Ginseng Root Health Benefits June 10 2014

The dried root of the Panax Ginseng plant has been used since ancient times to relive all sorts of human disorders and ailments.

Traditional use in China

Ginseng is widely known to tonify original qi. It has been used to treat deficiency of Qi and Yang, e.g., from chronic severe loss of blood in menorrhagia, with severe exhaustion and physical weakness. This is a valuable use of ginseng, when combined with other herbs, such as Angelica sinensis.

This supplement can be used to treat anxiety, palpitations, and insomnia.

Ginseng is also used to treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and labored breathing on exertion. An important use of ginseng in the West is for treatment of chronic asthma, allergic rhinitis, or allergic skin diseases, in the remission phase, especially when the patient has a weak constitution and is further weakened by long-term steroid use.

Some practitioners use ginseng to treat lack of appetite, lethargy, and prolapses.

Recent Use in the West

The following are some of the common current uses of panax ginseng:

  • To improve physical performance and endurance, e.g., for sporting events. Short-term use of higher doses of ginseng may be appropriate to increase physical stamina before and during an event;
  • To improve the ability to adapt to the stresses and shocks of life;
  • To treat exhaustion and depression;
  • To increase mental energy and concentration. If used to enhance mental clarity and stamina;
  • To increase sexual drive.