Herb Names
Asian ginseng is a powerful herb native to Korea and China. Its botanical name and Latin name is Panax ginseng. Other commonly used names for Asian ginseng include ginseng, Korean ginseng, Chinese ginseng and Asiatic ginseng.

Overview
Asian ginseng is a true ginseng, like AMERICAN GINSENG. Both ginsengs are part of the Araliacae family and the Panax species and contain the active ingredient ginsenosides.

Asian ginseng has been used for centuries as an effective herbal remedy for all sorts of different conditions and diseases. It's also been used as a "cure-all" in several cultures, helping to regulate bodily functions, recover faster after an illness or surgery, effectively deal with stress and improve overall health and well-being.

There are specific health areas in which Asian ginseng is reported to be effective, although in most cases further study and more research is required.

ADHD
Some studies suggest that Asian ginseng, used with the herb ginkgo, is useful in treating symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Alcohol Intoxication
Asian ginseng is said to be beneficial in dealing with alcohol intoxication by helping the body clear it out of its system faster and reducing its absorption from the stomach.

Alzheimer's Disease
Studies also hint that Asian ginseng may slow the advancement of Alzheimer's Disease and improve Memory at the same time.

Cancer
A small number of studies point to evidence that regular use of Asian ginseng may decrease the chance of developing several different types of Cancer, particularly lung Cancer, ovarian Cancer, stomach Cancer, liver Cancer and pancreatic Cancer. While the Cancer protection benefits of this herb were not observed for breast Cancer, another study suggests ginseng may help breast Cancer medication become more effective.

Cardiovascular Health
Another reported benefit of regular consumption of Asian ginseng is its ability to drastically improve cardiovascular health by protecting the heart against heart attacks, strokes and other types of cardiovascular disease. Some reports indicate Asian ginseng can also improve cholesterol levels. However, Asian ginseng is often contraindicated for people with hypertension as regular dosages may actually increase Blood pressure.

Depression
Asian ginseng is well-known for its ability to reduce stress, which may help treat certain symptoms or problems associated with depression.

Diabetes, Type 2
In type 2 or adult-onset Diabetes, studies suggest that Asian ginseng can help lower blood sugar levels.

Fertility and Sexuality
Asian ginseng is also used to enhance both fertility and sexuality in males by reportedly increasing sperm production and motility as well as sexual activity and performance—although research in this area is very limited. Asian ginseng may also help with Erectile Dysfunction.

Immune System
Asian ginseng is also widely believed to boost the immune system, helping the body to fight viruses, infections and diseases.

Menopause
Menopausal women using ginseng have reported relief from some of their symptoms associated with menopause, such as an overall mood improvement.

Mental Performance and Mood Enhancement
Research suggests that taking Asian ginseng can help with mental performance, such as alertness, concentration and Memory, among other mental activities.

Physical Endurance
Asian ginseng is often used for physical strength and endurance, although research in this area has been rather inconsistent. Many athletes choose to continue taking Asian ginseng to provide these benefits, and many do in fact report increased strength, agility and endurance. Further, some reports suggest this herb can benefit sufferers of Chronic Fatigue syndrome.

Respiratory Disease
People with respiratory illnesses—Asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis—who take Asian ginseng daily report overall improvement in their respiratory functions.

Stress
Asian ginseng is probably most popular for its ability to effectively help reduce stress in people's lives by improving the quality of life—increased general well-being, energy and personal satisfaction and improved Sleep and sex life.

Description
Asian ginseng looks like AMERICAN GINSENG—a tan-colored, gnarled, wrinkled root with long, thin, stringy shoots called root hairs. The plant, which is usually found growing on mountain slopes, is a straight stem with leaves growing in a circle around it and yellow-green flowers in the center that produces red berries. Asian ginseng is not "ripe" for use until it is at least four to six years old, and is normally harvested in the fall.

Makeup
Asian ginseng products are made from the root and the root hairs. Besides the active ingredient ginsenosides, Asian ginseng also consists of polysaccharides, or complex sugar molecules, panaxans, or glycans, B vitamins, maltol, peptides, flavonoids and volatile oil.

Available Forms
Red Asian ginseng's root is unpeeled and steamed before it's dried, and white Asian ginseng is all peeled and dried. Both types are available in water, water with alcohol, alcohol liquid extracts, and in capsules, pills or powders.

Method of IntakeThe following daily dosages are recommended for adults: fresh root—one to two grams daily for a maximum of three months; dried root—half a gram to two grams; Tincture (1:5)—one or two teaspoons; liquid extract (1:1)—a quarter to half a teaspoon; and standardized extract, which contains four percent total ginsenosides—100 milligrams twice a day. Healthy people who take Asian ginseng to prevent illness, boost their immune system, improve their mental and physical performances or build stress resistance are encouraged to take the ginseng in cycles; i.e., take it daily for two or three weeks and then stop for two weeks before resuming.

 

Precautions
Asian ginseng can produce certain side-effects and interactions with other natural and medicinal drugs, and proper care and consideration must be exercised when considering taking this herb.

Asian ginseng is a stimulant, and, consequently, can cause nervousness, restlessness, high blood pressure, insomnia and sleeplessness—especially if taken in high dosages. Further possible side-effects include anxiety, euphoria, headaches, nosebleeds, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, breast pain and tenderness and vaginal Bleeding. This herb should also always be taken with food to prevent Hypoglycemia.

Asian ginseng is not recommended for children or for pregnant and breastfeeding women. People with hypertension, high Blood pressure and Diabetes should exercise extreme caution when using Asian ginseng, and should always consult their health-care practitioner first.

Interaction Possibilities
Asian ginseng can also interact with different herbs, supplements and certain medications.

Blood-thinning Medications
Various reports claim that Asian ginseng can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin, a blood-thinning drug. As well, aspirin is not recommended for use along with Asian ginseng as it may inhibit platelet activity.

Caffeine
Asian ginseng's stimulating side-effects are enhanced when taken with caffeine.

Haloperidol
Haloperidol, an anti-psychotic medication, and Asian ginseng should not be taken together as the herb may increase the drug's effects.

Morphine
Asian ginseng may hinder morphine's effects as a painkiller.

Phenelzine and other MAO inhibitors for Depression
Asian ginseng may interact with phenelzine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant, and produce side-effects such as headaches, tremors and even manic-like episodes.