A perennial plant, ginseng grows between 7 to 21 inches in height when wild. The plant takes only 5-6 years to grow, yet the roots can stay alive for over 100 years. The root is creamy yellow or white in color, and it branches off sometimes in the shape of a person. Ginseng grows naturally on the slopes of ravines and shady, well drained, mountainous, hardwood forests. The root carries all the nutrition and makes it the most widely used herb in the Orient.

Ginseng root comes in three types. Korean or oriental ginseng is the most widely used ginseng in the world. American ginseng has a cooling quality on the body versus a heating quality for oriental ginseng. American ginseng grows from Quebec to Minnesota and to the south to Georgia and Oklahoma. The third type is Siberian, which is also common in North America. Siberian ginseng is a cousin of oriental ginseng but has similar properties. The name ginseng is Chinese meaning “Man Plant” from the root’s frequent likeness to the human form.

The goodness of ginseng has been known for thousands of years. Its benefits first center around its being an adaptogen. This means it stabilizes the systems off the body. Ginseng contains 27 ginsenocides. These enable ginseng to balance and counteract the effects of stress. Ginseng can also be used to lower high blood pressure and to raise low blood pressure. Ginseng increases performance and energy levels in people who are constantly exhausted. Those recovering from an illness and those experiencing a heavy work load will benefit from ginseng.

The presence of vitamins A, B-6 and Zinc strengthen the immune system. Ginseng also increases estrogen levels in women and treats menopausal symptoms. By increasing circulation, ginseng improves memory as well.

Ginseng is used in a wide variety of treatments. These include headache, insomnia, ease in childbirth, strengthening teeth, treating fatigue without caffeine, reducing blood sugar levels, treating rheumatism, gout, neuralgia, and double vision.

Ginseng promotes the production of sex hormones and thus is used to enhance sexual desire. It is also used to slow the aging process. Ginseng is used in cures but its main value, when taken over a long period of time, is as a preventative.

Ingesting ginseng is easy. Start by preparing a tea with root slices brewed slowly in a silver or glass tea pot for one hour. The bitterer it is, the higher the potency. These root slivers can also be added to soups or other cooked dishes. By grinding it, the powder can be used in meals or can be placed under your tongue where the high concentrations of blood vessels allow direct it to the blood system. Also, chew the dried root, soaked in boiling water for five minutes, like a piece of hard candy. The best dosage of ginseng is two or three grams a day. As stated earlier, ginseng is most effective over a long period of time. It may take six months before its benefits are felt.

Ginseng is safe but it is possible to overdose, especially on Korean ginseng, the most potent of the three types. Overdose symptoms may include nervousness, dizziness, mood changes, insomnia, headache and loss of appetite. Some warn women who are pregnant or nursing not to use it but others say it is safe for everyone. Check with your doctor to be safe.

Those who regularly use Ginseng Root receive improved energy, lowered blood pressure, stress relief and more health boosting benefits. To find out more about this and other bulk herbs, visit More Than Alive – an online store and trusted resource for family health information.