Advocates say ginseng is the ultimate tonic—a mild aphrodisiac that enhances
memory, learning, productivity, physical stamina, and immune function, while
reducing blood cholesterol and sugar and minimizing the ravages of stress,
aging, radiation, alcohol, and narcotics. Critics say it does little, if
anything, except cause a potentially hazardous "abuse syndrome".
Ginseng is not one herb but three: Chinese of Korean (P. ginseng), American
(P. quinquefolius), and Siberian (E. senticosus). The Siberian plant is not
true ginseng, but it contains similar active chemicals, and studies show it
has similar effects. As a result, all three are grouped together as
ginseng and used interchangeably in the West.
Ginseng figured prominently in the first great Chinese herbal, the Pen Tsao
Ching (The Classic of Herbs), compiled by the mythological emperor Shen
Nung. Shen Nung recommended it for "enlightening the mind and increasing
wisdom," and noted that "continuous use leads to longevity." In China,
ginseng's fancied resemblance to the human form led to the belief that it
was a whole-body tonic, particularly for the elderly. It was widely used to
treat infirmities of old age: lethargy, impotence, arthritis, senility,
menopausal complaints, and loss of sexual interest. Chinese, Koreans, and
Japanese still consider ginseng the best health promoter.
As the popularity of ginseng spread throughout Asia, demand soared and
rapacious collection decimated supply. Chinese ginseng became increasingly
rare—and more valuable than gold.
Unlike other Asian herbs that became favorites in the West, ginseng remained
a mystery in Europe until the 18th century, when missionaries informed early
European botanists of its reputation as a longevity herb. Europeans scoffed
at Asian claims, but those familiar with Asia—particularly the Jesuits who
had many missions in China—appreciated the herb's great value there.
The American Indians learned about ginseng from the Jesuits and used it to combat fatigue, stimulate appetite, and aid digestion. Some tribes mixed it into love potions.
America’s 19th-century Eclectics called ginseng a stimulant for "mental exhaustion from overwork" and prescribed it for loss of appetite, indigestion, asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
Contemporary herbalists echo the Chinese, recommending ginseng as a tonic
stimulant that promotes vitality and longevity. They also suggest it for
fever, inflammations, colds, coughs, respiratory problems, depression,
menstrual difficulties, childbirth, and immune stimulation.
Ginseng owes its healing value to several chemicals called ginsenosides. They
are not fully understood, and their effects can be downright confusing. For
example, some ginsenosides stimulate the central nervous system; others depress
it. Some raise blood pressure; others reduce it. These observations need
research. But researchers have learned a great deal about this herb and its
many effects.
Some advocates of ginseng call the herb an adaptogen, a technical term for what
traditional herbalists call a tonic. Chief among ginseng's adaptogen advocates
is Soviet researcher Israel I. Brekhman, a professor who studied ginseng for
almost 30 years at the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences. Brekhman wrote ginseng
"possesses a remarkably wide range of therapeutic activities...protecting the
body against stress, radiation, and various chemical toxins...and increasing
general resistance."
The term adaptogen covers a broad range of effects. Various studies of Russian,
Korean, and Chinese soldiers, sailors, athletes, proofreaders, factory workers
show the herb:
- Counteracts fatigue without caffeine and improves physical stamina. Russian, Chinese, and Korean Olympic athletes use ginseng in their training and before events, and some American athletes have begun using the herb as well.
- Counteracts the damage caused by physical and emotional stress.
- Prevents the depletion of stress fighting hormones in the adrenal gland.
- Enhance memory.
