Ginseng, known as a powerful adaptogen, has been used in traditional medicine throughout Asia for thousands of years. The gnarly roots sometimes resemble a miniature human body, hence its Chinese name - “Ren Shen” is loosely translated as “Human Root”.
Ginseng is a slow-growing forest perennial herb and each plant needs to reach over 6 years of maturity before it can be used as medicine. But its maturation is truly worth the wait considering what ginseng can do for our beauty, health, and well being.
Ginseng Benefits for Body & Mind
Shen Nong aka the Divine Husbandman, a mythical sage of prehistoric China, first documented ginseng as a tonic herb that calms spirits, brightens eyes, clears malignant energy, opens the heart, and benefits the brain. Over the centuries, the study of this wonderful plant and its healing properties has progressed. Today we can safely talk about the benefits of the ginseng plant for our mental and physical health.
Energy Boost
Ginseng components such as polysaccharides and oligopeptides reduce oxidative stress and relieve chronic fatigue and significantly increase physical activity. An increase in energy as one of the ginseng benefits has also been proven by a study involving cancer survivors. So after two months, 364 participants reported a decrease in fatigue associated with a protracted and severe illness.
Blood Sugar Lowering
Many researchers have studied the question “does ginseng lower blood sugar?” and come up with some findings. Ginseng helps control blood glucose levels in people with and without diabetes. The extract of this herb increases the production of insulin and thus improves the absorption of sugar. Finally, a study involving participants monitoring before and after test meals proved ginseng's ability to lower blood sugar levels and fight diabetes.
Brain Function Protection
A number of studies have proven ginseng benefits the brain. In particular, its regular intake has a positive effect on memory, mood, and behavior. Participants in one study noted improved mental health and social functioning, while another experiment confirmed the positive effects of ginseng on mental performance. This plant has also proven its healing properties for Alzheimer's patients, improving their cognitive functions.
Erectile Dysfunction Improving
Erectile dysfunction treatment belongs to proven ginseng health benefits for men. Study participants taking Korean red ginseng experienced a 60% improvement in ED symptoms, while another test drug showed only a 30% progress. Besides, taking ginseng extract for 8 weeks increased overall sexual satisfaction.
