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About ginseng
The official name Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer was given to the Korean ginseng in 1842 by the German-Russian botanist Carl Anton Meyer. Ginseng belongs to the plant family of Araliales plants, such as, for example, also our indigenous ivy.
Korean ginseng originally grew only in the mountain forests of China and Korea. The plant is about 60-80 cm high and, at its tips, there are finger-like leaves which open up like a hand. The root has an almost human form and this is how ginseng got its name: “ginseng“ derives from the Chinese “jen shen“ which can be translated as “human root“.
The name “Panax“ stems from the Greek language and means “all-healing“. It is referred to as “true“ ginseng because, from the medical perspective, it is by far the most valuable of all of the varieties of ginseng. In Germany, only preparations from the true Korean ginseng are licensed as a medicine. Only this variety is cultivated and marketed by FloraFarm.
This is how ginseng works
Adaptogenic action
Ginseng is beneficial to health and is a restorative and fortifying medicine suitable for those who suffer from tiredness or weakness, or who show a decline in performance and concentration. Likewise, its use is recommended for generally preventing typical illnesses caused by today's lifestyle and to offer protection against ageing.
The action of ginseng is not directed against specific diseases and disorders. A healthy body shows no apparent reaction to ginseng. But appearances are deceptive: when the body is subjected to stress, it can cope with this much better. It is able to protect itself against disruptive and illness-inducing influences from outside (adaptogenic action).
This protection can be effective against every form of negative influence: physical, chemical and biological stress (e. g. radiation, allergy-inducing environmental poisons or pathogens) and, likewise, against psychological stress, such as that experienced at work or in difficult family situations.
The balancing effect
Ginseng has both stimulating and rebuilding properties, as well as calming properties. An explanation for this is provided by the active ingredients contained in ginseng, the ginsenosides. One knows from the two best studies of ginsenosides that they are antagonists - which harmoniously compliment one another, just like Yin and Yang in Chinese medicine.
One increases blood pressure, has a stimulating action, and promotes performance and the switch off.
The most important site of action of the ginsenosides is probably the hypothalamus – a region in the interbrain (diencephalon ), from which all hormonal and neuronal processes are regulated that serve the maintenance of a state of equilibrium in the body.
How does ginseng work?
Ginseng is an “adaptogen“: this means that, after taking ginseng, the body is better able to protect itself against disturbing and illness-inducing influences from outside, or is better able to adjust to the burdens placed on it; i.e. it can adapt to circumstances. The way in which ginseng works is not directed specially against specific illnesses but is, on the contrary, unspecific. So, a healthy body does not apparently react to ginseng but, when it is subjected to stress or a burden, it can, however, better cope with this than without ginseng.
This protection can be effective against practically any form of negative influence: both physical (for example, radiation stress) and chemical (for example, environmental poisons inducing allergic reactions) influences, as well as also biological (for example, pathogens) and mental (for example, severe stress caused by work or a difficult family situation) factors. What is important is that the defence process is one of normalisation. To put it another way, ginseng has both stimulating and restorative, as well as also calming properties.
An explanation for this can be sought in the nature of the active ingredients which ginseng contains. The most important site at which ginsenosides act is probably the hypothalamus, a region of the interbrain (diencephalon), from which all hormonal and neuronal processes that are involved in the maintenance of the equilibrium of the body (homeostasis) are centrally controlled.
What are the active ingredients?
The main active ingredients of the ginseng root are called ginsenosides. They belong to the group of substances called saponins. They are designated by the use of abbreviations, each beginning with the letter R. In the 1980s, 13 ginsenosides were known. Meanwhile, more than 30 ginsenosides have been described in the literature.
The fact that the "human root" can have both stimulating and calming effects can be traced back to the diverse interplay of the various ginsenosides. One knows from the two best investigated ginsenosides, Rg1 and Rb1, that they are “opposites“ that harmoniously complement one another, just like Yin and Yang in Chinese medicine: Rg1 increases blood pressure, has a stimulating effect and promotes performance and the ability to react, while Rb1 lowers blood pressure, soothes in times of agitation and helps one to unwind.
In addition to the ginsenosides, there are a number of vitamins and minerals in ginseng roots which each make a contribution to producing a health-promoting effect.
The complex action of ginseng on the human body results ultimately from the complex mixture of active ingredients in the root. And, as is often the case, the following principle applies: the whole is more than the sum of the parts!
For whom is ginseng to be recommended?
Ginseng can, in principle, be taken by anyone, irrespective of age. It is particularly recommended, above all, for preventing typical widespread diseases, such as diabetes, heart disorders, circulatory disorders and cancer, as a defence against ageing, and in the recovery phase following a serious illness. The more healthy and trained your body is, the more balanced are your mind and soul, and the less you will detect the effect. But, ginseng acts in an obscure manner. A healthy body does not apparently react at all to ginseng but, when subjected to burdens or stress it can, however, cope with these much more effectively than without ginseng. We recommend, in particular, a regular course of treatment with ginseng for:
- those burdened by stress (managers, working mothers, teachers, amongst others)
- shift workers (nurses and policemen, amongst others)
- senior citizens
- sportsmen and sportswomen
- patients during the recovery phase after an operation
- people who are going through a difficult phase
- those who want to prevent widespread diseases.
How will I become aware that ginseng is having an effect?
In contrast to synthetic medicines, which mostly show their effects in a specific and very quick manner, ginseng requires some time in order for its regulating effect on the body to become apparent. But, its effects are maintained for a long time after the period during which it is taken, so that, as a rule, you will only need two courses of ginseng per year. The more healthy and more balanced you are, the less you will be aware of an acute effect. If, however, your metabolism or your inner life is not in equilibrium, you will become aware of an effect, at the latest, two to three weeks after you have begun the course of treatment with ginseng.
What is the best way for me to take ginseng?
In general, we recommend a 100-day cure with a daily dosage of 1 to 2 grams of ginseng root with a minimum dosage content of 1.5 percent. If you use Ginseng SL from FloraFarm, normally 1 gram of ginseng root (which corresponds to two capsules of Ginseng SL) per day is sufficient, as our ginseng demonstrably contains more than double the prescribed minimum content of ginsenosides.
Taken as a capsule:
Take two capsules in the morning, then you will be fit for the rest of the day!
Taken as ginseng root:
If you prefer to take things in their original form and you like the bitter sweet taste of the root, we recommend that you take 1 gram of the dried root in the first half of the day. Let the root part melt in your mouth as long as possible before you swallow it, until it becomes quite soft. In this way, the active ingredients will be absorbed via the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Regardless of whether you take root or capsule, the effect will be the same! The active ingredients will be taken up either via the mucous membranes of the mouth or the mucous membranes of the small intestine and distributed to all relevant target sites.
Tip: Some people notice that the intake of coffee and ginseng at the same time is not such a pleasurable experience. Indeed, old Chinese people also avoid taking ginseng with drinks containing caffeine: they say that caffeine takes the energy from ginseng. If possible, when you drink coffee at breakfast, it is better to drink it 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking ginseng.
Can I also take ginseng more frequently or in a higher dose?
We recommend that those who are constantly subjected to a higher level of stress or who suffer from severe, chronic illnesses take two 100-day cures each year or have a constant intake of ginseng. By taking ginseng on a long-term basis, you will be able to reduce the dosage after a few months, according to your personal feeling, to one capsule (or half a gram of ginseng root) per day.
Before difficult examinations or undertaking challenging sport activities, you can increase the dosage for a few days by two- or three-fold. In this way, you will once more increase the energy supply and endow your brain and muscles with correspondingly high performance.
When should I start a ginseng cure?
You can, of course, begin any time! If, above all, you want to protect yourself against colds and flu, we recommend that you begin in spring or autumn, which is the time at which pathogens are at their most prevalent. If you have just reached the peak of an illness, you should not commence a ginseng cure: it is better to wait a few days and then support your body during the regeneration phase.
How does ginseng help in coping with stress?
Stress is often identified as being the cause of the most diverse forms of illness. Changes in the vegetative nervous system and in hormonal balance which arise during a stress reaction can, in higher intensities and over a long period, cause physical damage. It has been proven that, for example, cardiovascular diseases are caused by this.
With the aid of ginseng root, your body will be able to quickly adjust itself to different generators of stress and will be better able to cope with them. The increased ability to resist will delay states of exhaustion and illnesses caused by stress and may, indeed, possibly prevent them. Ginseng will bring about a situation in which there are fewer stress hormones and those that are present will be more quickly broken down. In this context, as well, one talks of an adaptogenic (adjustment) effect of ginseng.
How can sportsmen benefit from ginseng?
Ginseng improves performance under stress: with our method, high-performance is promoted when you confront your opponent and have to fight, or when you suddenly have to flee. Nowadays, the will to win, the shot from the starting pistol, and the fans in the arena act as “stress factors”. The performance of sportsmen can be increased by taking ginseng: ginseng optimises the process of metabolism in such a way that better use of energy can be made during activities. To be more precise, it has been possible to record improved oxygen uptake and utilisation by the muscles, an increase in the stroke volume of the heart, as well as a reduction in the concentration of milk sugar (lactose) in the blood.
It is therefore a health-promoting and harmless possibility of giving momentum to your physical performance: dope is out – ginseng is in!
Does ginseng help my brain to leap into action?
Without doubt, ginseng stimulates the brain. With the aid of an electroencephalogram (EEG), it is possible to measure which brain cells are active and how intensive this activity this is. Biochemical laboratory investigations have shown that the cells exhibit a higher level of activity with an increasing dosage of ginseng.
Humans and animals constantly achieve much better results in performance tests with ginseng than without it. In addition, tests with older persons have also shown that, under the influence of ginseng, the ability to learn, concentrate and react are improved, and intellectual performance is raised.
How does ginseng boost my immune system?
Although Ginseng has no direct antibacterial properties or actions directed against viruses, it does, however, promote a protective effect against various pathogens. Ginseng increases the number of white blood corpuscles present in the blood that are responsible for identifying and providing a defence against pathogens. Also, the production of messenger substances which are used within the defence system are increased by ginseng. The same principle applies here: with the aid of ginseng, the body is best protected against factors causing stress; in this case, pathogens!
What effect does ginseng have in relation to diabetes?
Those who suffer from type 2 diabetes mostly have an inborn reduced sensitivity to the body’s own insulin. This ”insulin resistance“ is increased by overweight and a lack of movement to such an extent that type 2 diabetes (adult-onset diabetes) occurs. If diabetes is diagnosed, the physician will therefore, as a rule, give as his first recommendation: “You should move more and reduce your weight!“
That is not so easy – ginseng will give you the strength and energy that you need in order to implement in practice the important advice given to you by your doctor.
As has been shown in studies, the active ingredients in ginseng also directly produce a reduction in increased blood sugar levels. An increased blood sugar level represents a state of imbalance in the body, a disorder which can be recognised by ginseng and can be counteracted by it.
Diabetes can not be healed by ginseng alone, but its use does allow, however, in some cases, a reduction in customary antidiabetics and improves the general state of health adversely affected by illness – so that you can also prevent illnesses resulting from type 2 diabetes!
Can ginseng provide help in case of cancer?
The value of ginseng as a supplement to conventional cancer therapy and in prevention cannot be undervalued. The general fortifying effect of ginseng on the organism and resistance, which has been known for more than 2000 years, is, especially in the case of cancer and its prevention, particularly important. Current studies from Korea have shown that the regular intake of ginseng can substantially reduce the risk of cancer. This effect can be traced back to the action of ginseng: it strengthens the protective screen against external factors that promote the emergence of cancer.
In cancer therapy, ginseng strengthens the weakened organs and the weakened immune system. The side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy are lessened, and blood cell formation in the bone marrow is boosted.
Can I also take ginseng if I suffer from high blood pressure?
In general, the following rule applies: ginseng stabilises the blood pressure; to be more specific, on a very individual basis. It equalises deviations above and below the normal value. This demonstrates, once more, its “adaptogenic“, regulating effect. Although investigations have confirmed the effect of ginseng acting in both directions, there are frequent references in the literature on Chinese medicine to the fact that ginseng should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or, at least, only under the supervision of a doctor. We therefore recommend that, in any case, you inform your doctor about taking ginseng and that you regularly control your blood pressure at this time, as well. Possibly, you may be able to reduce the dosage of other medicines as a consequence of taking ginseng.
Does ginseng help during menopause?
In menopause, the body is subjected to a state of hormonal imbalance, which has a substantial effect on the general state of health of many women. Many women report a beneficial action of ginseng: there is a reduction in mood swings, hot flushes and feelings of weakness occur less frequently or only in a more moderate form. Unfortunately, there are no scientific investigations of this subject, but it would be worth carrying out such investigations, all the more when one bears in mind the knowledge that one has about the many other health-promoting actions of the ginseng root.
What effect does ginseng have on reproductive ability?
Ginseng has been, for thousands of years, and still is, even today, considered to be an aphrodisiac. It is claimed that it increases male potency and fertility. Indeed, ginseng helps with sexual problems. Ginseng gives the user greater endurance, makes the user more relaxed, and stimulates and tones the whole body. Via the hormonal system, ginseng has an effect on the production of sperm in the testicles. The sperm count is substantially increased in both healthy and ill individuals. Likewise, the motility of the sperm cells is increased.
What is special about Ginseng from Shop New Zealand?
We are oriented to traditional Korean methods of cultivation. Our roots are free from pesticides and other environmental pollutants. All brandnames like Good Health, Healtheries or Nutra Life is carried out with just the same degree of care as the process of washing and drying.
Quality has the highest priority for us. Therefore, the content of active ingredient and purity of the roots is regularly checked by an independent institute – always with the best results that you demand from us.
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