An ubiquitous herbal remedy, ginseng has been used for centuries. It has been touted as an energy enhancer, a sleep aid, and just about everything in between. Several different varieties of plants have been called "ginseng," making it sometimes difficult to determine which herbal supplement or plant type is being referenced. As the properties of these plants vary, knowledge of the differences in its varieties is important when in the market for ginseng supplements.
Types
The name "ginseng" has been applied to a number of herb varieties currently in use in alternative medicine. Panax ginseng is the most widely used type, according to Dr. James F. Balch, and is cultivated in a number of countries around the globe. It is a perennial plant.
Another perennial variety, Panax quinquifolius, has similar qualities but grows in different areas of the world. Its growth in the wild is currently in jeopardy due to logging activity and over-harvesting, according to herbalist Kathy Abascal.
Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Siberian ginseng, is not part of the panax ginseng family, but is distantly related. According to the American Cancer Society, US laws passed in 2002 forbid the use of the term "Siberian ginseng" on product labels. The name "eleuthero" is commonly substituted.
The Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine notes that in addition to the aforementioned varieties, Chinese medicine uses the term "ginseng" when referring to up to eight other herbs which bear no botanical relationship to Panax ginseng.
Geography
Panax ginseng grows on damp, wet mountainsides in Korea, China and Russia.
Panax quinquifolium, or American ginseng, grows in hilly forest regions of the United States and Canada. Demand for American ginseng from far eastern markets has lead to over harvesting. The states of Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia have designated the species as endangered.
The shrubby Siberian ginseng plant is native to Siberian, Korea, China and Japan.
History
Chinese use of Panax ginseng dates back several millennia, with ancient medical texts touting its benefits as early as the first century A.D.
Native Americans used American ginseng for a variety of ailments, such as headaches and infertility. They passed the tradition of using American ginseng to European settlers in the 1700s.
Siberian ginseng has a long history in Chinese medicine, dating back 2000 years. In eastern Europe, Siberian ginseng has been used as a folk remedy for several centuries, according to the Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.
Effects
Ginseng is an adaptogen, according to naturopathic doctor Eric Yarnell. Rather than being used to treat specific illnesses, adaptogens are most useful as all around health enhancing tonics. For those suffering from fatigue, stress, or illness, ginseng can be a helpful aid in rebuilding the immune system.
Doctors Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen have reported that ginseng berries increase the function of insulin receptors, and may reduce diabetes' effect on aging.
Balch claims that ginseng is useful in enhancing athletic performance, increasing energy levels, and decreasing serum cortisol levels in diabetics.
Considerations
Though considerable research has been done to determine the use and effectiveness of ginseng, much remains unclear about this multifaceted herb. Anyone with serious health issues should consult a doctor before taking ginseng or other herbal remedies.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing;" James F. Balch M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2006
- "Alternative and Complementary Therapies;" Increasing Vitality with Adaptogens: Multifaceted Herbs for Treating Physical and Mental Stress; Kathy Abascal, Eric Yarnell; 2003
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine"; Jacqueline L. Longue, 2005
- American Cancer Society: Eleuthero
- "You-Growing Younger;" Michael F. Roizen, M.D., 2007 Mehmet C. Oz, M.D.
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