Last updated on May 13th, 2023 at 09:55 am
Panax ginseng is one of the several types of ginseng commonly used in herbal medicine. The plant ginseng naturally grows in the mountains of East Asia, where harvesting of its roots is done that evolves into the ginseng that is consumed as teas and supplements.
What is Panax Ginseng and Its Root
Panax ginseng, also known as Chinese Ginseng, is an herb that belongs to the family Araliaceae which also includes other medicinal plants such as ivy, schefflera, and devil’s club. It has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries, particularly in China, where it has a strong historical and cultural significance. Ginseng is extracted from the roots of the plants in the genus Panax. It is used to combat fatigue, depression, anxiety, and other ailments. Herbalists claim that it can improve cognitive function, focus, and endurance. There are around five types of ginseng grown in different parts of the world, including American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera), Brazilian Ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata), Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng), and Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). South Korea is the largest producer of ginseng, with almost 50% of the total ginseng produced globally, coming from there. The popularity of Ginseng is increasing and it is not just limited to Asia rather its use and demand have grown in more than 35 countries which have increased its market value to more than $4 billion that is expected to reach around $10 billion+ by 2027.
Worldwide, there are a total of 11 ginseng species, including
- Oriental ginseng
- Wild Oriental ginseng
- Cultivated Oriental ginseng
- White ginseng
- Red ginseng
- American ginseng
- Wild American ginseng
- Cultivated American ginseng
- Woods-grown American ginseng
- Siberian ginseng
- Wild red American ginseng.
Panax Ginseng Benefits For Men
Ginseng has been traditionally used for centuries in Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for various ailments. It contains ginsenosides, which are believed to be the main active components that provide numerous health benefits. Some of the potential benefits of ginseng include:
- Improving physical endurance and reducing fatigue.
- Anti-cancer properties
- Anti-obesity properties
- Improved digestion
- Treatment of type-2 diabetes
- Improved sexual function in men
- Improved mental health and potential treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
- Reduced stress levels
- Improved insulin resistance
- Anti-aging effects
- Reduced swelling in the body
- Improved lung health
- May help cope with menstrual symptoms in women
- May help fight against hair fall problems caused by stress and other lifestyle factors
- May improve skin health and reduce wrinkles
While there is some scientific evidence to support the health benefits of ginseng, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential side effects. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal supplement or natural remedy.
Panax Ginseng Nutrients:
Ginseng is the root of Panax plants and contains several phytonutrients and many essential nutrients, all of which are not only needed for a healthy body but also can be helpful in various health issues, the nutrients found in ginseng are:
- Carbohydrates
- Dietary fiber
- Protein
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, A, E, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), Folate, Choline
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium
- Essential amino acids: Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan
- Steroidal saponins: Ginsenosides
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol, Isorhamnetin, Apigenin
*Depends on species, soil, and the conditions under which it has been grown.
*The nutrient list is not exhaustive.
How To Use Ginseng And Its Doses:
Ginseng is used in different food items in Asian countries like smoothies, pudding, chicken dishes, and so on and it is easy to use ginseng to reap its amazing benefits. Some of these are mentioned below:
- Ginseng can be used to make coffee, or added to the coffee in small amounts to enhance the flavor and effects of coffee.
- Ginseng is used to make chicken soup, which is one of the common ways to use ginseng in Asian countries.
- Ginseng powder or its root can be used as tea.
- Ginseng powder can be directly eaten.
- Ginseng can also be taken in capsule form.
- Ginseng in its extract form can be consumed daily. However, it must not exceed 2 to 3 grams a day and should be taken in multiple doses.
Panax Ginseng Side Effects:
Ginseng is a highly potent and medicinally beneficial herb that should be taken with proper guidance and must not be overconsumed.
In a limited manner, Ginseng is safe to eat, however, there are some side effects of this herb, which are:
- Some of the cases found that high use of ginseng can result in digestion problems, sleep-related problems, and cause headaches.
- It is not suitable for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding.
- It is not suitable for patients having low blood pressure and heart-related problems.
- It is not suitable for patients who are diabetic without proper guidance.
- Ginseng should not be consumed with other foods.
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Mastalgia(a type of breast pain)
- Blood pressure changes
- Vaginal bleeding
- Also has some allergic reactions.
Takeaway:
Now to summarise, Panax Ginseng is a herbal plant that has several qualities and we can use it as a health booster, to maintain our mental health. Ginseng is widely used in Asian countries. This herb also contains a variety of pharmacological components which can be accessed from tea, powder, and capsules. Ginseng can strengthen our immune system, reduce fatigue, enhance brain functioning, and can also improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction. You can take Ginseng as per your requirement to give your health a boost.
