Asian ginseng, or Panax ginseng, not to be confused with American or Siberian ginseng, has been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. In fact, the human-shaped root became so popular that, in China, violent conflicts arose over control of ginseng fields, and by the 6th-century wild ginseng was a rarity. Today, ginseng has become one of the most widely-used medicinal herbs in the United States, and modern scientists are attempting to separate fact from fiction with evidence-based research. Here are some possible health benefits they’ve found so far.
Boosts the Immune System
Many studies have looked at the effect of Asian ginseng on the immune system, and they seem to suggest that ginseng stimulates white blood cell production in the body. In one study, people were two- thirds less likely to get a cold or flu if they had taken ginseng over a placebo. In another, people who took ginseng for four weeks had fewer and less severe colds than those who took a placebo.
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
While it is uncertain whether results were related to healthier lifestyles, one study of 4,634 people conducted over the course of 5 years found that people who took ginseng regularly had a lower risk of developing liver, lung, ovarian, stomach, and pancreatic cancer than those who did not. Studies have also suggested that Asian ginseng could help slow or even stop the growth of tumors, but scientists are unsure why that may be.
Good for Heart Health
Ginseng may also reduce symptoms of heart disease. Scientists believe this is because ginseng contains antioxidants, giving it the power to help rid the body of organ-damaging free radicals. It also seems that Asian ginseng could have the ability to lower LDL, or bad, cholesterol and raise HDL, or good, cholesterol. It should be noted that people with high blood pressure should not take ginseng because while some studies found that ginseng might lower it, others have discovered that it might also raise it.
Improves Brain Function
Whether studies were conducted using arithmetic, concentration, or memory to measure brain function, they almost always found that taking ginseng did improve mental ability. It’s also possible that combining ginseng with Ginkgo Biloba increases these mind-enhancing effects.
Helps Physical Performance
While some studies suggest ginseng may not have an effect on physical performance, a significant amount of research suggests otherwise, showing an improvement in physical ability based on things ranging from strength to endurance to agility to reaction time. Additionally, a study of 332 people found that Asian ginseng apparently reduced fatigue. Ginseng has proven to be especially beneficial because, unlike other stimulants, it does not appear to stress the adrenal glands.
Increases Sperm Count
Several studies conducted on both animals and people indicate that Asian ginseng increases sperm count in males. And while there are fewer studies to support the possibility, ginseng may also enhance sexual performance by increasing blood flow to the penis and therefore reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Provides a Sense of Well-Being
If all of that weren’t enough to get you excited about ginseng, it also seems that the herb makes people experience a general feeling of well-being. Many herbalists refer to ginseng as an “adaptogen,” meaning that it helps the body cope with both physical and mental stress. While conventional science does not yet acknowledge the existence of such substances, it does acknowledge that at least one well-conducted study found that people who took a supplement containing ginseng reported a better quality of life than those who took a similar supplement without ginseng.
If you want to take ginseng regularly, it is suggested that you do so in cycles by taking it daily for two to three weeks and discontinuing use for the next three weeks and so on. Ginseng has many highly medicinal properties, but that also means that you should be cautious when using it. The herb has several possible drug interactions and side effects, so talk with a healthcare professional before trying it out. Children, people with diabetes or high blood pressure, and pregnant or nursing women should not take ginseng.
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