiency of the endocrine, metabolic, circulatory and digestive systems, resulting in increased alertness, reflex actions and stamina.

Muscle relaxant. Panax ginseng has been known to have a relaxing effect on the muscles in the lungs. The resulting airway relaxation may help to calm asthma symptoms and other airways constricting lung conditions.

Male fertility. Taking panax ginseng orally may enhance male fertility by increasing sperm count, quality, and movement, as it activates the body system that increases production of certain hormones. To increase athletic performance, panax ginseng is often added to sports drinks or supplements. It has, however, not been proven effective for this use.

Hormone production. Also used for women, it is supposed that panax ginseng can cause an effect similar to that of estrogen, by stimulating hormone production and related chemicals.

Aphrodisiac. Panax ginseng is highly effective in alleviating sexual dysfunction in men.

Memory enhancement. In some studies a combination of panax ginseng and gingko seemed to increase memory and thinking processes.

Panax ginseng is also used in connection with many conditions such as cancer, anxiety, colds, flu and for lowering blood levels of sugar and cholesterol, as in type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.

Possible side effects

One of Panax ginseng’s most commonly cited side effects is the inability to sleep. Other side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, headaches, nose bleeds, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and breast pain. Panax ginseng may also lead to induction of mania in depressed patients who mix it with antidepressants.