One great herbal cure comes to us in the form of ginseng. Taken from Chinese medicine, it is a balancing herb, with both Yin and Yang natures. There are links to ginseng boosting the immune system, strengthening the mind, and improving impotence, quality of life and perhaps diabetes. Let’s take a closer look.
Within ginseng are ginsenosides, the chemicals largely responsible for its health effects. If you buy supplements, be sure that they are standardized to contain around four to seven percent ginsenosides.
Here are the main ways ginseng will work for you:
1. Immune System There is proof that ginseng lowers one’s risk of getting common respiratory infections, such as the common cold and flu. One study found that 100 milligrams (mg) led to a major drop in flu infections. Another found that 200 mg of American ginseng reduced the risk of flu by 89% compared to placebo. That same dosage allowed adults to experience fewer, milder and shorter colds in another study. And an interesting one found that Panax ginseng bested antibiotics in treating bronchitis.
2. Mental Function The belief that ginseng empowers your mind has been around a long time. Several studies suggest that Panax ginseng could improve concentration, memory, attention, and ability to cope with stress and anxiety. Memory had the strongest link to the herb.
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3. Sexual Performance One study found that ginseng significantly improved several measures of impotence. Another later confirmed this, with 900 mg three times a day as a dosage.
4. Quality of life Ginseng may improve many aspects of life: physical; psychological; social; mental; and overall well-being. One used 200 mg of Panax ginseng on 15 healthy people, with mental health and social improvements after a month.
5. Diabetes Here we have mixed results. A review found that American ginseng helped lower blood sugar, but that Asian and Siberian ginseng actually raised those levels.