Did you know ginseng is the most popular herbal medicine in the world? It’s a plant that grows in China, Korea, and Siberia, and its roots have been used to make herbal medicine and treatments in both Asia and North America for centuries.
The herbs of the Asian ginseng, most commonly referred to as “Panax ginseng,” consists of light-colored, forked-shaped roots, with a relatively long stalk, and oval-shaped green leaves.
Origins
The word itself, “ginseng,” is derived from the Cantonese pronunciation, “jên shên,” and the Hokkien pronunciation, “jîn-sim” (人蔘). “Ginseng” is derived from the Chinese rénshēn, wherein rén means “person” and shēn means “plant root.”
Ginseng is said to have originated from Shangdang, China, which happens to be one of the country’s historic centers where Chinese pharmaceutica;ls started and developed over the centuries. According to textual and archeological outcomes, ginseng might have been discovered in the first century B.C. during the Han dynasty era. It is said that one of the first texts covering the use of ginseng as a medicinal herb was the Shen Nong Pharmacopoeia, written in China in 196 A.D.
Health Benefits
Ginseng may be beneficial to your health. It is believed to restore and enhance a person’s well-being, immune system and cognitive function, boost energy, regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and treat ailments like diabetes, lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD), flu, and fatigue. In addition, ginseng is also used in making soaps and cosmetics, and even as a flavoring in beverages.
Side Effects
However, ginseng may have some possible side effects. Some researchers claim that ginseng may have some hormone-like effects that could be harmful with long-term use.
The most common side effect is insomnia. Less common side effects include menstrual problems, breast pain, increased heart rate, high or low blood pressure, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, itching, rash, dizziness, mood changes, vaginal bleeding, and more.
Moreover, ginseng can’t be used or taken if a woman is pregnant due to the chemicals that could cause possible birth defects.
How to consume ginseng
Ginseng can be consumed in different ways. It can be eaten raw or steamed. It can also be consumed as a tea by adding hot water to freshly sliced ginseng and letting it steep for several minutes. It can also easily be added to your diet via its extract, capsule, or powder form.
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