Panax ginseng is one of the traditional Asian herbs that has made it into the mainstream supplement market worldwide and is widely available in health food shops and can help manage balance, focus, and vitality.
It is also used in many natural treatments to boost sexual and athletic performance.
However, studies show it can do much more than boost sexual performance.
While ginseng can undoubtedly aid in sustaining our energy levels, its traditional uses in traditional Chinese medicine include enhancing qi (vital energy) and nourishing blood while also soothing the mind and spirit.
All these herbal effects combine to give it the extraordinary capacity to simultaneously work as an adaptogen, nervine, and nootropic.
The benefits of adaptogens, nervines, and nootropics for boosting energy, lowering stress, and enhancing mental clarity have become increasingly popular.
It is helpful to appreciate ginseng’s actions and indications according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to realize how it can affect the body in so many different ways.
To incorporate herbs into Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbalists must be aware of their properties and use. Sometimes the actions of the herbs are described using technical terms, but they may also expressly state the plant’s healing objective.
Each herb or drug in TCM has its unique code.
- Temperature refers to the herb’s thermogenic effect on the body, whereas
- Flavor refers to its mode of action.
- Meridians are channels that run through the body’s surface and transport energy to and from the various organs, affecting the physiological processes related to those organs.
Ginseng is associated with the Spleen, Lung, and Heart in TCM and is inclined towards a sweet flavor and slightly warm temperature.
Benefits of Ginseng in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Ginseng strongly supports yuan qi, also known as source qi: Qi represents the meeting point of our innate constitution, breath-derived energy, and nutrition-derived energy. It forms the cornerstone of all physiologic activity. Ginseng enhances the body’s capacity to produce and use these aspects of who we are.
- Boost zang organ “qi” by toning it: Ginseng increases the vitality of the organs, especially the Spleen, Lungs, and Heart.
- Encourage the production of bodily fluid to alleviate thirst: this affects deeper endocrine functions and hydration. In TCM, thirst is frequently linked to irregular blood sugar regulation, and numerous medicines with similar actions are recommended to promote normal blood sugar levels.
- Calm the mind and strengthen the intellect: A good quality Panax ginseng, correctly prepared for the right person, will calm the mind and allow clear thinking.
Scientifically proven brain-related benefits of ginseng.
Focus, Balance, and Vitality: Ginseng Improves mental performance and memory.
Ginseng helps delay memory loss and slow down the effects of aging on the brain.
There is proof that ginseng’s ability to improve cognition is at least partially a result of its anti-fatigue properties. Because of this, ginseng is a wise choice if you want to boost your physical and mental vitality.
According to research, patients with Alzheimer’s disease showed increased cognitive function after taking ginseng root daily for 12 weeks.
This effect was noticeable even in people with moderately advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
Ginseng also helps stroke patients remember things better.
Ginseng Prevents Neurodegenerative Conditions
Inflammation and oxidative stress are major causes of neurodegenerative disorders.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, ginseng prevents and treats some of the most severe neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, brain ischemia, and stroke.
Ginseng improves blood flow to the brain.
Ginseng improves blood circulation, ensuring that all your organs are supplied with more blood.
It is because of this reason that ginseng is a common ingredient in erectile dysfunction medications.
A regular blood flow carries nutrients for the brain, including oxygen, glucose, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals.
Additionally, harmful substances like carbon dioxide, toxins, and metabolic waste products are eliminated by cerebral blood flow.
Focus, Balance, and Vitality: Ginseng Increases vital brain chemicals.
Ginseng raises vital neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and norepinephrine levels.
Notably, it also prevents the death of brain cells that produce dopamine in Parkinson’s patients.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes the development of new brain cells, is increased by ginseng.
BDNF counteracts the damaging effects of stress on the brain, promotes brain plasticity, reduces brain inflammation, functions as a natural antidepressant, and protects against neurodegenerative disorders.
Focus, Balance, and Vitality: Ginseng Boosts Stress Resilience
Ginseng is classified under a category of supplements known as adaptogens.
Adaptogens are herbal medicines that strengthen resistance to environmental, physical, and mental stress.
They work by reducing the stress hormone cortisol while strengthening the adrenal glands.
Adaptogens can simultaneously reduce stress and increase energy without overstimulating.
Ginseng has been found to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and help the body maintain the state of balance known as homeostasis.
It also protects against stress-related diseases, including diabetes, asthma, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, depression, and anxiety disorders.
Focus, Balance, and Vitality: Ginseng Improves Mental Health and Mood
Participants in ginseng studies frequently comment on increased vitality, rest, sex life, and overall well-being.
The traditional Chinese herbal medicine Kai-Xin-San contains ginseng as a key ingredient.
This herbal remedy can potentially treat depression in people with treatment resistance.
Dopamine, serotonin, and other mood-related neurotransmitters are brought back to normal as a result of the action of ginseng.
The unwelcome symptoms of menopause, such as reduced libido, sadness, anxiety, sleeplessness, and exhaustion, can be effectively managed with ginseng.
Ginseng Protects the Brain from Adverse Health Effects
Ginsenosides modulate the immune system and the inflammatory response in ginseng.
Numerous medical diseases, including the ones listed below, can benefit from ginseng’s characteristics, which reduce symptoms, enhance the quality of life, and even increase survival rates:
- asthma
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- colds and flu
- diabetes
- fibromyalgia
- immune disorders
These diseases can contribute to memory loss, brain fog, sadness, and anxiety if not properly managed well.
How to Take Ginseng
There are multiple options available when looking to purchase ginseng.
Ginseng supplements come in tablet, powder, pill, and liquid extract forms.
In addition to the supplements, there are also ginseng tea bags and loose bulk tea.
The dried ginseng roots, which can be purchased whole or pre-sliced, are commonly added to prepared meals like soup or used to brew tea.
Even dried ginseng slices are edible if you don’t mind the taste.
The Bottom Line
Ginseng is one of nature’s most valuable medicinal herbs.
Humans have used it for a wide range of mental and physical ailments for more than 4,000 years.
The ginsenosides, primarily responsible for ginseng’s health advantages, are present in American and Asian ginseng.
Your mood and mental performance can benefit from taking Asian or American ginseng.
For everyone looking to make their brain function better, ginseng is among the best options you can effectively use.
It is the best supplement to use when you wish to
- Boost your concentration and mental clarity.
- Boost your memory and learning capacity.
- Boost your ability to reason critically, deal with issues, and make choices.
As with any herbal supplement, it’s essential to be aware of its interactions with other medications and it’s important to always consult your healthcare professional before you begin any supplementation with Ginseng.
Also read, Ginsomin: Your Ultimate Guide to Vitality, Increased Energy, and Good Health
