Ginseng: “The Erotic Herbal Therapist”

Introduction

Considered as one of the most important trade goods in the field of healthcare and treatment of diseases, Ginseng is presently distributed in 35 countries worldwide for restoring and enhancing overall health, especially sexual health. Based on this very ground, this medicinal herb is used in a variety of foods, dietary supplements, health supplements, agricultural products, medicines and more.

The term ‘Ginseng’ is both a botanical term, in reference to the species, and a social name, when considered with its ability to support vitality and prevent diseases. Ginseng is an English translation of the Chinese word ‘renshen’ which means ‘man root,’ as the root looks more like two legs of a human. 

Ginseng is a herb that consists of a light-coloured, forked-shaped root with a relatively long stalk and green leaves that are oval.

The different varieties of this herb are widely used for medical purposes because this short, slow-growing perennial plant with fleshy roots is believed to restore and enhance standard well-being. Therefore, Ginseng has become one of the most popular herbal remedies in today’s world.

Benefits of Ginseng

Extensively used in traditional medicine for centuries for treating a number of medical conditions and ailments, such as:

• Boosting Energy: Ginseng is known for stimulating physical and mental activity among people who feel weak, tired and fatigued. A Mayo Clinical Study also revealed ginseng to show effective results in treating cancer patients with fatigue.

• Cognitive function: Ginseng can orally be ingested for improving cognitive abilities, such as thinking, memory, concentration and more.

• Anti-inflammatory effects: According to the results published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, Ginseng has seven constituents, one of the most important of which is a ginsenoside that has immune-suppressive effects. 

• Helps prevent Cancer: There are many substances in Ginseng that embrace anticancer properties. A few studies conducted in Asia have linked this herb to lower risks of cancer as well.
  
  On the other hand, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre research too proved that ‘Ginseng have improved survival and quality of life among the people who are diagnosed with breast cancer’.

• Treats Erectile dysfunction: As suggested by the National Institute of Health, Panax Ginseng helps reduce the symptoms of erectile dysfunction or male impotence. So, men who take this herb experience firmer and easily attainable long-lasting erections.  
  
  A 2002 Korean study also revealed that 60% of the men who were treated with ginseng noticed an improvement in their symptoms.
  
  In addition to the above research, the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology also published “evidence for the effectiveness of red ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction”.

• Flu and RSV: Research that was released by the International Journal of Molecular Medicine strongly suggests a possible link between “ginseng and the treatment and prevention of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).” 

Different Types of Ginseng

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

• Boosts energy
• Lowers blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
• Reduces stress
• Promotes relaxation
• Treats diabetes and
• Sexual dysfunction in men.

Side effects of American Ginseng:

Are believably safe when orally ingested, but is recommended for short term usage only. Doses of American ginseng varies between 100-3000 mg daily for a period of 12 weeks. Single doses of 10 grams are also considered to be safe. But, this sub-type of ginseng when consumed orally is capable of causing certain side effects like insomnia, itching, diarrhoea, headaches, and nervousness.

Some people also experience rapid heartbeat, increased or decreased blood pressure, and more. Whereas, the most uncommon side effects of this herb include severe rashes, liver damage, and severe allergic reaction.

Precautions that should be taken in mind before adding American Ginseng:

• Pregnant and lactating women should avoid using Ginseng.
  
  
• Diabetic, who take medication to lower blood sugar, should possibly avoid such supplements as it might lower your blood sugar a little too much.
  
  
• Individuals suffering from Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids should avoid taking supplements that include American ginseng in their formula.
  
  
• People who suffer from insomnia should use American ginseng with caution.
  
  
• Schizophrenic patients too should avoid American ginseng, as it might affect your sleep and level of agitation.
  
  
• And, lastly, individuals who are about to undergo surgery should avoid its usage prior to 2 weeks from the date of your surgery, as it might interfere with your blood sugar level.

Asian (Panax Ginseng)

Also known as Red, Korean and Japanese ginseng, this herb helps boost energy, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduces stress, promotes relaxation, treats diabetes and sexual dysfunction in men. People often tend to confuse between Panax Ginseng and Red Ginseng, but the truth is Korean Red Ginseng is the heat-treated version of Panax Ginseng and American Ginseng, with a slight difference in composition to the untreated plants and endow some unique bio-actives, but are originated from the same plant source.

Side effects of Panax Ginseng:

This ingredient too is considered to be SAFE when used for topical application to the skin. Whereas, when ingested and used for long-term (more than 6 months), it can be UNSAFE. Researchers too are of the opinion that this herb might have some hormone-like effects which are capable of bringing some unfavourable effects with its prolonged usage.

The most common side effects of this herb include insomnia. And, the lesser-known ones are increased heart rate, high or low blood pressure, headaches, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, itching, rash, dizziness, mood changes, menstrual problems, breast pain, vaginal bleeding (in case of women) and other side effects.

Precautions before using Asian Ginseng

• Panax Ginseng is highly unsafe for infants and children. And, consequences can be fatal.
  
  
• Should be avoided by pregnant and lactating women.
  
  
• Individuals with Auto-immune diseases, like multiple sclerosis (MS), Iupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or other such conditions should stay away from Asian Ginseng, as it might increase the activity of your immune system and worsen the situation.
  
  
• People with bleeding conditions too should avoid using the herb, as Panax Ginseng seems to interfere with blood clotting.
  
  
• Panax ginseng also affects heart rhythm and blood pressure. Hence, people with cardiovascular conditions should stay away from the herb.
  
  
• Diabetics too should keep away from such supplements as Asian ginseng lowers blood sugar a little more than it is intended.

Brazilian Ginseng (Pfaffia Paniculata):

Is known to improve physical performance and embraces few anti-cancer properties and is a free-radical scavenger.

Side effects of Brazilian Ginseng

Also known as Suma, it is considered to be safe for most people when ingested orally and for a short period of time. But, this sub-type of ginseng has no information about the benefits and side effects of topical application to the skin.

Brazilian Ginseng root powder is known to cause symptoms of asthma when inhaled.

Precautions that should be taken before using Brazilian Ginseng

• Even though there is not enough information available about this sub-type of ginseng, but it is advisable for pregnant and lactating women to avoid this herb. 

Indian Ginseng (Withania Somnifera)

Holds a variety of neuroprotective effects, improves some forms of cognition and is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. 

Side effects of Indian Ginseng

Commonly known as Ashwagandha, is considered SAFE when ingested for a short period of time. The long-term safety of this herb and its benefits directly to the skin is yet to be discovered. But, large doses of this herb might cause diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach upset.

Precautions before including Indian Ginseng

• Ashwagandha is considered unsafe for pregnant and lactating women.
  
  
• People suffering from diabetes should avoid using the herb, as it might lower blood sugar more than needed.

• People, who suffer from high or low blood pressure, and is under medication to keep the pressure under control should cautiously use this herb as it might lower blood pressure among the ones who already have low blood pressure?

• Individuals who suffer from stomach ulcer should avoid the herb, as Ashwagandha can irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

• People who are about to undergo surgery should abstain from the herb at least 2 weeks prior to your scheduled date.

• People with thyroid conditions or who take thyroid hormone medication should use Ashwagandha with caution, as it is likely to increase thyroid hormone levels.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosis)

Is mainly known for allowing your body to cope with metabolic stress, regulate cellular activity and furnish your body with a sustained energy boost and improved physical performance. But it is not a true ginseng and does not belong to the genus “Panax”. Hence, is different from that of American or Asian Ginseng.

Side effects of Siberian Ginseng

The oral consumption of this sub-type of ginseng is presumably SAFE for most adults when used for a short period of time. Even though the side effects of this herb are rare, but some people experience changes in heart rhythm, drowsiness, sadness, anxiety, muscle spasms, and other side effects. Overdose of this herb is likely to cause increased blood pressure.

Precautions and Warnings before including Siberian Ginseng supplements

• Siberian ginseng contains chemicals that might slow blood clotting. Hence, people with bleeding disorders should avoid this herb.

• Even though there is not much reliable information about the safety of Siberian Ginseng but, to be on the safer side, pregnant and lactating women are suggested to stay away from the herb.

• Siberian Ginseng elevates heartbeat, blood pressure and causes irregular heartbeats. Thus, people who suffer from heart conditions should use this herb under the supervision of your healthcare guide.

• Siberian Ginseng can worsen conditions like, breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer,  endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, as it might act like estrogen. Therefore, people with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid this herb.

• Individuals who have blood pressure over 180/90 should NOT use Siberian Ginseng, as it might worsen the high blood pressures.

• People with psychological conditions like mania and schizophrenia are highly recommended to AVOID Siberian Ginseng, as it worsens such conditions.

Some other Possible Side-Effects of Ginseng

Ginseng is considered as one of the safest herbs for most people, but when used extensively, this plant might affect your body.

However, side-effects of ginseng are short-term and are not experienced by everyone who takes such supplements. The most common side effect is sleep problems, whereas the less common ones include:

• Increased heart rate
• Raised blood pressure
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Rash.

Note: Avoid combining ginseng with caffeine, as ginseng can intensify the effects of caffeine.

Ginseng Overdose & Symptoms

People who slightly overdose with Ginseng experiences symptoms like:

• Irritability
• Blurred Vision
• Oedema
• Diarrhoea
• Bleeding
• Fidgeting
• Excitation
• Dizziness, and
• Dry Mouth

A Severe Overdose of Ginseng include

• Decreased heart rate
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Convulsions
• Delirium
• Seizures

Individuals who experience the symptoms that are listed-above should terminate the ginseng supplement and seek immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

Compare the benefits and find the best suitable match to target your problem with this traditionally potent herb. To know more about the benefits of ginseng and the products that include this herb in the recommended dosage for utmost safety visit [URL]