Ginseng root is native to eastern Asia and North America, and has been in use as a folk medicine and tonic amongst the people of China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Manchuria, as well as amongst Native Americans, for untold thousands of years. Frequently used as a potent preventative rather than a curative, it has also demonstrated tremendous therapeutic benefits for a wide number of conditions. If take regularly it increases vitality, and can extend your life span.
A perennial plant, ginseng is often found in heavily wooded areas and required rich soil to thrive. Ginseng takes several years to mature, with most roots cultivated when the plant is between 3-5 years old. After harvested, the roots are cleaned, dried, and selected, then they are ready for the market.
The plant itself is very attractive, with well shaped green leaves and bright red berries; however it is only the root that has any medical value. It's original name means Man Root, due to the shape of the ginseng root which strongly resembles the form of a human body.
Ginseng is a member of the Araliacae family.
Ginseng Is Known For:
- Improving Memory
- Cleansing the body of stress
- Resisting Disease
- Bolstering immunity
- Balancing Metabolism
- Preventing Headaches
- Fighting Fatigue
- Extending Endurance
- Strengthening the Body
- Opening the Mind
- Treating Sleep Disorders and Overcoming Insomnia
- Ginseng has had beneficial effects on women suffering post Menopausal Symptoms
- Ginseng has also demonstrated clinical improvements in virility among men, and effected improvements in conditions of sexual dysfunction for both sexes
HOW DO I USE GINSENG?
Dried ginseng root has been the most commonly available form of ginseng in Asia for thousands of years. The root can be used by itself in an infusion (tea), or as a part of a combination of herbal ingredients taken together either as an infusion, a pill, or a medicinal wine.
The most popular ways of consuming ginseng root are as an infusion or as an extract. The dried roots can also be sliced for consumption by themselves or in combination with other foods such as honey. Alternatively, they can be powdered and added to foods that way, or the powder packed into gel capsules.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE GINSENG?
- Many authorities recommend from 1-2 grams of pure high quality ginseng powder per day, but this may be difficult to follow if you are ingesting ginseng in a tea, or in a capsule that may not contain pure ginseng or top quality root.
- An easier guide, when purchasing dried ginseng root, is to eat 2-8 pieces each day, spread out over the course of the day. A slice of ginseng root about the size of a nickel, or a piece around the size of a small nut is best.
- Native American Indians used to chew on ginseng when running great distances in order to maintain their stamina.
- When ingesting as a tea one or two cups a day are sufficient. You can also soften the root or root slices in a cup of hot water, and then eat the softened slices with the resulting tea.
- If the taste is too bitter, you may add some pure honey to the tea, but never sugar.