Panax Ginseng Health Benefits: Ginseng Supplements and Ginseng Side Effects

Ginseng is a very popular herb that exerts a variety of protective effects on the body. The name ‘ginseng’ is derived from ‘jen shen’, a Chinese word which means ‘man root’. In fact, the shape of the ginseng root resembles that of the human body.

The root is loaded with several health benefits and its use has gained momementum in recent times. However, there are certain precautionary measures that need to be followed prior to the use of the herb. This article provides insights into the health benefits and the side effects associated with the use of this herb.

Panax ginseng or Chinese ginseng or Asian ginseng is a widely used herb that enhances the overall quality of life. The medicinal portion of this plant is the root, which can be harvested only after 4 to 6 years, when the ginsenoside content is maximum.

Panax Quinquefolius, another species also called American ginseng is normally grown in America and exported to China. The effects produced by Panax Quinquefolius are different from Panax Ginseng.

Ginseng is available in the form of capsules, powder, tincture, tablets and tea. For general wellbeing 100 to 250 mg once a day is recommended. Select a product that has at least 7 % ginsenosides. Also, do consult your health care professional before embarking up on long term supplementation.

Some of the noticable health benefits of the herb include the following:

• Ginseng is an excellent stress buster. It combats the brutal and detrimental effects of stress successfully. The herb promises to banish fatigue and tiredness effectively by boosting energy levels; and is particularly beneficial to individuals recovering from a prolonged illness. Ginseng balances the natural release of various stress hormones and also supports the various organs that release these hormones, including, hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenals. Ginseng helps perk up levels of the ‘feel good’ hormones in the body.
• It has strong immune stimulating properties. It promotes the natural production of special immune cells called T cells that annihilate harmful microbes.
• Research also states that this herb has the capacity to prevent as well as manage cancer. Ginseng has potent antioxidant properties which battle free radical damage.
• Ginseng heightens stamina and physical endurance; and is frequently consumed by body builders and athletes.
• The herb also helps treat impotence and infertility in men. Ginseng improves erectile function, enhances sperm production and elevates testosterone levels.
• Recent trails and studies say that the root is highly advantageous in the management of type 2 diabetes too. It helps lower serum glucose levels appreciably.

Exerts recommended having ginseng tea, at least 4 times a week. The herb gives your body a generous dose of antioxidants, which fight oxidative damage to the cells of the body. Ginseng tea will keep energy levels high, boost immune system functioning and ward off a host of chronic illnesses.

Unfortunately there are certain side effects associated with the use of this supplement, they are:

• High doses of the herb can cause insomnia, headache, nervousness and stomach upsets.
• Ginseng and caffeinated drinks worsen the case severely; thus reduce your intake of caffeine when taking the supplement.
• Increased bleeding during menses and breast tenderness has also been reported.
• Also, those having hypertension or heart rhythm irregularity mustn’t take the herb.
• Don’t take ginseng supplements with MAO inhibitor drugs.
• Importantly, don’t use ginseng if you are pregnant.