Ginseng is a rare plant that is only harvested after a long time. The ginseng fruit takes at least three or four years to mature, and its root needs at least six to eight years before harvesting. Ginseng grows all over the world, but only a few areas can produce high-quality ginseng.
Ginseng has long been considered the "king of herbs" throughout the world. Ji-Lin ginseng, a very high-quality variety of ginseng, alleviates fatigue and increases strength and stamina. In addition, Ji-Lin ginseng strengthens the lungs and spleen and helps curb chronic diarrhea as well as blood deficiency. It is believed that the continuous use of ginseng leads to longevity. Ginseng is also used to treat the problems of old age - lethargy, arthritis, issues with the reproductive system, and menopausal complaints.
Ginseng has been used to treat conditions such as loss of appetite, depression, asthma, epilepsy, cough, fever, liver disease, dysmenorrhea, headache, nausea, giddiness, gastritis, splenitis, ulcers, febrile illness, swelling, hemorrhage, inflammation and anemia.
Ginseng increases the efficiency of the endocrine, metabolic, circulatory, and digestive systems.
Precious Ginsenosides
Ginseng is highly nutritious. It contains vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B12, niacin, calcium, iron, potassium, and rare phytochemicals called ginsenosides, which exist only in ginseng. The amounts of and types of ginsenosides in each type of ginseng vary. Different parts of the ginseng plant contain different types of ginsenosides, and each ginsenoside has different effects. Research shows that ginsenosides can strengthen the immune system, and they have been reported to effectively relieve inflammation in rats.
Different Parts, All Beneficial
Ginseng flower, stem, and leaf are all beneficial to the human body. For example, potent antioxidants found in ginseng leaf (Folium ginseng) help the body fight against disease. Ginseng leaf is bitter, yet slightly sweet. It is cold in nature and clears issues caused by heat. It also generates fluids in the body. Because of these properties, ginseng is often used to quench thirst as well as to alleviate sore throat and other heat-related conditions. It is also used to treat alcohol intoxication.
Do not underestimate the benefits of ginseng berry. In recent years, scientists have discovered that the nutritional value of ginseng berry is just as high as that of ginseng root. In fact, it may be even more precious than ginseng root. The amount of ginsenosides present in ginseng berry is about four times the amount in the root.
Prevent Cancer
Studies report that ginseng can effectively prevent the formation of cancer cells. Studies show ginseng berry also reduces the risk of several types of cancer. One study found that ginseng users were 60% less likely to develop cancer compared to those who did not take the herb.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Ginseng is considered a tonic for the blood. it can lower blood pressure to normal levels and even reduce cholesterol. Furthermore, reports indicate that chewing the ginseng root reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Treats Diabetes and Obesity
Research shows that ginseng berry extract holds real promise for treating diabetes and obesity.
Ginseng berry normalized blood glucose levels, improved sensitivity to insulin, lowered cholesterol levels, and decreased weight by reducing appetite and increasing activity levels. Ginseng berry may slow the digestion of food and decrease the rate of carbohydrate absorption.
Another study involved both type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic participants who received 3g doses of ginseng. Both the diabetic and non-diabetic subjects who consumed ginseng had blood-sugar levels about 20% lower - a significant decrease - than the subjects who did not consume ginseng berry. The study concluded that ginseng increases cells' sensitivity to insulin as well as the actual secretion of insulin.
Enhances Sports Performance
Ginseng berry helps the human body to utilize oxygen more effectively. It stabilizes heartbeat during exercise, and helps the body to return to normal physiological conditions faster after exercise.
Boosts Nerve Growth Factor Levels in the Brain
Ginseng contains compounds known as saponins, which have the ability to boost nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the brain. NGF is vital for the normal development of the brain and the nervous system. It is a protein that helps neurons survive, remain healthy, and even grow.
Elevating NGF levels has been shown to improve symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer's disease) in animal models.
Improves Focus and Mental Well-being
Ginseng is often used to alleviate other ailments such as stress and fatigue (specifically mental fatigue) and to improve memory and concentration.
Nourishes Skin
Ginseng berry is rich in antioxidants, which can decrease free radical damage to skin, thereby reducing visible signs of aging. Applied topically, ginseng berry extract may increase skin elasticity, improve skin softness and fineness, enhance skin hydration, and delay signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Stress and poor blood circulation can also cause skin dullness. Ginseng berry contains some of nature's best antioxidants for achieving radiant skin.
Ginseng Berry, photo by Drginseng
