Ginseng Boosts Performance

Ginseng is primarily a tonic herb that is used to increase stamina or energy, as well as increasing ability to adapt to both psychological and physical stress.

It is generally considered to be warming. The Chinese call it a "chi tonic", and can be used to tonify any deficiency relating to their subdivision of deficiencies in terms of energy (chi, yang, yin and blood).

Yang deficiencies are considered to make you more likely to get "cold" diseases - relating to sexual libido (loss of), or lack of motivation. Yin deficiencies could manifest as inflammatory symptoms, or wasting diseases associated with loss of body "essence". Blood deficiency (relating to the energetic nourishment of blood and its ability to flow, as opposed to the volume of blood present) could appear as tiredness, general weakness, or low vitality.

There are many different species of this herb, but only three are used by herbalists. Generally in shops you will see "American ginseng" and panax or "chinese ginseng", as well as a relative, "Siberian ginseng" (eleutherococcus senticosus). The American and Siberian herbs are considered milder. Siberian ginseng in particular is better for long term use, or if people find panax too stimulating.

Ginseng is said to improve performance - like athletic performance, intellectual perfomance (concentration), and sexual (the Chinese consider it to be an aphrodisiac, but any effect in this department is more likely to relate to its general tonifying/energising qualities as opposed to any other hormonal effects).

Ginseng is often given to the elderly, as well as for tiredness, overexertion, neurasthenia, hypotension, general and nervous weakness (especially in old age), and mild depression. Some have also reported a beneficial effect on carbohydrate tolerance in diabetics taking ginseng.

It is generally not advised to take it continuously, not so much due to any pharmacological side effects (it is generally very safe in that department), but due to its energetic qualitites. This is particularly true of people under 40 years. Different herbalists may have varying guidelines here but it probably shouldn't be taken for longer than two weeks at a time, especially panax. Siberian ginseng is more appropriate for longer use.

There is no one primary constituent which provides its properties, but it contains saponins, glycosides with saponin characteristics, volatile oil, a fatty acid, vitamins b1 and b2, and phosphates amongst its active constituents. There are preparations of varying quality on the marktet, so results of each supplement may vary.

Other Ginseng Articles

• Ginseng and Kids - Is It Safe
• Buying Ginseng and Macadamia UK Bath Soap
• Where In The UK To Buy American Ginseng

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