Herbal drinks: Ginseng

Biological effects of ginseng are due to its anti-inflammatory effects, antineurological effect, hypoglycemia effect. Research has shown that drinking a cup of hot ginseng tea has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Ginseng refers to the root of several species in the plant genus Panax (C.A. Meyer Araliaceae). Among them, Panax ginseng is the most widely used ginseng and is indigenous to the Far East countries (most notably China and Korea).

Other species of the genus Panax include Panax quinquefolius (found in southern Canada and in the United States, cultivated mainly in Wisconsin), Panax japonicus (grown in Japan), and less frequently, Panax pseudoginseng (also called Himalayan Ginseng, Panax Notoginseng or Tien Chi Ginseng, grown in Nepal and eastern Himalayas), and Panax vietnamensis.

Asian ginseng, commonly known as Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), is a perennial herb that has a long history worldwide as a medicinal herb. The main commercially valuable part is the ginseng root, which usually reaches a harvestable stage after 4–6 years of growth. Ginseng has been valued by the Korean people as a Traditional Medicine for at least 2000 years.

The term ‘Panax’ is a combination of two Greek words; pan or 'all' and akos or 'cure', which fully translated means ‘cure all’.

The active ingredients of ginseng are ginsenosides which are also called ginseng saponins. ginseng has been used primarily as a tonic to invigorate week bodies and help the restoration of homeostasis.

Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginseng was used to restore ‘yang’ quality and to treat general weakness, deficient qi (chi) patterns, anemia, lack of appetite, nervous agitation, thirst and impotence.

It has been used widely in Korea, China, and Japan as a restorative and antiaging agent in traditional medicine.

Ginseng is classified as an adaptogen, which is thought to increase non-specific resistance to adverse influences such as stress and infection. Traditionally it was used as a tonic to “increase strength, increase blood volume, promote life and appetite, quite the spirit, and give wisdom.” It was generally thought to improve vitality.

In the practice of traditional medicine, ginseng root is considered the most valuable part of the plant. Ginsenosides, which have multiple pharmacological effects, are the most useful and beneficial constituents of ginseng roots.
Herbal drinks: Ginseng

Ginseng tea health benefits

Ginseng is one of two most popular functional ingredients found in energy drinks. Ginseng which is known since ancient times tonifies the lungs and stomach and strengthens the spleen.

It is also shown to have anti-stress capabilities. First used in China, it was heralded as an aphrodisiac, a key to longevity and a cure for many ailments. In Chinese medicine, ginseng is considered the most important her for strengthening Qi, the vital energy of which the universe is comprised.

Ginseng has measurable amounts of germanium, provides energy to all body system is a stimulant for brain and memory centers, helps to lower cholesterol and regulate sugar use in the body, promotes regeneration from stress and fatigue and rebuilds foundation strength,

Panax ginseng ,the American type provides more moisture and more saliva and is good after a fever, while Chinese ginseng, Panax quinquefolius called ren shen gives energy.

American ginseng can be made into tea, but the bitter taste is not appreciate by many people. Some herbalists add ginger or licorice root to American ginseng to increase its effectiveness and enhance the flavor of the tea.

Ginsenosides is a complex mixture of saponins which are believed to be the active components of ginsengs.
Ginseng tea health benefits

What is ginseng?

Ginseng is a powerful energy tonic and the most well known oriental herb. Ginseng which is known since ancient times tonifies the lungs and stomach and strengthens the spleen.

It is also shown to have anti-stress capabilities. In Chinese medicine, ginseng is considered the most important her for strengthening Qi, the vital energy of which the universe is comprised.

Botanically, ginseng is part of the Araliaceae family, seven hundred species which also include, celery, parsnips and carrots.

Panax ginseng which once grew from Siberia into China and the Korean peninsula, is known as Asian ginseng, while its cousin, Panax quinquefolius, which flourished in the wild from Quebec to Georgia and west to the Mississippi River is known as American ginseng.

The American type provides more moisture and more saliva and is good after a fever. Chinese ginseng, called ren shen gives energy.

Orientals are the major used of all varieties of ginseng worldwide. The Asian consumer has shown a preference for wild ginseng roots, or those that most closely resemble the wild roots.

Wild ginseng grows in very thick forest. It doesn't grow at the periphery of the forest, but deep in the mountains. This has less to do with its growth nature and more with the harvesting nature of mankind.

What is believed to be the pharmacologically active constituents in ginseng are a series of saponin glycosides collectively known as the ginsenosides.
What is ginseng?

Ginseng drinks

Ginseng drinks
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is sold as a tea , a tea ingredient, or as a powdered beverage additive. It is marketed as a tonic to combat feelings of lassitude and debility to boost energy and enhance endurance, and to help increase concentration.

Ginseng is also considered an adaptogen to help an individual cope with stress.

The major active ingredients of ginseng root are a group of approximate 20 saponins called ginsenosides.

Different ginseng fractions may have conflicting effects. For example, some components may stimulate the central nervous system and other may have a sedative action.

Experiments reveal that ginsenosides have anti-inflammatory activity, enhance immune activity and inhibit blood clotting.

Earlier reports from various researchers show that Asian ginseng extract increased mental alertness and concentration, increased work efficiency and shortened reaction times, and enhanced adaptation to environmental stresses.

Most of these studies were not placebo control or double blind. More recent definitive studies provide little convincing evidence that ginseng affects physical or mental performance or general well being.

The popularity of ginseng as a general tonic to improve health and to increase energy, stamina and endurance is reflected in its enormous annual sales.

It has been suggested that for effectiveness ginseng be used no longer than 3 months, then discontinued for 2 to 4 weeks.

Ginseng may also lack effectiveness because it content vary considerably.
Ginseng drinks

Korean Panax Ginseng

Korean Panax Ginseng
Ginseng is the dried root of one of several species of the Araliaceae family of herbs. The most common ginseng is called Korean Ginseng. Looking for Korean Ginseng, means looking for
anti-coagulant, energy boost, virility, and anti-inflammatory benefits of this herb. There are many version of "Korean" ginseng available. So how to be sure you are purchasing authentic Korean Panax ginseng?

One way to ensure people are selecting authentic Korean Panax Ginseng is to look for the Korea Insam seal (below), which shows that the product is approved by the Republic of Korea government . True Korean Panax Ginseng has been used in Korea and other parts of Asia for thousands of years to provide the following benefits:

Energy boost and treating fatigue
Enhanced immune system
Improved memory
Anti-coagulant
Anti-inflammatory

Thanks to recent research and dramatic growth of the herbal supplement industry, ginseng has become increasingly popular and is the third most-used herbal supplement in the United States.

However, despite its popularity, the availability of authentic Korean ginseng from Korea has been mostly limited to Korean grocery stores and Asian specialty shops.
Korean Panax Ginseng