Ginseng is a small herbal plant that has been used as traditional medicine. Research says that ginger benefits health by improving performance, fertility, fatigue, cognition, and fights against cancer.
Table of Contents
What Is Ginseng?
Ginseng is mostly found in North America and Eastern Asia. It belongs to the genus Panax and the Araliaceae family. There are five different types of ginseng, such as American ginseng, Indian ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and Korean red ginseng (1) (2).
Ginseng contains two significant compounds: gintonin and ginsenosides. It boosts the ginseng benefits (3).
How Ginseng Work?
After ingestion, constituents of ginseng are chemically transformed by contact with microflora, gastric acid, and other enzymes and absorption into the bloodstream. Ginseng benefits the body by distributing the constituents of ginseng all over the body.
Ginseng Benefits
Here are some ginseng health benefits:
1. Improves Sexual Dysfunction
Research says that ginseng is a herbal remedy to treat erectile dysfunction or sexual dysfunction(4). It also enhances nitric oxide, which helps to relax the penis and improve blood flow. It also improves libido too. Ginseng might boost testosterone levels in men, but research more needs to prove it.
2. Aids Diabetes Treatment
Several studies say that American ginseng help to lower the blood sugar level in type II diabetes patients(5). UK studies say that ginseng has glucoregulatory properties which also helps to enhance cognitive performance in individuals(6). The research found that ginseng also improves insulin sensitivity(7).
Read: Diabetic Diet Plan
3. Helps Fights Cancer
Ginseng’s ability to combat tumor growth and prevent cancer. Ginseng benefits to improve the functioning od NK cells (Natural Killer Cells) and T cells. It also fights against oxidative stress and kills cancer cell growth (8).
Other studies found that herb contains ginsenosides which hesp to prevent(9):
- Kidney cancer
- Skin cancer
- ovaries cancer
- cervix cancer
- lung cancer
- stomach cancer
4. Boosts Immunity
Ginseng herb helps to improve the immune levels and also reduces and prevents the frequency of cold in adults(10). A Korean study found that ginseng regulates the immune cells like- natural killer cells, B cells, macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells. The ginseng property helps to prevent inflammatory and microbial issues(11).
Did You Know?
Ginseng blooms in June or July. The ginseng fruit is red berry-filled with two seeds and the ripens in the autumn.
5. Boost Skin Health
Ginseng has anti-inflammatory which used to treat skin problems like rosacea (12). Research says is also acts as an anti-aging ingredient. It boosts collagen which helps skin firms and delays the appearance of wrinkles. This also enhances healing and improves skin regeneration.
Read: Essential Oil for Wrinkles
6. Increased energy
Ginseng may help to improve mental and physical activity in the people who tried and weak. Ginseng supplements also help for physical performance and improve fatigue, we need more study(13).
7. Aids Weight Loss
Ginseng affects the body metabolizes and help for weight loss. The side effect of this herb may loss of appetite. It boosts the metabolism which helps to lose weight. A study on mice found that ginseng could reduce body weight(14). A study found that ginseng has an anti-obesity effect(15).
Read: Benefits of Green Tea with Honey
8. Improves Lung Function
Studies found that the supplementation of ginseng could reduce lung bacteria and also prevent cystic fibrosis, which is a common lung function(16). Research says that ginseng helps to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung condition such as poor airflow, and also enhance exercise capability(17).
Read: Ginger for Cough
9. Improve Brain Function
Studies found that ginseng helps to reduce stress and improve mood (18). A Korean study found ginseng improves Alzheimer’s symptoms(19). Ginseng supplementation can improve cognitive function(20).
10. Reduce Inflammation
Ginseng contain ginsenosides that act as an anti-inflammatory agent(21). The research found ginseng extract may help to reduce arthritis symptoms and also joint pain as well as inflammation of the joints (22).
It also reduces abdominal pain with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which may be caused due to inflammation(23).
11. Improve Hair Growth
Studies(24) say that ginseng extract help strengthens hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Read: Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure
How To Take Ginseng Root
Ginseng tea is the best way to consume. Follow the below step to make ginseng tea:
- Peel the root and use as dried root or powdered
- Take 1 tbsp of powder or shaving and put into metal filter
- Boil the water and turn off. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes
- Now pour water into a teacup and sink the metal filter into teacup and steep for five minutes
- After taking tea, you can consume ginseng powder or shavings
- You can also add honey for taste
Dosage
The ginseng dosage to treat for:
- Type 2 diabetes: 200 milligrams a day
- Stress or Fatigue: 1 gram of ginseng daily
- Erectile dysfunction: 900 mg of ginseng thrice daily
Caution: If you have a query about the dosage of ginseng then make an appointment of a doctor.
Read: Tea to Relieve Nausea
Ginseng Side Effects
Till we talk about ginseng benefits, Now discuss ginseng side effects. Few side effect has reported:
- sleep problems
- changes to blood pressure and blood sugar
- nervousness
- a severe skin reaction
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- a decreased heart rate
- convulsions and seizures
- headaches
- digestive problems
- irritability
- blurred vision
- edema
- bleeding
- a dry mouth
- convulsions and seizures
Women may also experience vaginal bleeding and swollen breasts.
Bottom Line
While all the ginseng benefits for health are not confirmed but you can still consume ginseng with a small dosage to effect health. Always talk to a doctor before using ginseng.