Ginseng: properties, benefits, use and contraindications

the ginseng plant offers many other health benefits that have been known by traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times.
Ginseng is probably the most known and most used adaptogen. These are called adaptogenic elements that by their action are able to bring the body to an ideal state, help restore balance in situations of physical and mental stress and normalize metabolic functions.

The plant used in medicine is the root. It can be used fresh, dry or ground.

Over time, ginseng plants have been used to enhance physical and mental performance, to increase stress resistance and to increase immunity of the body to diseases and pathogens. Ginseng roots that resemble the shape of the human body have brought the plant a reputation for universal medicine that treats any affection.

Ginseng: general features
Ginseng plants, Panax Ginseng, grow in northern China, but also on stretched surfaces in Siberia. Because the roots of this plant are highly appreciated in natural medicine, cultures have been acclimatised in other regions such as Korea, Japan, Russia and Vietnam.

Besides this variation called Chinese ginseng, there are other variations: American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius); Japanese ginseng (Panax japonicus) and Siberian (Eleutherococcus senticosus) with similar chemical composition and special curative properties.
The plants grow very well in shady areas, in water-rich soils and high-quality nutrients. It does not tolerate low temperatures and frost. The roots are well developed in the soil, can reach the depth of 1 m of thickness of 5-10 cm

Ginseng: health benefits and benefits
The roots of the Panax Ginseng plant are also known as "the roots of life", with impressive amounts of vitamins (A, B1, B3, B5, B12, E), minerals (iron, potassium, silicon, calcium, magnolia, zinc). There are also saponins, tannins, bitter principles, steroids, nicotinamide, mucilages and steroids that strengthen the immune system.

The properties of the ginseng roots are distinctive: tonic, aphrodisiac, immune stimulating, interferon stimulating, balanced, vitaminizing, mineralizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-cellulite and nervous system stimulants.

1. Ginseng improves memory and concentration. Folic acid in the composition of ginseng roots acts on neuronal cells, improves functioning and prevents degeneration. In addition, ginseng preparations help to relax and relieve nervousness.
Stimulates libido and virility. Roots and preparations with ginseng are aphrodisiac, being very effective in treating erectile dysfunction and other sexual conditions. Preparations with ginseng help relax the neuronal, muscular and improve blood circulation in the genitals area. It helps to quickly remedy sexual conditions.

3. Trace obesity. People with weight problems who follow ginseng slimming treatments enjoy great results because the ginseng roots stimulate metabolic burns and inhibit hunger. In addition, it prevents water retention in the body.
4. Calms menstrual pain and diminishes symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Preparations with ginseng have relaxing action on muscles, so the pains specific to this period are soothing. It also acts on the state of mind, inducing calm, quiet and good mood.

5. Helps to regulate blood pressure. Complex preparations with ginseng root improve blood circulation. Their tonic effects are quickly felt by patients suffering from disorders of the circular system.

6. Prevents the development of cancer cells. Medical studies have shown that preparations having the Panax Ginseng root composition have action on cellular function. Prevents debavlection and replication of tumor cells.

7. Ginseng helps improve the immune system. According to some medical studies, ginseng consumption helps to produce immune cells called T lymphocytes that prevent and fight cold and flu. Being immunostimulant, it is advisable to consume ginseng before and during the cold season to strengthen the immune system.

Ginseng: how to use
In herbal therapies, ginseng roots are used in many forms: tea, extract, tincture, capsules.

1. Ginseng tea is a preparation capable of revitalizing and tonifying the body. From the ginseng tea strains, the liver, heart, spleen, lungs and kidneys are just to be won. In 250 ml add 4-5 slices of dry herb root. The mixture is left infused for 15 minutes after which it squeezes. It is consumed when it reaches room temperature. You can drink 2-3 cups of tea every day.

2. Ginseng extract syrups are natural tonic, relaxing and give the body extra energy. These preparations can be purchased from specialized stores and consumed according to the package leaflet.

3. Ginseng tincture is a preparation with special curative effects, can be obtained by mixing 20 g dry and cherry root with 100 ml plum palinca. The preparation shakes very well and is soaked for 14 days. Strain and store in sterile containers. Eat 20-25 drops before the main meals. Ginseng tincture is effective in treating obesity, regulating blood pressure and fighting menstrual pain.

4. Ginseng capsules are highly concentrated supplements that help in weight loss belts, treat erectile dysfunction, nerve damage, improve memory, and ability to concentrate. Capsules can be purchased from specialist stores.

5. Ginseng coffee is an Asian home-made beverage with a milk-like look, because it contains vegetal milk powder, instant coffee, sugar and ginseng root extract. This type of coffee can be found in almost any bar, supermaket or online as a powder that dissolves in water or milk.

Ginseng belts should not be followed by pregnant women and nursing mothers because it influences hormone secretion.

Excess-consumed ginseng preparations may favor the occurrence of side effects: headaches, insomnia, nausea and blood pressure disorders.