The Zen of Health

Ginseng, otherwise known by its Greek name of Panax has been used in Asia for thousands of years to prevent and treat health conditions as well as promote a healthy lifestyle.  Ginseng Tea gained recognition in Western culture in the twentieth century when studies being performed showed the beneficial qualities related to consuming Ginseng Tea.  Ginsenosides are natural chemicals found in Ginseng Tea.  It is believed that ginsenosides are responsible for the curative power of the tea.  Ginseng Tea is known to prevent and treat certain types of cancer, obesity and weight loss, and sexual dysfunctions.  Ginseng Tea also aids in the digestive process.  In addition, it is consumed to raise the immune system, lower stress and stimulate mental activity.

There are three main types of Ginseng Tea: American Ginseng, Asian Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng.  Each is known for its curative and restorative powers.  American Ginseng is found in the Midwest United States and in Canada.  Asian Ginseng is grown in China, Japan and Korea.  Siberian Ginseng is grown in Asia and Russia.

Studies on laboratory animals show that the consumption of Ginseng Tea has slowed carcinogens related to certain cancers such as lung and stomach cancer.  It is believed that the polyphenols found in Ginseng Tea have an anticarcino effect on pre-cancerous and cancerous cells.  Research shows that Japanese who smoke as much or even more than Westerners have a reduced rate of cancer because of their mass consumption of Ginseng Tea.  Ginseng Tea is also used for weight loss and controlling obesity.  Ginseng Tea is known to boost the metabolism and when consistently consumed, Ginseng Tea can also curb appetites.  The tea also works as diuretic allowing urine to flush out any toxins in the body.  The root of the Ginseng plant is used as an aphrodisiac to treat sexual dysfunctions in both men and women.  It also works to reverse impotence and erectile dysfunction.  The Ginseng remedies sexual dysfunctions by activating adrenal hormones.  Ginseng is known to be an adaptogen which is a substance that is responsible for alleviating stress.  It is believed that regular consumption of Ginseng Tea may aid in stress relief.  The plant’s antioxidant effects are shown to increase mental and physical stimulation as well as boost the immune system.

Ginseng Tea can either be bought at an herbal retailer or it can be made at home.  If you choose to make the tea at home, the first step is selecting a Panax (ginseng) rhizome, or root, that is firm and not discolored.  You may also be able to find pre-sliced rhizome.  Boil a pot of water and pour it over three to five pieces of ginseng.  Let it sit for about five minutes.  The longer the mixture sits, the stronger the tea.  Ginseng Tea tends to be a bit strong or bitter so you made need to mix it with something sweet.

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The advantages of ginseng supplements were widely known and integrated in Asian culture for thousands of years.  Ginseng has been used for its therapeutic values in China for over five thousand years.  The word Ginseng comes from the Chinese words for “man plant” and it was named so due to its resemblance to the male body type.  The Greek word of Panax means “all healing”.  Ginseng grows naturally in Asia and Russia and is cultivated in the Midwest section of the United States and in Canada.  Ginseng was first taken orally as a supplement to prevent and cure illnesses, relieve stress, maintain a healthy weight, treat many physical and mental dysfunctions, aid in digestion, and promote overall body and mind health.  There are three types of Ginseng.  They are: American, Asian and Siberian.  Asian Ginseng is known as Panax Ginseng.  American Ginseng is known scientifically as Panax Quinquefolium and Siberian Ginseng is also known as Eleutherococcus Senticocus.  While all three share some qualities, there are many differences between the three.

Today, under the guidelines of contemporary scientific studies, Ginseng is referred to 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.  Scientific research performed on ginseng supplements has shown that ginseng has been reported to cure illnesses such as hepatitis C.  It also is used for lowering blood pressure and increasing physical stamina and mental well being.  Ginseng supplements are recommended for treatment of maintaining blood glucose levels in diabetics and improve the body’s immune system.  The Asian culture has been using ginseng supplements to promote longevity and decrease the effects of aging.  Ginseng supplements are prescribed to those suffering from certain types of cancer including breast cancer, colon and prostate cancer. Read the rest of this entry »

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Ginseng comes from the herbal plant, Panax.  Because of ginseng’s health benefits, Panax has been used in Chinese medicine for over two thousand years.  The two most common forms of ginseng are Asian Ginseng and American Ginseng.  Because of its immense popularity for its health benefits, ginseng is almost extinct in both Asia and America in its natural form.  But to meet the demand for its medicinal use and health benefits, ginseng is harvested and cultivated in both Asia and America.  Panax (Asian and American Ginseng) is not the same as Siberian Ginseng, also known as Eleutherococcus Senticosus, though they do have some similarities.  Siberian Ginseng is found in Russia and is a less expensive alternate to Panax Ginseng.  Unlike the Panax species, though there are health benefits, it does contain the active ingredient, ginsenoside.  Ginsenosides combat fatigue and stress by supplying oxygen to the body and using oxygen more effectively.

Studies on the health benefits of ginseng have been conducted on both humans and animals.  Studies show that a dose of two hundred to four hundred milligrams of ginseng taken daily can improve cognitive functions in the brain.  The ginseng should not be taken for a period of more than twelve weeks.  Ginseng’s mental health benefits include treatment of stress and depression.  Ginseng is known as an adaptogen.  It is used to prevent and treat all different types of physical and emotional stress from the common cold to heart disease, cancer and arthritis as well as mental dysfunctions such as aging and memory loss.  Adaptogens strengthen the body in response to stress.  Read the rest of this entry »

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Ginseng, also referred to as the man root because it has a likeness to the male human form, and the mystical healer is an herb from a plant grown in China.  Ginseng benefits are believed to bring synchronization to the human body.  The Ginseng herb grows from a single stalk.  It is comprised of complex carbohydrates known as ginsengsines.  It is used for its treatment of inflammation, antioxidant features and anti-cancer qualities.  Ginseng is used by the Chinese to promote energy, reduce stress and promote overall well being.  Russian studies show that Ginseng motivates physical and mental action and assists with equilibrium.  Ginseng is believed to benefit mental capacity and brain function and is used as a preventative treatment for anemia, diabetes, coughing, and asthma.  Ginseng also benefits the digestive system.

Ginseng has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years.  It was first written about by Chinese Emperor Shen Nung in his book, The Classic of Herbs.  The Emperor regularly ingested a tea made with Ginseng which he said empowered his mind, body and spirit and resolved issues of lethargy, arthritis and impotence.  Today, under the guidelines of contemporary scientific studies, Ginseng is referred to 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 affects.  Ginseng also has benefits regarding sex drive and sexual stamina.  Because it balances out and purifies the body’s physical and mental systems, it opens up the so called passageways to stimulate sexual desire and performance. Read the rest of this entry »

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Ginseng is a recurring plant from the Araliaceae family.  Ginseng grows naturally but due to over-harvesting in some countries, it is now cultivated as well.  There are three types of Ginseng.  They are: American, Asian and Siberian.  Asian Ginseng is known as Panax Ginseng.  American Ginseng is known scientifically as Panax Quinquefolium and Siberian Ginseng is also known as Eleutherococcus Senticocus.  While all three share some qualities, there are many differences between the three.

Ginseng has been used for its therapeutic values in China for over five thousand years.  The word Ginseng comes from the Chinese words for “man plant” and it was named so due to its resemblance to the male body type.  The Greek word of Panax means “all healing”.  Panax or Asian Ginseng is used for its preventative and restorative qualities of the mind and body.  Ginseng is used to promote physical and mental health, increase energy levels, balance the body, lower cholesterol, and prevent certain types of cancer.  Ginseng has also been reported to increase sexual desire, fight stress and defend the nervous system.  Men have been treated with ginseng to correct erectile dysfunctions.  Women have used it to ease menstrual and menopausal symptoms such as irregularity, cramps and hot flashes.

A second type of ginseng, American Ginseng is known as an adaptogen.  It is used to prevent and treat all different types of physical and emotional stress from the common cold to heart disease, cancer and arthritis as well as mental dysfunctions such as aging and memory loss.  Adaptogens strengthen the body in response to stress.  Amercian Ginseng is also known as an aphrodisiac.  It creates sexual stimulation in both men and women. Ginsenosides are found in American Ginseng.  Ginsenosides combat fatigue and stress by supplying oxygen to the body and using oxygen more effectively.  Unlike Asian Ginseng which has a warm, stimulating effect on the body, American Ginseng has a cool, soothing affect on the body. Read the rest of this entry »

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