Ginseng is used throughout the Far East as a general tonic to combat weakness and give extra energy. There are a number of different types of ginseng:

• Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng)
  
• Panax quinquefolium (American Ginseng)
  
• Panax ginseng (Chinese or Korean Ginseng)
  
• Panax japonicum (Japanese Ginseng
  

Panax ginseng is the most widely used species.

Early Native Americans were familiar with ginseng. They called it gisens and used it for stomach and bronchial disorders, asthma, and neckpain. Russian scientists claim that ginseng root stimulates both physical and mental activity, improves endocrine gland function, and has a positive effect on the sex glands. Ginseng is beneficial for fatigue because it spares glycogen (the form of glucose stored in the liver and muscle cells) by increasing the use of fatty acids as an energy source. It is used to enhance athletic performance, to rejuvenate and to increase longevity, and to detoxify and normalize the entire system.

In lower doses, ginseng seems to raise blood pressure while higher amounts appear to reduce blood pressure. Research suggests that high doses of ginseng may be helpful for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, without side effects of radiation. Ginseng is beneficial for people with diabetes because it decreases the level of the hormone corisol in the blood (cortisol interferes with the function of insulin). However, people with hypoglycemia should avoid using large amounts of ginseng.

The root is sold in many forms as a whole root or root pieces, which are either untreated or blanched; as a powder or powdered extract; as a liquid extract or concentrate; in granules for instant tea; as a tincture; in an oil base; and in tablets and capsules. These products should not contain sugar or added color, and should be pure ginseng. Many supplement manufacturers add ginseng to combination products, but these products often contain such low amounts that they may not be effective. Wakunaga distributes several high-quality Korean and Siberian ginseng products.

The following Russian approach is advised when using ginseng: Take it for 15 to 20 days, followed by a rest period of 2 weeks. Avoid long-term usage of high doses.

GinsengGo

Ginseng and Other Medicinal Plants
-- by Arthur Richard Harding

The Complete Ginseng Handbook: A Practical Guide for Energy, Health, & Longevity
-- by Jacques Moramarco

The Ginseng Book: Nature's Ancient Healer
-- by Stephen Fulder PhD et al

The Book of Ginseng: and Other Chinese Herbs for Vitality
-- by Stephen Fulder

The Ginseng Book: Nature's Ancient Healer
-- by Stephen Fulder PhD et al

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