5. GINSENG, A Chinese Herb

Ginseng is the most famous Chinese herb and is considered to be the king of all herbs. It has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 7,000 years. It is a slow-growing herb and takes four to six years to become mature to be harvested. However, the roots, which are where the active ingredient is found, can last for 100 years. The roots are known as Jin-Chen - meaning "like a man". They are called so as they resemble the human body.

History: Ginseng Panax
The name Panax comes from the Greek word panacea, meaning, "all healing" and ginseng is recognised as a general energy-giving tonic. Ginseng is native to China, Russia, North Korea, Japan and some parts of North America. Native North Americans considered it one of their most sacred herbs.

In Chinese medicine, it is held in high esteem. In China, it has long been respected as a tonic for the ageing and as an aphrodisiac. Chinese medicine uses ginseng as an ingredient in many prescriptions and regards it as a preventive and curative herb. However, doctors in the West are quite skeptical.

How does it Work?
Ginseng is commonly used as an adaptogen, meaning it can help the body adapt to whatever problems it has in functioning normally. It is also used to reduce the effects of stress, improve performance, boost energy levels, enhance memory and stimulate the immune system.

Ginseng contains vitamins A, B6 and the mineral zinc, which aids in the functioning of the body's defence system. The main active ingredients of the herb are "ginsenosides”. These steroid-like ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that may be enabling ginseng to counter the effects of stress and balance the hormones.

There are three kinds:
1. Chinese ginseng or Panax: This is known as the classic ginseng and is used as a general tonic for wellbeing, coping with stress and in aiding concentration. In a study of middle-aged people, it has been found to improve the memory when combined with ginkgo leaf extract.

Studies carried out in China showed that ginsenosides also increase protein synthesis and the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.

2. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Siberian ginseng has been shown to increase energy, stamina and help the body fight infection. Research has shown specific effects that support the central nervous system, liver functioning, lung functioning and the circulatory system. Men have used the herb to remedy impotence. The herb is also believed to increase oestrogen levels in women and is used to treat menopausal symptoms.

3. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): The plant grows wild in the shady forests of northern and central US as well as in parts of Canada. Ninety per cent of American ginseng is exported to China. This herb has ginsenosides thought to fight fatigue and stress by supporting the adrenal glands and the use of oxygen while exercising.

Caution
If you have any medical problem, you should not take ginseng without consulting your doctor. If you have heart problems or high blood pressure, you should avoid ginseng. Ginseng demonstrates blood-thinning effects. Therefore, it should not be combined with anticoagulant drugs. As it is a stimulant, the herb should be taken in the morning and is not suitable for pregnant women or for women with a history of breast cancer. It is considered safe when used in recommended doses, but should only be taken for a few weeks at time.