Korean Ginseng: Asia’s Answer to Longevity
Used by the Chinese for thousands of years, Korean ginseng has long been thought to increase longevity and the quality of life. Its botanical/genus name Panax, comes from the Greek word panacea, meaning all healing. Characterized by the presence of ginenosides (a class of steroid-like compounds), ginseng is derived from the Chinese word jen shen, meaning ‘man root.’ The medicinal part of the plant is in the root with an average harvest time of 4-6 years.
Korean Ginseng Benefits:
- Anti-aging properties
- Sugar level balancer (Diabetes)
- Memory enhancement
- Stimulates immune system
- Protects nervous system
- Stress reduction enhancer
- Fights fatigue/boosts energy
- Enhances sexual desire
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| ginseng root |
Moreover, Korean ginseng’s effect on the immune system has been studied for its efficacy in preventing colds, flu, and some forms of cancer. Recent studies have determined that Korean ginseng lowers blood levels of both sugar and cholesterol and may help in the treatment of Type II diabetes. Other studies reveal that a combination of Korean ginseng and ginkgo biloba increase memory. While the components in Korean ginseng promote the growth of blood vessels, this could be effective in treating injuries.
Additionally, the range of effects from the use of Korean ginseng reveals it has an influence on the central nervous system, cellular aging, internal organs, metabolism, blood pressure, and appears to relieve stress. Specific to stress reduction, which is caused by the adrenal glands secreting hormones used to ward off both physical and emotional stress, it is believed that ginseng is responsible for fighting such stress. More importantly, Korean ginseng has been reported to prolong survival time during cardiac arrests.
Korean ginseng supplements
Korean ginseng is also one of the few herbs that have shown promise in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. While this condition has puzzled physicians for decades, there is no accepted treatment for the overwhelming fatigue that typifies this condition. However, those suffering from CFS often report an improvement in their symptoms after taking regular Korean ginseng supplements. This may be one reason long-distance runners and body-builders choose this particular supplement to heighten physical endurance.
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| ginseng flower |
Enhanced and increased sexual desire is a more notable effect regarding Korean Ginseng supplements. It cannot be stressed enough that the rise in popularity of this supplement in recent years is due to its benefits of virility and sexual hormonal function. Women and men alike can truly discover the benefits that Korean ginseng has to offer in this very important arena–not to mention an area fo activity that has no limits to one’s age.
