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A farmer displays several ginseng roots in a mountainous area in Longjing, China. Photo: Wu Hong
The word ginseng is derived from the Chinese term “jen” or “ren” (man) and “shen” (root), which also means for Eastern philosophy ‘the crystallization of the innermost being of the earth’, and could be translated as ‘the root of man’ , due to the similarity of this plant with the human form.
There are three types of ginseng that can generally be purchased in herbalists, Korean, Siberian and American, with a wide variety of benefits in each of them, although it can be said that all three have their benefits in common as restorative, stimulant against fatigue and protector of the immune system, if taken in recommended doses.
“Considered the most stimulating of the three, Korean ginseng is characterized by the fact that it tends to It raises blood pressure, in contrast to the sedative effect of American ginseng or the regulator of Siberian”, according to researcher Alfredo Vides Padilla.
Of the 150 substances that have been identified in its composition so far, it has been concluded that, when combined, they make this legendary plant the queen of medicinal plants.
There are three types of ginseng that can generally be purchased in herbalists: Korean, Siberian and American, with a wide variety of benefits in each of them, although it can be said that all three have their benefits in common as restorative, stimulant against fatigue and protector of the immune system, if taken in the recommended doses.
Among the three, Korean ginseng is the best known and most demanded in the market. The characteristics of each one of them are the following:
Korean ginseng, stimulant against fatigue
Korean ginseng or red ginseng has an ancient tradition as medicine in China (3000 BC), where it has been popularly used to prolong and improve quality of life, in addition to enhancing sexual desire. “Considered the most stimulating of the three, Korean ginseng is characterized by its tendency to raise blood pressure, in contrast to the sedative effect of American ginseng or the regulator of Siberian,” according to the researcher Alfredo Vides Padilla.
This ginseng is recommended to students at the time of exams, since it improves mental concentration, especially when attention decreases due to physical or mental fatigue. It should be taken for three months, but after this period it is not advisable to prolong its intake.
In tests carried out on animals, it has been proven that it increases testosterone levels and the number of sperm, so it can be beneficial for men with fertility problems.
Although the Siberian is not really of the ginseng species, however, it has parallel effects as a great regulator in general and is highly indicated for people who suffer from low blood pressure or in cases of irregularities in the menstrual cycle of women. And, as for each of the three ginsengs, rest periods are recommended if the intake is prolonged.
American ginseng, anti-anxiety sedative
American ginseng provides a sedative effect in contrast to the stimulating effect of Korean, as it has a hypotensive active ingredient. is Recommended in cases of nervous tension, anxiety and general tiredness, due to its toning effects. It has been popularly used to improve disorders of the digestive system or constipation.
Since ancient times, ginseng has aroused the interest of medicine to form part of the most analyzed and investigated group of plants, due to its beneficial properties on the body, although it has never been known. considered as medicine itself.
In the studies carried out, each of the substances that compose it have been isolated, being tested on animals and on humans, where surprising results have been obtained.
The writer and specialist in medicinal herbs, Ingrid Pfendtner, maintains that “of the 150 substances that have been identified so far in its composition, it has been concluded that, combined, they make this plant legendary.” ;the queen of medicinal plants”.
Among the most important substances contained in the ginseng root are the ginsenosides or natural chemical compounds to which the most of the medicinal responses that characterize it.
But do not think that the results are obtained quickly, because the effect of medicinal plants can only be observed after a time in which the doses have been regulated. Among the qualities that ginseng offers both as a preventive means and for its therapeutic effects are the following:
Therapeutic effects
The best adaptation and tolerance of the body in situations of tension and protection against the negative effects that prolonged stress can produce.
Improves mental abilities such as memory, attention n and concentration, as well as as the reasoning faculties, at the same time that it acts against tiredness and fatigue.
According to the needs of the body and mind, it acts by stimulating or calming the central nervous system. In people with low blood sugar, it raises it and lowers it if it’s high, like this. as it acts in the same way in relation to blood pressure, depending on whether it is high or low.
It keeps the blood fluid, lowers blood cholesterol levels and it strengthens the heart muscle.
Its effects are relevant as an antioxidant, counteracting the destructive effect of free radicals that damage cells and are the cause of numerous diseases and premature aging.
It also offers resistance against enemy viruses, bacteria and fungi that ginseng helps defend against.
In general, anyone can take ginseng, whether they are old, young, healthy or sick and no disease is known to be incompatible with it, although “Chinese therapists have never recommended it to people who are too fiery, angry or overexcited, since it would make them even more excited.” the fire”, says Ingrid Pfendtner.