Harnessing the ‘adaptogenic’ qualities of ginseng

The Chinese called it the "essence of man" or "elixir of life," the American Indians treasured it and millions have sworn that it restores youth, vigor and sexual powers. This magical plant, or rather, magical root, is none other than ginseng.

Ginseng occupies an important place in Oriental herbal medicine. In fact, it was so important that it was considered a "panacea" or cure-all. Even ginseng’s assigned botanical name, Panax ginseng, literally means "all healing."

For centuries, Chinese healers have used ginseng to fight wide-ranging ills such as general weakness, fatigue and sexual dysfunction. Some of the earliest recorded uses of the herb are by Emperor Shen Nung, who began his reign in 2800 BC and is considered the patron saint of Chinese herbal medicine.

Ginseng has been touted for its adaptogenic qualities. Adaptogens help normalize body functions during stress and stimulate the responsiveness of the immune system. They also increase strength and vitality.

The medicinal effects of ginseng are attributed to saponins called ginsenosides found in the root of the plant. The older the root, the more ginsenosides it has. Roots should be six years old or older for optimal effectiveness.

The only true ginsengs are the plants in the Panax genus within the Araliaceae family. The most common types are:

• Asian ginseng – a warm, stimulating tonic also called Oriental, Chinese or Korean ginseng.

This is the kind of ginseng found in Ginsomin, a product of Mega Phils. (tel. nos. 02-837-8550 to 51 and 02-837-2947) that is made from six-year-old dried Korean Panax ginseng roots and contains 16 different ginsenosides, 11 vitamins and nine essential minerals for optimum effectiveness.

The high-quality ginseng extract in Ginsomin promotes both physical and mental health and helps relive fatigue and stress.

• American ginseng – grows wild in North America and is used by Native Americans to treat indigestion, sore eyes, fever and bronchitis. American ginseng is a cooling, sedating tonic that has a calming effect.

• Siberian ginseng – belongs to the Araliaceae family but is not a true ginseng of the Panax genus. It is often sold as a cheaper alternative to the more expensive Panax ginseng but is less effective at increasing vitality and feeling of well-being.

When it comes to using ginseng, one must consider the condition he is treating when selecting the appropriate plant.