Health Benefits of Ginseng

Everybody wants more from life, especially more energy to excel in everything. They aspire to walk that extra mile, so that they are able to give their family not only financial stability, but also greater involvement in all spheres. If wishes were horses......! However, the fact remains that by the end of the day, they are left with absolutely no energy to do any of this. If stress and the traffic jam does not do them in, there sluggish immune system and other ailments will.

Ginseng, lauded as a "wonder herb," has so many health benefits, that just one drug solves so many of your health problems. It is said that it cures people according to the person's ailment. They say, it lowers high blood pressure and raises low blood pressure! This herb was used to make herbal teas in China since so many decades.  

Medicinal Constituents of Ginseng

Ginseng has many bioactive constituents, such as:

• Ginsenosides
• Saponins
• Phytosterols
• Peptides
• Polysaccharides
• Fatty acids
• Polyacetylenes
• Vitamins
• Minerals

Health Benefits of Ginseng

Let us look at some of the health benefits of this herb:

• Reduces Mental Stress: The ginsenosides present in ginseng increases your mental alertness and clarity, while relieving mood swings and fatigue. It is also an antidepressant and anti-anxiety herb. In times of excessive stress, the adrenal hormone reserves (cortisol, adrenalin, and noradrenaline) drains out and causes various health problems. Ginseng helps the adrenal glands during times of increased stress to bring about a balance.
• Stimulates Immune and Nervous System: Ginseng balances out the body chemistry and boosts the immunity of the body. Ginseng is called a life-enhancing tonic by many herb specialists. The adaptogenic properties in it helps stimulate the young people, and in the elderly, it restores the damage and induces sleep in them as well as other ill people. Ginseng helps you fight colds and other infections. Chinese elders consider Ginseng helpful during harsh winters.
• Treats Diabetes: Blood sugar level lowers dramatically with Ginseng. However, if you are on antidiabetic medications, taking Ginseng along with it could drop your blood sugar levels too low. Therefore, physician's recommendation should be sought before taking it.
• Prevents Progression of Cancer: The growth of certain types of cancer cells can be inhibited by Ginseng. As per a Chinese medicine journal report, ginsenosides have anti-tumor effects as well as it induces programmed cell destruction in prostate cancer cells, ovarian cancer cells, lung adenocarcinoma cells, and neuroblastoma cells. Ginsenosides also inhibits the cell cycle progression, thereby slowing cancer cell growth.
• Lowers Cholesterol Levels: In several studies, Ginseng was found to lower LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) levels. Scientists believe that ginsenocides present in Ginseng are responsible for this, but the actual process is not clear.
• Reduces Fatigue: Ginseng's adaptogenic property is believed to cause physiological changes that helps the body adapt to fatigue and overwork. Ginseng is especially beneficial in cancer patients to diminish fatigue.
• Improves Athletic Endurance: Ginseng's quality of increasing stamina has made it a popular stimulant tonic among athletes. During training, they consistently need to keep their stamina high, and ginseng helps them do so.

Contraindications

• Pregnant and lactating mothers should consult a physician before taking Ginseng.
• Ginseng can interfere with the action of some drugs; for example, blood thinners such as warfarin, heparin, aspirin, and diuretics. Therefore, do not take Ginseng if you are taking medication for hypertension or any other cardiovascular diseases.

Vigor and vitality is very essential to lead a "double bagger" life. The present-day scenario demands you to do so. So, why not enjoy the various activities fully while you are at it, and lead a more fuller life! Ginseng could help you do just that.