Other name: Asian, Chinese and Korean ginseng

Panax ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to enhance both longevity and the quality of life. The name "ginseng" is derived from the ancient Chinese word "jen shen", meaning "man root" because the ginseng root (below) often resembles the shape of human body. It is the most widely available and extensively studied form of this herb. Panax ginseng grows on moist, shaded mountainsides in China, Korea, and Russia.

Active ingredient in Panax ginseng: The medicinal part in the plant is its slow-growing root, which is harvested after four to six years when its overall ginsenoside content (the main active ingredient in ginseng) is at its peak. There are 13 different ginsenosides in all. Panax ginseng also contains panaxans (substances that can lower blood sugar) and polysaccharides (complex sugar molecules that boost the immune system). "White ginseng" is simply the dried root while the "red ginseng" has been steamed and dried.

Forms: Tablets, Capsule, Powder, Tincture, Dried herb/ Tea

Health Benefits:

• Panax ginseng has antioxidant effects and increases immune system activity.
• Ginseng stimulates the production of specialized immune cells called "killer T cells", which destroy harmful viruses and bacteria.
• Ginseng may inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells.
• Ginseng may enhance the production of endorphins, "feel-good" chemical produced by the brain.
• Many long distance runners and body-builders take ginseng to heighten physical endurance. Herbalists believe that ginseng can delay fatigue by enabling the exercising muscles to use energy more efficiently.
• Panax ginseng may slow the progression of Alzheimer's and improve memory and behavior.

• Panax ginseng promotes improves circulation, increases blood supply, revitalizes and aids recovery from weakness after illness, stimulates the body.
• Ginseng may be helpful in treating impotence, because some of its active ingredients appear to affect smooth muscle tissue and improve erectile function. It may also help men with fertility problem. Animal studies indicate that it increases testosterone levels and sperm production.
• Panax ginseng in particular may decrease endothelial cell dysfunction.
• Panax ginseng helps treat diabetes, because it enhances the release of insulin from the pancreas and lowers blood sugar levels.

Dosage:

• For general health and to combat fatigue, take 100-250mg once or twice a day.
• To support the body in times of stress or during recovery from an illness, take 100-250mg twice a day.

Guidelines for use:

• Start at the lower end of the dosage range and increase your intake gradually.
• Some experts recommend that you stop taking ginseng for a week every two or three weeks and then resume your regular dose. In some cases, ginseng may be rotated with other immune-stimulating herbs, such as astragalus or Echinacea.

Buying tips:

• Select a product that is standardized to contain at least 7% ginsenosides. Read labels carefully to be sure you're getting Panax ginseng. Other kinds, such as American ginseng and Siberian ginseng produce different effects.
• Vials of ginseng elixir sold at some health-food shops have become popular energy tonics, especially among teenagers. They often contain little (if any) ginseng, however, and may have a high alcohol or sugar content.

Possible side effects:

• There have been reports that higher doses cause nervousness, insomnia, headache and stomach upset. If you have any of these problems, reduce your dose.
• The combination of ginseng and caffeine may intensify these reactions, so cut back on caffeine or avoid it altogether.
• Some women report increased menstrual bleeding or breast tenderness with high doses of ginseng. If this occurs, reduce your dose or stop using it.

Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.