Panax Ginseng is one of many types of ginseng that are used in herbal medicine. The ginseng plant is found in East Asia’s mountains, where it grows into ginseng which is often consumed in teas or supplements.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that each type of Ginseng has its own healing properties. Panax Ginseng, for example, is believed to have warming properties that aid blood flow.
This article will take a closer look at Panax Ginseng and the health benefits that it might offer. This article also discusses the side effects and how to take Panax Ginseng. It also explains what to look out for when shopping for it.
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a root that is commonly used in herbal medicine as a supplement. It has been shown to improve energy, immune system health, and manage certain conditions.
What is Panax Ginseng used for?
Panax Ginseng’s active compounds, also known as Ginsenosides are believed to have a steroid-like action that reduces inflammation.
Panax Ginseng has been used since ancient times to boost energy and stamina, and also to improve the immune system.
Although research on Panax Ginseng is limited at the moment, there are some indications that it may have certain health benefits.
Here are some key research findings.
Diabetes
Diabetes management may be helped by Panax Ginseng. Scientists reviewed 16 studies that examined how ginseng affects blood glucose levels in diabetics and non-diabetics.
The majority of studies were conducted for less than 12 week and involved people who had relatively good blood sugar control. Researchers concluded that ginseng had a significant effect on fasting blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and those without. However, more research is necessary.
Cognition
According to 2015 research, Panax Ginseng has been found to increase cognitive performance, especially short-term memory.
A 2018 study also found that ginseng supplements had a positive effect on cognition in older adults.
This root’s antioxidant properties are believed to have contributed to these cognitive benefits as well as many other health benefits associated with ginseng.
Erectile Dysfunction
A review of six trials conducted over 15 years found that Panax Ginseng could be an effective and safe remedy for erectile dysfunction.
A review of other medicines for sexual function found that Panax Ginseng was the only supplement that could improve erectile functions without safety concerns.
Contrary to prescription drugs for erectile problems, which can be taken only when necessary, ginseng is only useful for erectile disorders if it is taken regularly.
Other conditions
Panax Ginseng is often touted as a cure-all, but it may not be beneficial for some conditions. Studies have shown that Panax Ginseng does not work well for treating hot flashes and boosting athletic endurance.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), in addition to stating that there have been many studies that show the health benefits of ginseng. However, further research is required to prove that ginseng can be beneficial for other conditions.
Recap
Research has shown that ginseng can improve cognition, control blood sugar levels, and provide safe erectile functions. These and other conditions will require more research.
Possible side effects
Ginseng is used in a variety of ways, including in drinks. This may make it appear that Ginseng is completely safe. It can cause side effects like any other herbal supplement.
Some of the most common side effects are:
* Headaches
* Digestive problems
* Insomnia
If you have hypertension, you should avoid Panax Ginseng.
Panax Ginseng can lower blood sugar and may interact with diabetes medication. If you have diabetes or are thinking about using panax ginseng, talk to your doctor.
Avoid Panax Ginseng for children and pregnant women.
Interactions between Drug and Supplement
Panax Ginseng can increase bleeding risk and make blood-thinning medication more powerful. Before you try ginseng if you’re taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications like warfarin. Clopidogrel. Clopidogrel. Tilopidine. Heparin.
Certain herbal supplements can cause bleeding. If combined with ginseng, they may increase the risk.
Panax Ginseng can affect the levels of chemicals that transmit messages between nerve cells and other cells. It may also interact with antipsychotic drugs like chlorpromazine.
The interaction of panax ginseng with drugs made by the enzyme CYP3A4 has been proven. Ask your doctor if you’re taking any of these medications.
Recap
Ginseng can cause insomnia, stomach problems, headaches, and digestive problems in some people. Ask your doctor if you’re taking any other herbal supplements, medications, or antipsychotic medication, to make sure ginseng is safe.
Anastasia Tretiak Dosage & Duration
There is no one recommended dosage of Panax Ginseng. Research has shown that different doses of Panax ginseng have been tested.
A 2018 review of 91 clinical trials regarding the effects of Panax Ginseng showed that the appropriate ginseng dosages varied due to the variety of trials. These clinical trials showed that the recommended dosages of Panax Ginseng were 0.2 to 9 grams per day for four to 24 week periods.
Panax Ginseng can boost energy and manage certain health conditions. However, it is important to talk with your doctor before you take it.
What to look for
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the preparation of ginseng can influence its effects.
Red ginseng is, for example, unpeeled Panax ginseng that has been steam-dried before drying. White ginseng is unpeeled Panax Ginseng. It is dried and peeled, but not steam-treated. Black ginseng is a newer variety that is produced by repeated steaming/drying.
Red ginseng promotes “yang”, which is believed to be stimulating and heating in a higher degree than white. Red ginseng can be too stimulating for those who are sensitive to heat, have gallstones, tumors, inflammation conditions or other psychological conditions.
Both white and red ginseng can be found in capsules, liquid extracts and powders.
Panax Ginseng and Other Types
Traditional Chinese medicine claims that American Ginseng has cooling properties. This type of Ginseng is often referred to as a natural treatment for diabetes. American Ginseng has been said to boost the immune system and improve strength, stamina and overall well-being.
Siberian Ginseng can also be used to increase strength, stamina and immunity. Sometimes, it is used to reduce side effects from chemotherapy. In addition, Siberian ginseng is thought to protect against atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Summary
Traditional medicine uses ginseng root, which is also used in herbal supplements and drinks. Its antioxidant properties and steroid-like qualities are believed to help with conditions such as diabetes and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, it may improve cognitive function.
Further research is required to determine if ginseng can be beneficial for people with these conditions. It is also not clear what the best dosage of Ginseng is.
Ginseng can cause side effects and may interact with other medications. It is important to speak with your doctor before you try Ginseng.
A word from Verywell
Alternative medicines and herbal remedies are very popular. However, it is important to remember that just because something is “natural”, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s safe.
Dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that they are not as tightly controlled as drugs.
You should look for supplements that have been independently certified for quality, such as NSF. Ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation for reputable brands.
