Ginseng

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is one of the oldest used medicinal plants. Its use is very relevant in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and, according to some authors, its knowledge dates back to around 5,000 years BC.

A plant with history

The virtues of its roots (part of the plant used) were already described by Emperor Shen Nong (around 2700 BC), who was known as the "divine farmer" for having studied more than 100 plants with healing powers, and who attributed to ginseng the ability to restore strength to vital organs (heart, lung, liver, kidneys and spleen), calm the spirit and anxiety, develop intelligence and regulate vital energy.

Its use in the West, although more recent, dates back to the late 16th century, when ginseng root was introduced by Dutch merchants. The first descriptions came from the accounts of the Jesuit missionaries established in China and Southeast Asia, and refer mainly to its botanical aspects, its invigorating and vitalizing properties and the presumption that its consumption could extend life. Since then, and to date, ginseng has been the subject of numerous investigations.

Ginseng there is more than one

Although the best-known ginseng in Europe is Panax ginseng, a plant of the Araliaceae family whose natural habitat includes different Asian regions (China, Korea -the most reputable quality-, Japan, etc.), there are different varieties depending on their origin geographic. Thus, in Japan, southern China and India, the variety Panax japonicus CA Meyer or Panax repens (Japanese ginseng or bamboo ginseng) grows, and in Canada and North America the variety Panax quinquefolium L (American ginseng) grows, among other varieties. .

Although similar properties are attributed to them, the chemical composition of ginseng roots varies with the species. A special mention deserves the so-called Siberian ginseng (Eleuterococcus senticosus Maxim.), Since although it is a plant that belongs to the same family, it should not be confused. It has in common with ginseng that the roots are also used and that it has some similar physiological effects.

Ginseng benefits

In ancient China, this root, whose shape resembles that of a little man, was already used to restore strength, calm the spirit and anxiety, develop intelligence and restore vitality. At present, the different studies carried out have confirmed its ability to increase resistance capacity to stressful situations and generally improve physical fitness and mental performance.

It has also been proven that ginseng has the ability to increase resistance to fatigue and improve tolerance to cold and fatigue. Other studies suggest that it can improve concentration and memory in healthy people and strengthen natural defenses against different infections such as flu or colds. It has also been seen that it is capable of improving physical and intellectual performance and the tendency to fatigue, due to age wear and tear, in older people.

When to take ginseng?

In the short term, ginseng root can be taken to improve resistance to physical and mental stress, and to improve concentration and efficiency at work in healthy people subjected to an increase, be it physical or intellectual, to a greater effort in the sports, long hours of study, exams, etc. It can also be helpful in regaining fitness after convalescence.

Long-term: it can be used as a tonic, to help recovery in states of fatigue and weakness when these are associated with stressful situations that last over time or are due to advanced age.

How to take it

It is most often taken in dosed forms such as tablets, capsules, or drinkable ampoules. In these cases, the dosage guidelines set by the manufacturer must be followed. It can also be found in the form of an infusion, and even in the form of an instant infusion (to dissolve in cold or hot); it has a pleasant taste and can be taken the equivalent of 1 to 2 grams a day (never again) divided into two or three infusions.

Likewise, it is often found in combination with other natural substances such as and / or vitamins, which reinforce its tonic and defatiguing action (follow the manufacturer's dosage guidelines).

recommendations

• It is advisable to use controlled and standardized preparations in active principles, since the ginseng root has a very complex composition and, therefore, the efficacy and safety of the root and its preparations depends on the fact that all the components are in its composition. in the right amounts.
• To avoid that it can interfere with sleep in sensitive people, it is advisable not to take ginseng after mid-afternoon.
• It is not advisable to extend the treatments beyond four to six weeks, followed by rest periods of one, two, or three months. The treatment can then be repeated if necessary.

How to prepare a ginseng tisane?

To prepare the infusion, a gram of ginseng root is boiled in 200 ml of water for a few minutes. Let the container stand covered and strain. Some authors of traditional Chinese medicine advise taking this infusion warm or at room temperature.

In case of, it should be used with caution and control blood pressure to check that it does not cause any alteration in it. In states of anxiety Attention should also be paid since, although it has been observed that when it is caused by a stressful situation it tends to improve, an increase in nervousness or anxiety in nervous people cannot be ruled out.

Ginseng can interact with medications against Parkinson's, anticoagulants and antidiabetics, so people with these treatments should not take it without control of their doctor. In case of others chronic treatmentsYou should consult your doctor or pharmacist. Due to lack of studies, it should not be used in pregnancy or lactation without medical supervision.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• One of the oldest used medicinal plants with toning and vitalizing properties.
• Take it to improve concentration, in times of stress, to improve physical performance, and to help recovery from fatigue and weakness.
• Dosage: in tablets, capsules, drinkable ampoules or infusions.

«Informative note: the contents included in this section offer information related to existing therapies explained by specialists with experience in the field with an informative objective. MAPFRE does not intend under any circumstances to position itself on its suitability or expressly promote its use. "