Siberian Ginseng is popular worldwide with athletes, business people and other highly active individuals. Many research studies have been conducted on Siberian Ginseng. This research indicates that Siberian Ginseng root may be beneficial in increasing the body's resistance under many types of environmental and physical stress.*
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food ad Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness.
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng root is native to eastern Asia and North America, and has been in use as a folk medicine and tonic amongst the peoples of China, Korea, Thailand, Viet Nam and Manchuria, as well as amongst Native Americans, for untold thousands of years. Frequently used as a potent preventative rather than a curative, it has also demonstrated tremendous therapeutic benefits for a wide number of conditions. If taken regularly it increases vitality, and can extend your life span.
A perennial plant, ginseng is often found in heavily wooded areas and requires rich soil to thrive. Ginseng takes several years to mature, with most roots cultivated when the plant is between 3-10 years old. After too many years the plant and its root can begin to degenerate, and the root may become pitted and wooden.
The plant itself is very attractive, with well shaped green leaves and bright red berries; however it is only the root that has any medicinal value. Its original name means Man Root, due to the shape of the ginseng root which strongly resembles the form of a human body.
Ginseng is a member of the Araliacae family. The American ginseng plant, Panax Quinquefolius, has become in such high demand in Asia that more than 85% of American grown ginseng is exported to asian markets.
Why should I use Ginseng?
Ginseng is known for:
Opening the mind
Strengthening the body
Improving memory
Increasing vitality
Extending endurance
Cleansing the body of stress
Fighting fatigue
Resisting disease
Bolstering immunity
Balancing metabolism
Preventing headaches
Treating sleep disorders and overcoming insomnia
Ginseng has had beneficial effects on women suffering post-menopausal symptoms.
Ginseng has also demonstrated clinical improvements in virility among men, and effected improvements in conditions of sexual dysfunction for both sexes.
How do I use Ginseng?
Dried ginseng root has been the most commonly available form of ginseng in Asia for thousands of years. The root can be used by itself in an infusion (tea), or as a part of a combination of herbal ingredients taken together either as an infusion, a pill, or a medicinal wine.
The most popular ways of consuming ginseng root are as an infusion or as an extract. The dried roots can also be sliced for consumption by themselves or in combination with other foods such as honey. Alternatively, they can be powdered and added to foods that way, or the powder packed into gel capsules.
To prepare as an infusion (tea) bring 24 ounces of water to a boil, preferably in a non-metallic container such as an enamel or porcelain pot, and then add 1-3 grams of dry whole or sliced ginseng root.
Reduce the flame and simmer covered for about 20-30 minutes. You can boil longer if you prefer, up until the water is about half reduced.
Allow the resultant tea to reach room temperature. In Daoist thought, which permeates Chinese medicine, teas should be taken at a tepid neutral temperature. It can be taken hot at the time of preparation if you prefer. Consume about one cup once or twice a day.
To make enough for several days increase the amounts proportionately. The tea can be safely stored in a refrigerator for up to several weeks, and reheated if desired on the stove or in a microwave.
The roots can be sliced and consumed. When making a tea the roots should be left in it throughout the simmering and cooling stages. When the tea is poured off the softened root can then be easily sliced.
Dried ginseng root can be softened without making tea by placing several pieces together in a microwave on medium or high for a few minutes at most. Great care must be exercised not to let the roots become scorched, or they will be rendered unpalatable. Place at least four or five roots, if not more, in the microwave or the roots may be too easily scorched.
After a couple of minutes or so the roots will be softened enough to be easily sliced by a sharp knife. The slices can then be consumed, a few slices at a time, by themselves or in honey.
How often should I use Ginseng?
Many authorities recommend from 1 to 2 grams of pure high quality ginseng powder per day, but this may be difficult to follow if you are ingesting ginseng in a tea, or in a capsule that may not contain pure ginseng or top quality root.
An easier guide, when purchasing dried ginseng root, is to eat 2-8 pieces each day, spread out over the course of the day. A slice of ginseng root about the size of a nickel, or a piece around the size of a small nut is best. Native Americian Indians used to chew on ginseng when running great distances in order to maintain their stamina.
When ingesting as a tea one or two cups a day are sufficient. You can also soften the root or root slices in a cup of hot water, and then eat the softened slices with the resulting tea.
