Ginseng

Advocates say ginseng is the ultimate tonic - a mild aphrodisiac that enhances memory, learning, productivity, physical stamina, and immune function, while reducing blood cholesterol and sugar and minimizing the ravages of stress, aging, radiation, alcohol, and narcotics. Critics say it does little, if anything, except cause a potentially hazardous "abuse syndrome". 

Ginseng is not one herb but three: Chinese of Korean (P. ginseng), American (P. quinquefolius), and Siberian (E. senticosus). The Siberian plant is not true ginseng, but it contains similar active chemicals, and studies show it has similar effects.  As a result, all three are grouped together as "ginseng" and used interchangeably in the West.

Ginseng figured prominently in the first great Chinese herbal, the Pen Tsao Ching (The Classic of Herbs), compiled by the mythological emperor Shen Nung.  Shen Nung recommended it for "enlightening the mind and increasing wisdom," and noted that "continuous use leads to longevity."  In China, ginseng's fancied resemblance to the human form led to the belief that it was a whole-body tonic, particularly for the elderly. It was widely used to treat infirmities of old age: lethargy, impotence, arthritis, senility, menopausal complaints, and loss of sexual interest. Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese still consider ginseng the best health promoter.

As the popularity of ginseng spread throughout Asia, demand soared and rapacious collection decimated supply. Chinese ginseng became increasingly rare - and more valuable than gold.

Unlike other Asian herbs that became favorites in the West, ginseng remained a mystery in Europe until the 18th century, when missionaries informed early European botanists of its reputation as a longevity herb.  Europeans scoffed at Asian claims, but those familiar with Asia-particularly the Jesuits who had many missions in China - appreciated the herb's great value there.

The American Indians learned about ginseng from the Jesuits and used it to combat fatigue, stimulate apetite, and aid digestion. Some tribes mixed it into love potions.

Americas 19th-century Eclectics called ginseng a stimulant for "mental exhaustion from overwork" and prescribed it for loss of apetite, indigestion, asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.

Contemporary herbalists echo the Chinese, recommending ginseng as a tonic stimulant that promotes vitality and longevity. They also suggest it for fever, inflammations, colds, coughs, respiratory problems, depression, menstrual difficulties, childbirth, and immune stimulation.

Ginseng owes its healing value to several chemicals called ginsenosides.  They are not fully understood, and their effects can be downright confusing.  For example, some ginsenosides stimulate the central nervous system; others depress it.  Some raise blood pressure; others reduce it.  These observations need research.  But researchers have learned a great deal about this herb and its many effects.

Some advocates of ginseng call the herb an adaptogen, a technical term for what traditional herbalists call a tonic.  Chief among ginseng's adaptogen advocates is Soviet researcher Israel I. Brekhman, a professor who studied ginseng for almost 30 years at the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences.  Brekhman wrote ginseng "possesses a remarkably wide range of therapeutic activities...protecting the body against stress, radiation, and various chemical toxins...and increasing general resistance."

The term adaptogen covers a broad range of effects.  Various studies of Russian, Korean, and Chinese soldiers, sailors, athletes, proofreaders, factory workers show the herb:

• Counteracts fatigue without caffeine and improves physical stamina.  Russian, Chinese, and Korean Olympic athletes use ginseng in their training and before events, and some American athletes have begun using the herb as well.
• Counteracts the damage caused by physical and emotional stress.
• Prevents the depletion of stress fighting hormones in the adrenal gland.
• Enhance memory.