Health & Beauty Tips

--What exactly is Ginseng?

A basic question deserves a good basic answer.

a characterization of Ginseng is its medicinal properties. Having originated in the Orient, Ginseng is classified under the genus of five or six species of slow-growing perennial plants. Belonging to the Araliaceae plant family, Ginseng has fleshy roots. Using today's technology, ginseng can be found in most herb and alternative medicine shops and is effective in treating some diseases and health problems.

--What makes ginseng so great?

To those in the field of alternative medicine, it is well-known that ginseng is beneficial to a person's health. Even so, it is not easy to prove such a claim scientifically. So, what is it in ginseng that makes herb doctors and alternative medicine doctors speak of its medicinal properties? Ginseng is considered to be an adaptogen. Basically, what this means is that while it increases resistance to stress, it has no harmful effects to the body. It is because of this that many people take a dietary ginseng supplement everyday for their overall health.

--So, what are the different kinds of ginseng?

Different kinds of ginseng cure different kinds of health problems. Some forms of ginseng are taken to help cure cancer. The most common kinds of ginseng include Panax Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng and Korean Ginseng. Each of these has individual features and different healing effects.

Panax Ginseng is sometimes called Korean Ginseng. It is a deciduous perennial shrub with roots that are cultivated for 4-6 years before the plant is ready and has reached maturity. Ginseng Panax is the most common form of ginseng. This is commonly used as an anti-aging herb by most of the Chinese and Korean people. Panax Ginseng is a popular herb today because it is harmless to the body and has few, if any, side effects.

Another kind of ginseng worth mentioning is Wild Ginseng. It is not planted or cultivated domestically but can be found almost anywhere since it grows naturally. However, the availability of wild ginseng is decreasing as it is already becoming endangered.

--Is one form of ginseng more effective than another?

Some forms are actually more effective than others. Standardized extracts and solid forms of ginseng are proven to have a greater effect. They also are considerably more reliable in effectiveness than other formulations. Here's a great post on the effects of ginseng showing the differences between Siberian and Panax Ginseng.

--How much should I expect to pay for ginseng?

There's no cut and dry answer for this since prices can vary. It will depend on the kind and form of ginseng recommended for you by the pharmacist. Types of ginseng usually range between $10 and $100 but can go higher.

There are also ginseng roots that are sold for low prices, but the highest grade will reach as high as $10,000 per root. There are other things that may effect the price. Harvesting and cultivating can also effect the price. Of course, demand for a certain kind of ginseng will also raise the price.

--How should I take ginseng? In capsules? In tea? Just chew it?

Take whatevever works best for you. Here are some things to consider. Ginseng in capsules should be taken an hour prior to bedtime. You can also prepare it as tea. However, taking all forms is not a good idea, for example tablets, teas and tinctures at the same time. Doing so will cause an overdose of ginseng.

--Is it best to take ginseng with food?

The use or intake of ginseng sometimes differs from culture to culture. Interestingly, at present there are no specific restrictions in terms of food, beverages or any other specific activity a person can do while taking any form of ginseng. Nonetheless, it is always wise to let your healther care provider know you are taking ginseng and allow him or her to direct your health care.

--What are the best practices for storing ginseng?

You'll usually find storage instructions on the package. Generally, ginseng should be protected from too much light and moisture to preserve its effect. With that in mind,It's best to store the ginseng in a dry, dark spot.