Chinese Ginseng

Chinese Ginseng is the most famous of all Chinese herbs.  In China, it is considered the most valuable herb.  It dates back to approximately seven thousand years where it was found growing in the wild.  The herb has been used for its therapeutic values.  Chinese Ginseng made its way to the Western world about two hundred years ago when it was recognized as a way to increase stamina and reduce stress levels.

Chinese Ginseng is known as an adaptogen.  An adaptogen is a material that is believed to rejuvenate the mind and body and its functions without the hazards of side effects.  In China, Chinese Ginseng is said to support the Yuan Qi, or Original Qi.  In Chinese culture, each person is born with the energy of Yuan Qi.  Chinese Ginseng works to maintain the level of Yuan Qi in the body because the Chinese believe that once the body’s Yuan Qi is depleted, life ends.  Chinese Ginseng provides overall physical and mental well being by strengthening the body enough to react to stress or overexertion in a balanced manner.  Chinese Ginseng’s qualities vary based on the user.  It works as a sedative for those who need relief from stress but it also works as an activator for those who are weak.  Chinese Ginseng is taken by Chinese men and women as they age because it is believed that the herb slows and eases the aging process.  By maintaining proper levels of Yuan Qi, the nervous system is more at ease.

Chinese Ginseng has many uses in China.  It is used as an aphrodisiac and a treatment for sexual dysfunctions for men.  It works to prevent and treat impotence, infertility, low sperm count, and early ejaculation.  It also stimulates blood flow to the extremities such as the brain and the penis.  It is also used as an energy boost for athletes and is commonly found in sports drinks and supplements.  In Western culture, Chinese Ginseng is used more for its life improving qualities and less as a form of medicinal treatment.  It is commonly used to relieve stress.

Because of being widely used, wildly grown Chinese Ginseng is facing extinction in parts of Asia.  It is now being cultivated by ginseng farmers.  Cultivated ginseng reaches complete maturity in about four years.  After it is harvested during the Autumn season, Chinese Ginseng is washes, steamed, dried, and stored for shipment.

The proper dosage of Chinese Ginseng depends on what it is being used for and what the required effects should be.  For those taking Chinese Ginseng strictly as a supplement, an acceptable dosage of one hundred to two hundred milligrams daily is used.  Chinese Ginseng cannot be used continuously though.  There needs to be a cycle; usually two to three weeks on the ginseng followed by a break of one to two weeks.  Ginseng is one of the safest supplemental herbs when used properly.  There are several side effects that may occur while taking Chinese Ginseng such as insomnia.  Avoid consuming caffeine when taking Chinese Ginseng as the herb provides a natural boost on its own.  Nursing and pregnant women should also avoid taking Chinese Ginseng.

Tags: chinese ginseng, ginseng