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Given that the medicinal root ginseng has been around since 2700 B.C., it seems that enough people have considered it effective for it to be used for 4707 years. It was first discovered in China by the emperor Shen Nung, who was considered the father of herbal therapy. The earliest claims were that it calmed the mind, brought harmony to the soul, eliminated fears, helped the eyes, opened the heart, and clarified thinking. Although most of these ideas sound relatively unscientific, the Chinese have been respected for their ancient herbal and alternative remedies. Today, Asian ginseng is most commonly used as an energy booster similar to caffeine, but in higher doses it may have positive effects that may even mirror some pharmaceutical drugs.

Ginseng used as a stimulant: Asian ginseng has been found to speed recovery and decrease the time of weakness after illness. This is probably due to the fact that ginseng is a stimulant similar to coffee, meaning that it increases energy and alertness. Ginseng is used as an alternative to coffee because it lacks the negative effects that coffee can sometimes have, such as irritation, addiction, heart palpitations, and anxiety. Athletes have found that ginseng improves their stamina, strength, and general well-being.

Ginseng used as treatment for the reproductive system: Asian ginseng has also been found to treat reproductive disorders and infections such as erectile dysfunction and hepatitis C. Some claims even state that it improves sexual enjoyment. It has also been found to prevent fatigue, vaginal thinning and dryness, and other symptoms associated with menopause. Ginseng raises the estrogen level in women, so it is often used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

Ginseng used as illness treatment and prevention: Doctors are beginning to recommend Asian ginseng for common illnesses. It is an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body fight viruses, bacteria, and emotional and physical stress. Uses range from the common cold and influenza to aging, memory loss, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and even diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's.

Other uses for ginseng: These include fatigue, stress, atherosclerosis, blood-pressure control, blood glucose control, and improved recovery time after surgery.

Side effects and cautions of ginseng: Because ginseng classifies as a 2d herb by the American Herbal Products Association, certain precautions are automatically applied. People with high blood pressure are discouraged from taking ginseng, despite studies that show it is effective for treating hypertension. Ginseng should also be taken on its own, without any other stimulant, as this may increase the harmful effects of the stimulant. The association also states that people with diabetes, low blood pressure, and heart disease should use caution when taking the herb, although these conditions have also been shown to have positive effects from Asian ginseng. Other side effects include nausea, diarrhea, euphoria, headaches, mastalgia, and vaginal bleeding. There may be harmful interactions between ginseng and drugs that treat heart disease, antidepressants, and blood-thinning medication.

Ways to take ginseng: Ginseng can be given as a fresh root, dried root, liquid extract, or pill. Fresh root should be taken in 1,000 to 2,000 mg dosages daily, dried 600 to 2,000, and extract 200 to 600.

Asian ginseng is similar to most other herbs in that studies suggest, but do not prove, the positive effects of taking it as a supplement. A health professional would probably advise taking it with caution, but those with faith in Asian remedies seem to have found a drug for improving your all-around health.

Learn more about this author, Sandra Dapper.
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