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Creative Nature Review Name Korean Ginseng Latin Name Panax ginseng (Panax is derived from the word panacea, meaning all healing in Greek) Origin Asia Cultivated / Parts Used Korean Ginseng is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 60 to 80 cm and can live to be over 100 years in age. It has small red berries and grows on moist and shaded mountainsides in China, Korea and Russia. The root is long and slender resembling the human body, and is known in China as ‘Jin-chen’, meaning like a man. It has a fleshy root that tastes sweet but has a bitter after taste. The root is dried or powdered before taking. History of Use Ginseng is the most commonly used herb in China, and has been used for over 7000 years. Properties Adaptogenic (a tonic which stimulates and normalises the body’s systems) Nutritional Breakdown Contains: Calcium, Carbohydrates (80%), Choline, Fats (1.5%), Fiber (7%), Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein (10%) Panaxans, Ginsenosides, Saponins, Vanillic acid, Salicylates Korean ginseng contains steroids such as panaxtriol. The steroids are remarkably similar in structure to anabolic steroids found naturally in our body. This makes Korean ginseng ideal for athletes and body builders looking for a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. Contraindications/Interactions Do not use when pregnant or breastfeeding. Not recommended for people with acute illnesses, severe allergies, common cold, coronary thrombosis, haemorrhages, pneumonia, during lactation and pregnancy, or combined with the use of other stimulants (including caffeine-containing beverages) or for persons who are hysterical, manic, nervous, schizophrenic or tense. Not recommended for use by persons on blood thinning agents or anti-diabetic (hypoglycaemic) drugs. Ginseng may potentiate MAOI's and cardiac glycosides. Preparations of this herb may antagonize antihypertensive drugs and nitrates and calcium-channel blockers, and when combined with sympathomimetics there is an increased risk of hypertension. GAS or Ginseng Abuse Syndrome includes side effects of diarrhoea, hypertension, nervousness, skin eruptions and sleeplessness. Persons allergic to ginseng have exhibited heart burn or pain, a decrease in sexual potency, headaches, insomnia, nosebleeds, palpitations, intense feelings or itchiness and vomiting. GAS is rare and occurs only in cases where high dosages have been taken over long periods of time. Instructions For use/dosages Prepare as a herbal tea using 0.5 to 2 g per day (approx ½ to 2 teaspoons). Supporting Research Shibata S, Tanaka O, et al. Chemistry and pharmacology of Panax. In: Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, Vol. 1, ed. H Wagner, H Hikino, NR Farnsworth. London: Academic Press, 1985, 217-84 |
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