Ginseng

The ginseng , also known as “the king of plants” is a plant that has been used for several thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. It is given almost magical powers to improve numerous functions, such as memory or sexuality. One of its main benefits is the increase in both physical and psychological resistance in periods of stress .

What is ginseng?

Ginseng is a medicinal plant with a wide selection of properties and benefits for the body. It contains substances called ginsenosides, which stimulate and revitalize the body both physically and mentally. That is why the consumption of ginseng is recommended when a person is very tired and fatigued, during exam periods or with high work peaks, for example.

In addition to providing energy, ginseng has many other benefits for the body that make it one of the most effective medicinal plants : it helps maintain blood pressure, lowers bad cholesterol levels, improves blood circulation , etc.

Types of ginseng

There are different forms of this plant.

• White: the root is known as such just after it is collected.
• Brown: it is the same root, but once dry.
• Red: it is the plant once it has been steam roasted and then dried in the sun. Different investigations have shown that its medicinal properties are more powerful than white ginseng.
• American: as its name suggests, it grows in various areas of America. Of the different types that exist, it is the one that contains the least potent active ingredients.
• Siberian – this type has completely different properties than the previous ones.

History of ginseng

Despite the fact that ginseng has been used for several thousand years, today it is not known what is the origin of its consumption. The first documented fact of the consumption of this plant dates from the 1st century AD. C, which is reflected in some Chinese writings. In them it is reflected as an illuminator of the mind and enhancer of wisdom. In addition, aphrodisiac properties are attributed to it.

In China it was believed that ginseng was very beneficial for the whole body. Thus, the plant became an extremely valuable product, to the point of fighting numerous battles to gain control of the territories in which it was grown. The desire of the population for its consumption made it practically run out. Thus, today it is very rare to find wild ginseng .

Its scarcity led to the appearance of other types of ginseng, such as American. It had a very popular time in China, although it is a totally different plant and therefore has other effects on the body.

Ginseng: benefits and what it is for

Improves blood circulation

One of the main health benefits of ginseng is that it significantly improves blood circulation . Something especially important in those who suffer from diseases such as tired legs or varicose veins . This medicinal plant is also very beneficial for men as it reduces the symptoms of sexual impotence .

Calm stress

Ginseng significantly reduces cortisol levels in the body, making it an excellent natural remedy to relieve stress . Stress is precisely one of the main diseases of the 21st century, both among adults and children. It is important to combat it since otherwise it can harm the quality of life in all areas.

Improves attention span and concentration

This medicinal plant stimulates brain cells , thus improving the capacity for both attention and concentration. That is why more and more students and workers are choosing to consume ginseng to improve their productivity.

Avoid premature aging

Ginseng acts directly on the functionality of the body, especially in mature and elderly people. Thanks to its effect on improving physical and mental performance , it is a fantastic natural remedy for fighting aging.

Strengthens the immune sytem

Recent studies have shown that ginseng strengthens the immune system , so that it is better prepared to deal with illnesses such as the flu or cold. The elderly and children are the population groups most at risk of suffering from this type of disorder.

Decreases fatigue and tiredness

If ginseng is well known throughout the world for something, it is because it greatly stimulates both the body and the brain. Thus, it reduces fatigue and tiredness, acting as a physical and mental stimulant .

Reduces bad cholesterol levels

One of the great benefits of ginseng is that it reduces bad cholesterol levels in the blood . Thus, the consumption of this medicinal plant on a frequent basis reduces the risk of suffering certain diseases such as myocardial infarction or thrombosis, among others.

Regulates blood pressure

And finally, ginseng is helpful in balancing blood pressure levels and avoiding disorders such as hypertension. Thus, this plant has been shown to protect the cardiovascular system.

Ginseng: properties

The properties that ginseng has are as follows.

• Antidepressant: this plant acts as a natural antidepressant, relieving the symptoms of this disease. It greatly stimulates both the body and the mind, so that people are more active and in a better mood to carry out all kinds of activities.
• Toning: another of its great properties is toning. Helps maintain good health and prevent illnesses such as colds and flu.
• Anxiolytic: the consumption of ginseng has a positive effect on the central nervous system , calming the symptoms of anxiety.
• Antistress: as we have pointed out, this plant is one of the best natural remedies that exist to deal with stress. Consuming ginseng during periods of exams or high peaks of work promotes well-being and peace of mind, while reducing fatigue.

How to take ginseng

It is recommended to take a maximum of 8 grams of ginseng root daily at certain times when you need extra energy. In no case is a higher dose recommended because it could cause the opposite effect.

• Ginseng tea: this is one of the most common ways to consume this medicinal plant. You just have to heat the water on the fire. Once it reaches the boiling point, the ginseng root is added. Cover and cook over low heat for twenty minutes. Once the time has elapsed, it is removed, strained and taken with small sips.
• Capsules: more and more laboratories sell ginseng in capsules. They can be found in health food stores and specialty stores. The dose of each supplement is different depending on the laboratory, but in the vast majority of cases it is between one and three capsules daily.

Recipes with ginseng

More and more people are encouraged to consume the root of this plant in different recipes. It can be added in the form of slices or zest to prepare different dishes.

Salmon with citrus and ginseng

Ingredients

• 150 grams of fresh salmon
• 1 lime
• 1 orange
• 30 grams of grated ginseng
• Oil
• Shall

Elaboration

1. To begin with the preparation of the recipe, both the lime and the orange are squeezed.
2. Next, the salmon, previously seasoned, is fried on the grill with a little oil.
3. The salmon is plated with the lime and orange juice, and the grated ginseng is added on top.

Ginseng butter cookies

Ingredients

• 200 grams of butter
• 100 grams of sugar
• 250 grams of wheat flour
• 50 grams of grated ginseng
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla essence

Elaboration

1. The butter and sugar are mixed in a glass bowl.
2. Once both ingredients are mixed, add the teaspoon of vanilla essence and ginseng.
3. The next step is to add the sifted flour.
4. The cookies are shaped. You can use molds in different ways to make it easier.
5. They are placed on a baking tray and baked at 180ºC for approximately ten minutes, until the edges begin to brown.

Ginseng: contraindications and side effects

Side effects occur very rarely, usually due to consumption above the recommended daily amount. The most common are insomnia , excessive agitation and hypersensitivity to stimuli . In addition, there are those who suffer from rapid heartbeat and digestive system problems , such as diarrhea.

Although ginseng is very beneficial for a wide range of body and mental functions , there are various population groups for whom the consumption of this plant is not recommended.

This is the case of people who suffer from hypertension and who take some medicine to regulate blood pressure levels . Nor should those with autoimmune diseases such as lupus or multiple sclerosis take ginseng.

Consumption is also not recommended in people who have suffered from breast cancer and other estrogen-related diseases . The reason is that the ginsenosides in ginseng can act as estrogens in the body.

And finally, it is interesting to note that its consumption is also discouraged for children under the age of twelve, as well as for pregnant and lactating women .

Planta de Ginseng

The cultivation of this plant is relatively complex. Experts point out that optimal quality is achieved after a cultivation process that ranges from six to twelve years. Once harvested, it must be left to dry naturally , in the sun. In some cases the drying is done artificially, but another variety is obtained with less powerful active ingredients.

Growing ginseng at home is not complicated, but it requires a high dose of patience. The time it takes for the seeds to germinate is approximately eighteen months. As for the time it takes for the plant to be ready for harvest, it is around five years.

It is important to grow it in an area with 80% shade, free of weeds. It can also be grown at home , in pots with good drainage and avoiding direct light. The best time to sow ginseng seeds is in the fall, at a depth of three centimeters.

When drying the root of the plant, it is best to do it on a wooden board in a well-ventilated room. To preserve it, it can be sliced ​​or grated.

Korean Red Ginseng

The Korean ginseng , also called Asian ginseng is a medicinal plant from Korea, whose cultivation and use dates back to several thousand years in this Asian country. An essential ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, which has been given benefits against various diseases: insomnia, impotence, diabetes , hypertension, etc. The European Medicines Agency approves its use to relieve symptoms of fatigue and asthenia.

In the root of ginseng there are a set of active principles that are called ginsenosides. Well, both its quality and quantity depend to a great extent on climatic factors. That is, depending on where the plant has been grown and the process that has been followed for its cultivation and subsequent harvesting, the active principles will be more or less powerful.

Countries like Korea have carried out various investigations of this plant, which have shown that it offers great benefits when facing periods of stress . In addition, it increases sexual capacity and the feeling of vitality.

Thus, Korean red ginseng is a very interesting complement in a balanced diet since it increases both physical and mental performance, while improving attention and concentration.

Conclusion

The root of the ginseng plant has been used for several thousand years for its properties and health benefits. It is important to remember the recommended daily amount that should be consumed. Its tonic, stimulating and revitalizing action is of great help to improve both physical and mental state, achieving a great state of well-being.