Ginseng, known for its protective effects against physical, chemical, and biological factors, is a highly significant plant used in medicine and pharmacology in many East Asian countries. This valuable plant, which ranks first among the most preferred herbal supplements, is now used to support the body’s resistance against many factors that negatively impact physical and mental health.
Like all herbal supplements, ginseng should be thoroughly researched before use to prevent side effects such as drug interactions or allergic reactions. It is crucial to answer questions like, “What is Ginseng?“, “What are the benefits of Ginseng?“, and “What are its active ingredients?”
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a perennial, herbaceous plant, typically 30-50 cm tall, that grows wild in many East Asian countries, primarily China and Korea. The stem is upright and unbranched, while the roots are thicker and more branched than the stem. Every part of the plant, from root to leaf, contains pharmacologically active components, but the root is usually the most valuable part.
Ginseng is typically harvested when it reaches 3-6 years of age. It is preserved in dry air and known as white ginseng when stored this way, while the variety obtained through steam processing is known as red ginseng. This is the general answer to the question, “What is Ginseng?”
What Does Ginseng Contain?
The root, stem, and leaves of the ginseng plant contain 36 different ginsenosides, along with essential oils, amino acids, peptides, phytosterols, minerals, and vitamins. The root part is exceptionally rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and E. Additionally, ginseng root is a potent source of calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
The 36 different ginsenosides found mainly in the root are responsible for many of the beneficial effects of the ginseng plant. These valuable components have various pharmacological and physiological effects, including reducing cancer risk, providing resistance against diabetes, supporting normal immune function, protecting the nervous system from damage, promoting memory and long-term memory development, and controlling stress levels. Due to these effects, ginsenosides are widely used in medicine in East Asian countries. Thanks to the many valuable components it contains, the ginseng plant positively affects human health.
What Are the Benefits of Ginseng?
Another answer to “What is Ginseng?” is that it is an adaptogenic substance that increases the body’s endurance and resistance. Adaptogens are substances that increase the body’s physical and mental resilience nonspecifically, and ginseng is one of the most commonly used among them. The benefits of ginseng can generally be summarized as follows:
- The ginseng plant supports the body’s physiological functioning thanks to numerous amino acids, peptides, vitamins, and minerals. In healthy individuals, it boosts physical performance levels.
- Ginseng prevents nerve cell damage and supports neurological functioning by repairing or removing damaged nerve cells. Thanks to this property, it enhances not only physical but also mental performance.
- Due to the presence of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin B12, and phosphorus, ginseng has antioxidant properties, aiding in the elimination of toxins from the body. As a result, it helps control cellular stress and exhibits protective qualities against cancer.
- Ginseng regulates stress hormones secreted by the adrenal gland during stressful situations and corrects thyroid hormone functions. This reduces the negative effects of various stress types.
- Working alongside the vasopressin hormone, ginseng increases metabolic rate and regulates blood glucose levels, providing protection against diabetes. A type of ginseng, Panax Ginseng, is commonly used in medicine as a supportive treatment for hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hyperlipidemia (high blood lipids), and fatty liver disease.
Does Ginseng Strengthen the Immune System?
After asking, “What is Ginseng?” and “What are the benefits of Ginseng?”, another common question is whether ginseng strengthens the immune system. Many of the beneficial components in ginseng support the body’s healthy functioning. Studies have shown that those who regularly take ginseng supplements experience fewer illnesses like colds and flu; the number of immune system elements such as antibodies, leukocytes, and helper T cells increases; and immune system functions like chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and lymphocyte activity are enhanced.
Ginseng supplements that support the body’s defense capabilities and immune system strength help speed recovery when used with antibiotics to treat severe respiratory diseases like chronic bronchitis. So, what are the benefits of ginseng for sexual health?
What Are the Effects of Ginseng on Sexual Function?
In general, regular ginseng supplementation increases physical and mental performance while reducing complaints like fatigue and lack of energy. Additionally, ginseng, which strengthens cardiovascular structure, improves blood circulation and vascular health, and alleviates various issues related to the nervous and hormonal systems, can also enhance sexual function when used consistently.
Women who took regular ginseng supplements for 16 weeks post-menopause showed improved psychological and physiological health, with an increase in sex hormone secretion. Additionally, 60% of individuals with erectile dysfunction who used ginseng experienced improvements without adverse effects when used in appropriate doses.
Using Ginseng to Manage Stress
For many years, ginseng has been primarily used to enhance physical performance and manage stress. Today, ginseng supplements are utilized to improve both psychological stress and stress at the cellular level related to exposure to various toxins.
There are many different answers to the question, “What are the benefits of ginseng?” The components in ginseng, particularly in situations with increased direct exposure to stress, regulate adrenal gland functions and control stress hormone levels. Research indicates that regular ginseng supplementation helps alleviate the negative effects of stress and benefits mental health in organisms exposed to various stress forms.
What Are the Side Effects of Ginseng?
In healthy individuals, ginseng supplementation at recommended doses for specific purposes does not show serious side effects, even with long-term use. However, prolonged high-dose ginseng usage can lead to health issues. The main side effects associated with high doses of ginseng include:
- The substances in ginseng accelerate blood circulation. Excessive use can increase the pressure exerted by blood on vessel walls, potentially leading to hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Although ginseng has positive effects on mood with regular use, prolonged high doses may cause a tense and irritable mood.
- Like all herbal supplements, excessive consumption of ginseng can cause digestive problems, often leading to complaints like diarrhea.
- While ginseng enhances physical and mental performance, long-term high doses may cause chronic insomnia.
- In women before and after menopause, high doses of ginseng can cause side effects related to changes in estrogen levels, such as breast pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and increased libido.
The positive and negative effects of ginseng supplementation can vary based on factors such as age, gender, overall health status, exercise and physical activity level, dietary habits, regular medication use, and any interactions between those medications and ginseng. Therefore, consulting a healthcare provider before starting ginseng supplements and mentioning all other herbal supplements during regular check-ups is recommended for optimal results.
Ginseng tea
Ginseng Tea is a popular herbal beverage made from the roots of the ginseng plant, specifically from varieties like Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) or American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). This tea has been widely consumed in East Asia for centuries and is well-known for its energizing and health-boosting properties. Check out our article for details of ginseng tea.