Ginseng: “Man-Root”

Ginseng is one of the most popular and widely available of all herbal supplements. A common name for ginseng is “man-root” because of its resemblance to the human body. The name also implies that it has benefits for the whole body.

Ginseng’s main and lateral root and root hairs contain active chemical components called ginsenosides or panaxosides that are thought to be responsible for the herb’s medicinal properties. The root is dried and used to make extracts, teas, capsules or tablets, as well as creams and other preparations for use externally.

Records which date back over 3,000 years show that ginseng was used for medicinal purposes. The old Chinese Canon of Medicine states that ginseng strengthens the soul, brightens the eyes, opens the heart, expels evil, benefits understanding and, if taken for prolonged periods of time, will invigorate the body and prolong life. The Chinese still use ginseng as an energy tonic.

Centuries ago, Chinese emperors revered ginseng and were willing to pay high prices for it. China’s demand for this wild root gave Korea the opportunity to establish and maintain an industrious export business that dates back to the third century AD. However, this trade came to a halt when wild ginseng was practically wiped out in Asia. Later, in the sixteenth century, Korea began experimenting and cultivated the world’s first ‘farmed’ root.

In America, ginseng was used by several North American Indian nations, Iroquois, Menomonee, Cherokee, and the Creeks, who valued its curative powers and life enhancing capabilities. American settlers discovered ginseng in New England in the mid 1700’s and by the late 1700’s, shipments of ginseng were being sent to China. By the mid 1850’s, a half million pounds were being harvested from America’s wild ranges and exported to Asia. Over harvesting almost wiped out American’s natural range, and by the turn of the twentieth century, ginseng was almost extinct in this country.

Early attempts at cultivating ginseng in America failed until the early 1900’s when many Eastern farmers began cultivating small gardens of the plant. Their methods of cultivation spread westward to the farms and woods of Wisconsin, which has ideal growing conditions for ginseng production.

Even though the United States has passed protection laws regulating the harvest of ginseng, there is very little wild ginseng left in America. Presently, 99 percent of the world’s ginseng crop is grown in gardens and on small farms. ‘Woods-grown’, a form of cultivated ginseng, is also planted and cared for by farmers under naturally sheltered conditions.

There are six major species of ginseng:

1. Panax Quinquefolium is American ginseng found in North America, cultivated mainly in Wisconsin. The term ‘Panax’ is a combination of two Greek words; pan or 'all' and akos or 'cure', which fully translated means ‘cure all’.
2. Panax Ginseng; Korean, Asian, or Chinese ginseng cultivated in Korea, Manchuria, and China.
3. Panax Trifolium, also called Dwarf Ginseng and Ground Nut, is much smaller than Panax Quinquefolium American Ginseng, and at one time, was harvested by Indians and settlers for food.
4. Panax Pseudo ginseng, also called Himalayan Ginseng, Panax Notoginseng or Tien Chi Ginseng. It is found in Korea, China and Japan.
5. Panax Japonicum, called Japanese ginseng, is found in Japan.
6. Eleutherococcus Senticosus, or Siberian Ginseng, is not considered ‘true’ ginseng and does not contain ginsenosides as does the Panax varieties. Its active substance is called eleutheroside.

Treatment claims for ginseng are numerous. Many studies have shown that ginseng is able to reduce stress levels in both men and women. In clinical studies, those taking regular ginseng supplements were able to withstand higher levels of emotional and physical stress than those who did not take the herb. Scientists believe this is because of the strong effect ginseng has on the adrenal glands, which secrete hormones used to fight off stress.

Ginseng has also shown promise in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, which has confounded doctors for decades, and that there is still no widely accepted treatment for. However, after taking regular ginseng supplements, those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome often report an improvement.

Ginseng may also have immune enhancing properties that could aid in the management of the common cold, as well as other upper respiratory tract infections. A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Journal tracked 279 Canadian subjects, 18-65 years of age, who reported having at least two colds the previous year. These individuals either took two capsules of supplemental ginseng, providing 400 mg ginseng extract, or a placebo for four months during the influenza season. They kept a daily log of cold-related symptoms and their severity. Compared to those taking a placebo, subjects receiving ginseng experienced fewer total and recurrent colds, had fewer total symptoms per cold and suffered fewer days with symptoms. Scientists say that even though the study findings are impressive, additional studies are needed.

In addition to the roles mentioned, the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is exploring its potential to treat chronic lung infection, impaired glucose tolerance, and Alzheimer’s disease.

When taken by mouth, ginseng is usually well tolerated. As ginseng can act as a mild stimulant, occasional side effects have been reported which consist most commonly of headaches, rapid heartbeat or hypertension, and sleep and gastrointestinal problems.

It is important for those shopping for a ginseng supplement to choose one made with the highest quality ingredients, as well as one which has been processed as little as possible. Excessive processing is thought to reduce the effectiveness of herbal products.

It is important to consult your health care provider before taking any herb or dietary supplement. Individuals who suffer from hypoglycemia, high blood pressure or heart disorders SHOULD NOT use ginseng.