Ginseng - the king of herbs

In the East, Asian ginseng is used as a medicine but in the West we tend to see it as a life-enhancing tonic. The most common mistake, according to herbalists, is to take it unnecessarily or for too long - six to eight weeks is the maximum. The Chinese recommend that it should not be taken during the acute phase of illnesses such as colds, flu, bronchitis or allergy, but is best taken during the recovery period to speed a return to full health.

Traditionally it has always been combined with other herbs for best effect, so consulting a qualified medical herbalist or physician of Traditional Chinese Medicine may be a wise move before spending considerable sums on this costly product.

General remedies
The easiest way to take ginseng is in tablet, capsule or tea form; however you may also be able to buy the root, fresh or dried, which you can chew or use in cooking.

Short term stress: take Chinese (Panax) ginseng tablets in the recommended dosage, or two to three grams of Siberian ginseng capsules up to three times daily.

Poor sleep and nervous exhaustion: take 0.5 to 1g of Chinese (Panax) ginseng tablets or two to three grams Siberian ginseng capsules up to three times daily.

Impotence and premature ejaculation: take 0.5 to 1g of up to three times daily for up to six weeks.

In convalescence and as a tonic for over 45s: take one gram Chinese (Panax) ginseng tablets once or twice a day for up to three months; wait three to four weeks before taking it again.

Cautions

• Don't take ginseng during pregnancy
• Don't give to children under 12
• Don't drink caffeinated drinks when you are taking ginseng
• Don't take at night
• Don't exceed the dose or you risk insomnia and/or high blood pressure
• Don't take it for longer than six to eight weeks at a stretch unless otherwise prescribed
• Always check with your doctor before taking ginseng if you are taking other medicines
• Avoid if you have high blood pressure