The Benefits of Ginseng

The herb Ginseng is one of  the eleven species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, that is part of the Panax family of the Araliaceae. Ginseng can only be found in certain parts of the world such as the Northern Hemisphere, in North America and in Eastern Asia (mostly Korea, Northern China (Manchuria), and Eastern Siberia) in cool climates.

The only known Ginseng that grows in the a little bit warmer climate is Panax Vietnamensis which was discovered in Vietnam.

The word Ginseng comes from the Chinese term Rén meaning "man" and shēn meaning a kind of herb. It also describes the way the plant looks which is fork like and looks like the shape of a man.

Different Uses for Ginseng

Type II Diabetes

Ginseng roots are usually taken orally as adaptogens, aphrodisiacs, nourishing stimulants,and has been used in the treatment of type II diabetes, as well as for sexual dysfunction in men. 

The benefits of Ginseng for type II diabetes is well known and has become increasing important in giving hope to patients with type II diabetes. Several studies have found that American Ginseng can lower blood sugar levels in patients diagnosed with type II diabetes. 

The effect was found both on fasting blood sugar and on postprandial (after eating) glucose levels. One study found that people with type II diabetes who took American ginseng before or together with a high sugar drink, experienced less of an increase in blood sugar levels. 

Another study using lab mice found that the American Ginseng berry was more effective at lowering blood sugar levels than the root. Lots of American products such as soft drinks, advertise the use of Ginseng and the benefits of Ginseng on their labels.

But as with any findings, more research is needed before there are any definte conclusions about the benefits of Ginseng in diabetes patients. 

Cancer

Another benefit of Ginseng has shown in some studies that it can inhibit tumor growth. In one laboratory study on colorectal cancer cells, researchers found that American ginseng possessed powerful anti-cancer properties.

Sexual Benefits of Ginseng

Another health benefit of Ginseng is for sexual dysfunction in men. In one study that was done in Korea which evaluated the effects of ginseng on erectile dysfunction, and showed that 60 percent of men who took Ginseng said that they were able to achieve an erection with much greater ease than without it. The other group of men who received only a placebo  reported 30 percent of them indicated that they noticed an improvement in their ability to achieve erections. 

This study also showed that things such as the firmness of erections, and overall thickness of the erection were also improved. Nearly two-thirds of the men in this study said they had seen improvements with their erection and quality of sex after taking Ginseng. This is largely due to the increase in production of nitric oxide within the body, and there are studies which prove that nitric oxide production is increased, too.

As mentioned before, the health benefits of Ginseng in diabetes patients have been significant; it's also been beneficial for those with type II diabetes who have sexual issues as well. 

Another study done on rats that had diabetes showed that the sick rats who suffer from diabetes had lower levels of antioxidants which meant they were more likely to have  erectile dysfunction. In this case study, however, the diabetic rats were given Ginseng, and the results were very pleasing to scientist. The antioxidant levels that were typically lower had greatly increased, and as a result, their ability to achieve erections had greatly increased. 

It is important to note that this was a study on animals, but the fact is that the results correspond with those results found in human studies too. This cased also showed that the libido in the rats was increased dramatically and this has also been demonstrated in studies conducted on humans too.

What Products Use Ginseng

Although Ginseng can be taken in different forms including pills, the most common use of Ginseng in products is through teas and sodas. Companies like Pepsi,Lipton and the Arizona Tea Company, have all introduce Ginseng in their products because of its health benefits. 

Even if you aren't a tea or soda drinker, you can still purchase Ginseng at your local pharmacy or local health food stores; most of the time it is sold over the counter and no prescription will be neccessary. 

The Side Effects of Ginseng

Now while the health benefits of Ginseng is mostly healthful and promising in most studies done, there are some side effects of Ginseng. In some cases it can prevent nausea and dizziness but yet in others, it can be increase it. It can also cause fatigue and migraine headaches; although it is rare, it's still a possibility. You also have to consider that since this is an herbal medicine, there is a greater chance that some people may have allergic reactions. This is true especially when using white and red ginseng. Before you take any of these products, make sure that you do not have an allegeric reaction to them.

Also, Ginseng can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar, you can still can run the risk of having anemia low insulin levels.  

Conclusion

The benefits of Ginseng out weigh most of the negative side effects in taking this herb. However, before you decide to start taking Ginseng for health benefits, you may want to to speak to your doctor first. They can give you advice on if you should take Ginseng and if you do how much you should take. 

Also realize that in a lot of cases when taking Ginseng, that you will probably have to change your lifestyle habits as well especially if you are taking them to lower your blood pressure and your sugar levels. Excercise along with better eating habits (and taking Ginseng) working together can also lower your levels as well.

Overall, taking Ginseng for health purposes is basically harmless, just do your homework, see your doctor and be aware of all the side effects that it could have on your health.