The Many Faces of Ginseng

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The Many Faces of Ginseng Ginseng has been a mainstay in Chinese medicine for 2,000 years and so it is surprising that many people today are perplexed by this herb and its uses. Mostly there is confusion about the different types of ginseng -- there are three -- and people worry that its stimulant properties may make it dangerous. Fortunately, researchers have long studied all three types of ginseng and found many valid claims for their use, explains Mark Stengler, ND. Dr. Stengler says he often uses ginseng in his practice to address in part, fatigue, low libido, weak immunity, type 2 diabetes and memory problems. But he adds that it is definitely important to know which type of ginseng to choose depending on the desired result. Dr. Stengler cautions, however, that pregnant people should avoid ginseng... and those on blood-thinning medications should only take it under a doctor's supervision. Ginseng should also be avoided before surgery. The three types of "ginseng" are Panax schinseng-ginseng (also called Panax ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng, Red ginseng and Ren-Shen)... Eleuthero (formal name Eleutherococcus senticosus, though technically not a true ginseng, also known as Siberian ginseng)... and American (formal name Panax quinquefolius L. ). Ginseng is also referred to as "hot" (yang) or "cool" (yin), depending on its particular effects, based on the Chinese medicine philosophy of yin and yang.

PANAX SCHINSENG-GINSENG (CHINESE GINSENG)The oldest ginseng is Panax schinseng, used in Chinese medicine to improve sexual function, energy and vitality... help recovery from illness... and slow the aging process. Another species, Panax repens is occasionally found outside of China. In fact, many Chinese herbalists refused to allow younger people access to ginseng, preferring to have them "save" the potency of the medicine for old age, says Dr. Stengler. Both the white and red forms of Panax are from the root, but red is heated through steaming and then dried and is, as the name implies, fierier and more potent (yang). Compounds thought to be responsible for many of the therapeutic effects of Panax are ginsenosides, the two most important being Rg1 and Rb1, which have been the focus of intense study. Interestingly, Rg1 has been shown to stimulate brain and central nervous system activity thereby increasing energy and intellectual performance... while Rb1 has been shown to relax brain activity and lower blood pressure. Today millions of people around the world use Panax for the following purposes -- fatigue... immune enhancement, including during chemotherapy and radiation... mental alertness... cardiovascular disease... elevated cholesterol... type 2 diabetes... sexual function... athletic performance enhancement... stress... and anxiety. Dosage: Dr. Stengler recommends using a product that is standardized between 4% to 7% ginsenosides. The standardized extract label will have the words "Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer," referring to a specific type of ginseng and the one used in many studies.Side effects: A high dosage can cause anxiety and insomnia. Do not use in combination with any kind of stimulant including caffeine or take before bedtime. People with high blood pressure and women who have a heavy menstrual flow or fibrocystic breast syndrome should use only under medical direction. ELEUTHERO (SIBERIAN GINSENG) Eleuthero is not a member of Panax genus and so technically not a true ginseng, and its known active constituents are completely different from Chinese ginseng. The ones that have received the most study are a subgroup of saponins (plant chemicals) called eleutherosides. Although there are many of these, studies have focused on eleutherosides B and E, thought to enhance energy. Siberian ginseng also contains polysaccharides, believed to support immune function. Unlike white or red ginseng, Siberian ginseng has a neutral yin/yang compared with other ginsengs. Consequently, many people tolerate it well and use it longer. Siberian ginseng seems to support adrenal gland function and helps cells better utilize oxygen, which promotes energy. Dosage: Most studies have used an alcohol extract at a dosage of 8 to 10 milliliters taken two or three times a day. Dr. Stengler has seen good results with a standardized capsule extract containing 0.4% eleutherosides. Side effects: These are rare, though it may be too stimulating to take late in the day. Also, people with high blood pressure should take under medical supervision, as should those with heart disease.AMERICAN GINSENG - (Panax quinquefolius L.) (meaning five-leafed Panax) is indigenous to North America. Today it is grown commercially, mostly in the US, much of which is exported to China. There are striking similarities between American and Chinese ginseng in their appearance and growth and in their active constituents -- the ginsenosides, known to support adrenal gland function that helps the body better handle stress. However, researchers have found that American ginseng contains much more of the Rb1 group than the more stimulating Rg1 group found in Chinese ginseng and this is believed to give it properties that relax nerves, fatigue and fever and reduce blood pressure and pain. It also helps with digestion.Dosage: American ginseng can be found in either tincture, extract or capsule form and varies as widely in potency as Chinese ginseng. Experts in botanical medicine consider powdered root (steeped in boiled water to make tea) the most superior form. American ginseng lowers blood sugar levels. It is best taken with meals, according to Dr. Stengler, and a doctor should monitor blood sugar levels. Side effects: In healthy people, side effects are uncommon... though sensitive people may notice too much stimulation and may need to reduce dosage and avoid using before bedtime. People with high or low blood sugar should be monitored... and, those pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid ginseng.A QUICK GUIDEGinseng is a very powerful herb and can be helpful for some very challenging conditions. However, because it is so powerful, it is best to use under supervision of a trained professional, especially if you are taking other medications or remedies at the same time. Dr. Stengler outlined the type of ginseng that is most appropriate to specific conditions...Asthma -- American ginseng Athletic performance -- Eleuthero or Panax schinsengDiabetes -- American is best, Panax schinseng is secondFatigue -- all three are good though Panax schinseng is strongestCongestive heart disease -- Panax schinsengLow sex drive -- Panax schinseng Menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes -- American is best, Panax schinseng is secondPoor memory -- Panax schinseng and EleutheroImmune support -- all three though Panax ginseng is more specific to cancer