Although miraculous cures have been attributed to Ginseng and its botanical name suggests a panacea-like ability, its main use is as a tonic. Ginseng's unique set of constituents exert a broad spectrum effect on glucose absorption, brain function, respiration and the endocrine glands. The root is used as a tonic for invigoration to overcome fatigue, reduced work capacity, concentration, and during convalescence.
Oriental Ginseng is the subject of a German therapeutic monograph.
Korean White Ginseng is also helpful in returning the body to normal glandular function after birth control or hormone therapy.
Modern pharmacology acknowledges ginseng's tonic and invigorating action, thus confirming the Eastern ancient tradition.

* adaptogen - affects immune, endocrine, and nervous systems due to its ability to increase the body's capability to adapt to external and internal stress by strengthening those systems. Adaptogens are substances which increase the capacities of reaction of the brain and the adrenal glands, thus improving the resistance of the organism against several damaging agents of chemical, physical, mechanical, pharmacological and biological nature. In other words, adaptogens help the organism adapt easily to circumstances influencing it.

* tonic - affects all systems due to its ability to invigorate and strengthen all systems and organs. Korean White Ginseng is especially useful for patients in recovery from serious accidents, major surgery, or debilitating age-related disorders. It is helpful in the support of long-term illness, respiratory weakness, systemic weakness, brain function, sugar absorption, endocrine glands, and all deficiency diseases.

* stimulant - affects all systems due to its ability to temporarily increase function and activity with a usually quick onset of action

* antihyperglycaemic - affects endocrine system and hormone function due to its ability to reduce or control high blood sugar (which is predominantly the responsibility of the pancreas)

* stimulates the adrenal glands

* rebalances and stimulates the central nervous system

* antifatigue - affects endocrine system and hormone function as well as nervous system and nerve function due to its ability to prevent and/or relieve fatigue - thanks to the presence of manganese which is a powerful antifatigue

* antistress - gives resistance to cold, heat, chemical intoxications, fatigue, etc.
Experiments on men and animals confirm the antistress effect of ginseng. These studies indicate that ginseng not only improves and enhances resistance to stress by "exciting" the nervous system but also seems to act on a hormonal level. Its balancing action depends on the interaction between its active ingredients and psychohormones, ie. those hormones that not only are released by the brain to transmit orders to the whole organism but also circulate inside the brain itself.

* aphrodisiac - stimulates sexual desire and functions.
Associated to its capacity to fight stress is its capacity to act on the resolution of several sexual problems, such as impotence, frigidity, lack of desire. A high level of stress indeed is certainly one of the main factors which negatively influence a happy and healthy sexual life. This antistress property, associated with the antidepressive and tonic and invigorating actions, makes ginseng a great help in all cases of "sexual fatigue".

* stimulates the synthesis of proteins, the building processes of the organism and of muscular growth

* accelerates metabolism

* antihyperlipemic - affects liver and detoxification systems due to its ability to reduce or controls higher than normal concentrations of lipids (fats) in the blood

* protects the liver

* stimulates the immune system thus helping the body build its own defenses against illnesses

* potentiates nerve growth factor

* improves reflexes

* acts on the cardiovascular system by regulating blood pressure - thanks to the presence of choline, a substance which is already present in the organism and wich contributes to the control of blood pressure, lowering and balancing it

* antioxidant - ginsenoids are powerful scavengers of free radicals. Ginseng also protects from the harmful effects of radiation (ie. those of mobile phones).

* antidepressive and tonic for the cerebral function - Panax Ginseng has been proven to improve mood, memory and concentration. According to Ayurvedic Medicine, it is one of the most tonic and rejuvenating plants, it revitalizes body and mind. It is particulary indicated for elderly people.

It is totally safe from the toxicologic point of view, since it has no side effects.
Inevitably the question of safety comes up resulting from the 1979 JAMA paper by R.K. Siegel, attributing Ginseng abuse syndrome, characterized by nervousness, sleeplessness, etc. The study is discredited, since 14 of 133 persons surveyed -- the 14 who exhibited the so-called ginseng abuse syndrome -- were all using caffeinated beverages as well. What's more, the Ginseng included in the study included teas, capsules, extracts, tablets, roots, chewing gum, cigarettes, and candies, and as much as 15 grams per day! The study has been totally discredited, yet continues to be widely cited.

Usage Warnings
Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.Should not be used with large amounts of caffeine.Not intended for use by children or in cases of hyperactivity.Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not take if experiencing a high fever.

History and curiosities: Ginseng is one of the world's most well-known Oriental medicinal herbs. The traditional Chinese philosophy of the man-shaped root improving and prolonging life (in its native countries it is known as the "potion of longevity") has found confirmation in laboratory studies (Schopper), and most researchers agree that Korean White Ginseng exhibits excellent adaptogenic properties that help tone and balance the body's metabolic and recovery functions. Applications in traditional Chinese medicine include general weakness, chronic fatigue, lack of appetite, anemia, nervousness, forgetfulness, thirst, and impotence.

Ginseng has an ancient history and as such has accumulated much folklore about its actions and uses. The genus name Panax derives from the latin panacea meaning 'cure all'. Many of the claims that surround it are, unfortunately, exaggerated but it is clear that this is an important remedy.

Recent scientific research is investigating the anti-cancer properties of Ginseng, thought to be particularly useful for women in preventing breast cancer, due to its high contents if isoflavones.