This all-healing grand daddy of medicinal plants can do almost everything including boost energy levels, clear brain fog and even provide a little more pep in the sack.
If you're looking for an all-natural way to boost your energy, then Ginseng may be the ingredient for you. Ginseng is likely the oldest medicinal plant known to man. It was first discovered about 5000 years ago and has since been elevated to mythical drug status. It is a root that grows naturally in Northern Asia and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It's considered an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body adapt to stress. Additionally, ginseng is packed with antioxidants and beneficial compounds that support overall health. Its effects are broad—neuroprotective, stress-relieving, immunomodulating, elevates energy, promotes longevity and it even works as an aphrodisiac.
One of the most well-known benefits of Ginseng is that it increases energy levels. It's been used as an energy booster for centuries. It's a natural way to fight fatigue and helps you feel more alert and focused. Additionally, ginseng can help improve physical performance, making it a great choice for athletes or anyone who needs an extra boost to get through the day.
Ginseng contains several active compounds that work together to provide a boost in energy. The most important of these is ginsenoside, a triterpene saponin that is responsible for most of the herb's effects. This compound helps activate enzymes that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's main source of energy. Additionally, ginseng helps increase the level of oxygen in your blood, which allows you to exercise for longer periods of time without feeling tired. It also helps reduce lactic acid buildup in the muscles, which is what makes your muscles burn during prolonged exertion and eventually makes you feel tired after a workout.
This is why Ginseng is legendary for reducing fatigue (almost blunting it completely, in fact) and boosting energy production. Of all the adaptogens, it is the most uplifting. As such, the use of Ginseng should be done mindfully and introduced without neglecting other aspects of well-being such as nutrition and sleep. Ginseng’s energizing potency can mask underlying symptoms of depletion if used carelessly.
Ginseng is revered as an aphrodisiac in many cultures and is thought to be a powerful sexual stimulant. It has been used for centuries to improve libido and sexual function in both men and women. There are many different compounds in ginseng that are thought to be responsible for its aphrodisiac effects, including ginsenosides, antioxidants, and polysaccharides which have already been mentioned above.
One study, performed in 2010, showed that ginseng extract improved sexual function in menopausal women. The women in the study were given either a placebo or 3 grams of ginseng extract daily for eight weeks. At the end of the study, the women taking ginseng reported significant improvements in overall sexual function, including desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction.
Other parallel studies have looked at the effects of Ginseng on erectile dysfunction. These studies found that men who were administered Panax Ginseng or Red Ginseng daily had significantly improved libido and erectile function compared to those who took a placebo. The men in the study also had measurably improved sperm production, motility, and quality.
Although Ginseng is most commonly known for its energizing effects, it also has a host of other benefits. One such benefit is that it broadly improves brain function and cognition.
For example, it increases the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for memory and learning. Additionally, Ginseng helps protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals and other toxins. This is because it contains antioxidants, which are beneficial in protecting cells from damage. Lastly, Ginseng helps improve blood flow to the brain, which aids in all sorts of mental tasks such as improving abstract thinking, improved secondary memory performance, speedier memory tasks, and better accuracy of attentional tasks.
Ginseng is generally safe for most people when taken by mouth for short periods of time. However, some people may experience side effects such as insomnia, headaches, and upset stomach. It is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as tolerance improves.
Ginseng is most commonly consumed as a tea or supplement. It is also sometimes added to energy drinks or other beverages.
There are three main types of Panax Ginseng: red, white, and black. Red ginseng is unpeeled and steamed before it's sold. White ginseng is also unpeeled but not steamed, while black ginseng is a new variety that's been steamed multiple times. If you're looking for the best quality Panax Ginseng roots, look for older (ie uglier looking) ones - they may be more bitter but in this context "bitter equals better".
The recommended dose for dried root is 3 grams per day, while the effective dose is 0.5 to 4.5 grams. It can be ingested by chewing or decocting it directly. As for standardized extracts, begin with a dosage of 200 mg per day (if splitting into two doses, take one in the morning and another in the mid-afternoon). You may gradually increase this amount by 50 mg until you reach 400 mg per day in total.
It's generally best to take Ginseng for 2 - 12 weeks straight before taking a break. Remember, extended use can mask other underlying symptoms that might need medical attention or treatment otherwise unrecognized.
