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Chinese Herbs: Ginseng

Ginseng, The King of Chinese Herbs

Bronchitis
High Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Fever
Fibromyalgia
Anxiety
Diabetes
Fatigue

American Ginseng, 100 capsules, $35.85
American Ginseng, also known as "Xi Yang Shen" or "Root from Western Seas", is the most highly prized and sought after ginseng variety. Similar to the properties of White Ginseng, American Ginseng strongly nourishes the Yin and generates fluids while helping boost energy and immunity.

Ginseng 450mg Full Spectrum Std 20% Ginsenosides, 450mg, 90 tabs, $9.85
Herbals Full Spectrum Ginseng Extract combines a standardized extract of Asian ginseng root concentrated to 20% ginsenosides, with whole Asian ginseng root.

Ren Shen - Kirin - red, large (Panax ginseng root), Whole Herb, 500 gm, $335.45
Consist of the actual whole, raw herb (i.e. fruit, stem, root, flower, mineral, etc.) and are not processed into powders, pills, capsules or formulas. Whole Herbs DO NOT include dosage information, as they are intended for professional herbalists and those customers who have the experience and knowledge necessary to safely prepare their own formulas.

Mankind has done so much to learn how to keep himself well. All cultures have some form of medicinal system. Standard medicine, as developed by Western cultures, is the norm for medical treatment today. Yet there are others who seek something less invasive, something more natural. One of the best-known alternative medicine systems is Chinese herbology.

The term "Chinese herbs" refers to the materials used in the creation of medicines based on the Chinese medical ideology. They are not all herbaceous plants; there are also roots, barks from various trees, leaves, and even some animal products (horn, hoof, penis, liver, et cetera).

Chinese herbs are many and varied. Texts on Chinese herbology record hundreds of herbs and their uses. It takes a long time and a lot of hard work to become a competent Chinese herbologist, because they need to learn and remember so much. The most common ones are not unknown outside China. Indeed, ginseng is quite well-known. Ginseng has been a staple among Chinese herbs for over two millennia. The emperors of old regularly took ginseng to improve their health. It is arguably the king of Chinese herbs.

Ginseng refers to the 11 species under the genus Panax. They are slow-growing and have fleshy roots. Ginseng is characterized by its content of ginsenosides, a group of compound characteristic to ginseng. The name ginseng is believed to have been derived from ?en shen', the southern Chinese reading of the name. The name means ?an root' in Chinese, referring to the ginseng's humanoid appearance as a result of being forked like a man's legs. Because it takes a long time to grow, ginseng is quite expensive. Wild ginseng is rare and expensive, as it is believed to be the most effective.

Asian ginseng or Panax ginseng is often found in two forms: white and red ginseng. White ginseng is ginseng that was grown for four to six years, then peeled and allowed to dry out in the sun and wind. Red ginseng is harvested only after six years, and is steam-processed with the skin on, and then it is dried. Of the two, red ginseng is believed to be more powerful.

Health Benefits of Ginseng

Ginseng is prescribed primarily for its rejuvenating properties. If you have ever felt fatigued, unenergetic, or generally unwell, ginseng may be the answer. Ginseng has long been prized as an energy-giving plant. Nowadays some energy drinks even contain extracts of ginseng to add to the effects of the other ingredients.

Ginseng has also been known to calm the mind and lessen stress. If you feel too wound-up and stressed-out, ginseng can help you calm down.

The body in general benefits from ginseng. In the traditional Chinese medical ideology, this is because ginseng rebalances qi, or life energy. Circulation and digestion are said to be the systems that gain the most from ginseng. Recent studies have shown ginseng can also reduce blood pressure and can help diabetics.

It is only now that standard medicine is learning of the powers of ginseng. This is yet more validation of what the Chinese knew about the wondrous ginseng for centuries. Old medicines like Chinese herbs may really be the hope for future medicines! Taking ginseng daily can boost you energy and stamina, and improve general health. Just make sure to follow the recommended dosage.