Ginseng is a root herb that has been used
in China for thousands of years, and in America since
the 1700s. Ginseng is a native to China, Korea, Russia,
and America. Each variety has slightly different characteristics,
but all act as an "adaptogen" - a substance
that helps you cope with all kinds of physical and psychological
stress. Chinese medicine says it balances "yang
energy" and Western medicine says it improves the
function of the adrenal glands.
As far as the brain is concerned, ginseng's
power lies in its ability to control and lower the release
of the stress hormone cortisol, which is deadly
to the brain. Many studies confirm ginseng's beneficial
effects on the brain: subjects taking this herb made
fewer mistakes, had speedier reaction times, improved
their scores on standard cognitive function tests (by
more than 50 percent on average), and increased mental
and physical stamina. Ginseng is popular as an anti-aging
tonic used by many women during and after menopause
to relieve symptoms of vaginal dryness, hot flashes,
insomnia, and reduced libido. A recent study showed
that women taking ginseng experienced an improved quality
of life and less depression.
Panax ginseng is the most popular form used today,
but Siberian ginseng is the type most often included
in products geared to improve cognitive ability. Quality
among all the varieties of ginseng varies widely. When
buying panax ginseng extract, look for a product that
is standardized for 7 percent ginsenosides; when buying
Siberian ginseng extract, choose a product standardized
for 1 percent eleutherosides E. Ginseng may also be
purchased as a whole root from herbal pharmacies, broken
into small pieces and chewed. This is the way it is
used in China.
For prevention, take 100 mg of extract, or 500 to 1,000
mg of capsules per day. This dosage may be tripled if
your symptoms are mild to moderate and/or you are under
a lot of stress. Some herbalists advise that you follow
a three-weeks-on two-weeks-off schedule.
Used in the recommended dosage, ginseng
is generally safe. In rare instances it may cause over-stimulation
or gastrointestinal upset. People with hypertension
should not use ginseng. Long-term use has been reported
to cause menstrual irregularities and breast tenderness.
