| Ginseng - the king of herbs
One of the most important and ancient elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine needs to be treated with care, says Sarah Stacey Ginseng has been called the king of herbs in China. It has been revered there for some 7,000 years for its ability to boost failing energy levels in people who have been weakened by serious or chronic illness and to restore vitality in the elderly. The first Chinese Emperor offered soldiers the same weight of silver as the wild ginseng they brought him. Ginseng's fame rests on its ability as a general tonic that helps people adapt to a range of difficult circumstances, including illness and stress of all kinds. Modern research has shown that ginseng can improve alertness and concentration while simultaneously inducing a feeling of relaxation and well-being. Not all ginseng is the same American ginseng was used historically by native American Indians for reducing pain in childbirth, increasing fertility (although it is contraindicated in pregnancy), treating shortness of breath, curing nose bleeds and upset stomachs, as well as increasing mental alertness. Siberian ginseng is, in fact, not a true ginseng but a thorny shrub that goes under the Latin name of Eleutherococcus senticosus. It is more useful for maintaining good health than treating illness. It contain triterpenoid saponins known as eleutherosides, some of which are similar in structure to the saponins found in Panax ginsengs. Like Chinese ginseng, it stimulates stamina and resistance to stress. Its tonic effect particularly supports the adrenal glands, helping people to withstand heat, cold, infection and other physical stresses. Athletes have shown up to nine per cent improvement in stamina when taking Siberian ginseng. Russian studies suggest it can reduce susceptibility to colds and `flu by as much as 40per cent. Although Siberian ginseng is often regarded as an inexpensive substitute for Korean ginseng, many researchers consider it to have a higher activity and wider range of therapeutic uses. Some users prefer it to Korean ginseng as they find it more stimulating, while others find it too strong and prefer to take the gentler American ginseng. Look for quality You may also find Asian ginseng labelled as white or red: this relates to the way the roots were preserved. White root nourishes the body as well as giving energy while the stronger 'warmer' red is cured by steaming the white root with particular herbs so that it changes colour. Red ginseng is said in Chinese medicine to be less nourishing but more invigorating to Qi (energy) and is often prescribed in winter to keep off cold and damp. 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 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
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