GINSENG IS EXCELLENT FOR BALANCING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

"ginseng is . . .  excellent . . . for balancing the nervous system."

That was the first benefit I noticed.  I loved it.  It helped me to sleep, which is ironic because one of the side effects that people complain about is restlessness.  On the first night, the ginseng really relaxed me.  Loved it. 

You know by now with all of the varied claims about how one vitamin cures berie berie and one herb "treats" Alzheimer's or how "calcium supports bone growth," that these are just ads competing for a larger space in our wallets.  Whether you follow the homeopathic path, the allopathic path, Traditional Chinese Medicine or alternative therapies, each one is competing ultimately for your dollars.  Claims that vitamin C cures colds or claims that chiropractic fix a broken shoulder all are claims against some other treatment.  Your job is to sift through all of the claims and find out what they mean.  And if their claim is true, which in many cases they might be, so what?  Does the product benefit you?  It costs time and money to find out.  Do you have either one or both? 

An acupuncturist told me that weakness causes pain. That made sense. That would redefine pain a bit. Wouldn't that also mean that numbing and lack of sensation are pain? Absolutely.  So when patients complain about diabetic neuropathy and its numbing effects, that my friend is pain. 

It appears that ginseng helps with weakness.  

The active ingredient in ginseng is a chemical called ginsenosides.

WebMD claims that ginseng boosts the immune system, lowers blood sugar levels, that in combination with gingko biloba improves concentration and learning, boosts endurance, improves moods, and, get this, treats cancer, heart disease, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, and other conditions.  Wow!

Some studies have found that ginseng may boost the immune system. There is some evidence that one particular type of American ginseng extract might decrease the number and severity of colds in adults.

 Several studies in people have also shown that ginseng may lower blood sugar levels.

 There is some early evidence that ginseng might temporarily -- and modestly -- improve concentration and learning. In some studies of mental performance, ginseng has been combined with ginkgo. While these studies are intriguing, many experts feel that we need more evidence.

Ginseng has also been studied as a way to improve mood and boost endurance as well as treat cancer, heart disease, fatigue,  erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, and other conditions. While some of these uses are promising, the evidence isn’t conclusive. 

I have found much of this to be true.  Energy stores are up.  My heart beats stronger.  My endurance is definitely improved.  And concentration is definitely enhanced.  It is remarkable.  And it seems to be the right protocol when addressing injuries and weaknesses.  Healing is all about increasing energy.  Whereas coffee and caffeine cycle through your blood to amplify you then returns you to be tired and weak, ginseng acts on the deeper, structural parts of your system.  I can feel the difference.  I have not tried it in conjunction ginkgo biloba.  I will have to try that.  But for now I like its effects.  

What's funny is that I had always thought of ginseng as ginger.  I knew ginger was good for you.  Good in that it activates your stomach and in turn increases the gastric juices that actually helps you lose weight. Ginger is excellent for nausea and a great tonic for your stomach. Something to think about here at Christmas and the holiday season.  

WebMd leaves the dosage up to you, which it should.  It does not know why you might be taking ginseng.  It does not know your medical history or your particular DNA, injuries or diseases, whatnot.  So you'll need to gauge what you can take or tolerate yourself.  It's about you being responsible to your own body.  Given the conditions that ginseng can treat, it seems like it might be good for lots of people.  Remember, energy is key.  

The question is can your body get fatigued from the introduction of ginseng into your system?  I don't know.  I haven't tried ginseng long enough.  But an acupunturist shared with me that he recommends giving ginseng to patients for one month and then lets the patient's body acclimate to that new energy for the next 11 months.  I don't know if that works.  I'll ask him.  

But doesn't it make sense that if ginseng increases your energy stores that that alone with address cancers that as we know weaken our body and systems?  MedicalNewsToday cites a Vanderbilt study:  

Prevents cancer:  There may be substances in ginseng that have anticancer properties.  A few populations in Asia have linked the herb's consumption to a lower risk of cancer. 

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center researchers found that Ginseng improved survival and quality of life after a diagnosis of breast cancer.

SIDE EFFECTS of GINSENG

MedicalNewsToday explains that "Although ginseng is generally consdiered to be safe to consume, the following side effects have been reported.  

Headaches

Elevated heart rate

Nausea

Restlessness

Difficulty sleeping."

This site, Healthline.com, recommends taking Korean Red Ginseng.  And the acupuncturist I refer to above said the same thing, that Korean Ginseng is the strongest and therefore the best.  Now what he does is mix the Korean ginseng with other herbs for balance.  It is a potent energy enhancer, and he mixes it with other herbs to mitigate some of known adverse side effects.

Mr. Ginseng explains that:  

Panax Ginseng is the cream of the crop of medicinal plants when it comes to tackling fatigue.  It is particularly recommended for those lacking in energy, as it is a very strong and healthy stimulant (unlike coffee and tea).  Ginseng is considered a panacea in that it treats a great number of problems and helps the body to combat many different diseases.   Another notable (but often forgotten) benefit of ginseng is its excellent capacity for balancing the nervous system, largely due to its abundance of group B vitamins.  Because of this, ginseng promotes much improved concentration and deep, restorative sleep, as well as fighting episodes of dementia.  It can be very useful for those suffering from emotional as well as physical hardships, e.g., after a death or a break-up, and also for those who are trying to withdraw from drugs (cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, etc.).  Finally, it is an excellent plant for convalescents wishing to restore energy and vitality after illness or sporting injury.  

Always play it smart.  Consult a physician.