Many people use alternative, holistic medicine to heal ailments. From Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, people have used different parts of plants to medicate various diseases. Particular types of perennial plants have powerful roots commonly known as ginseng. Ginsenosides is the active ingredient in the American and Korean ginseng, which gives the root its healing abilities.
Identification
Both American and Korean ginseng is grown in cool, temperate climates mostly in northern China and Korea. Light tan in color, the root--with its wrangling shoots--has been said to resemble a human body. It often comes in a dried form either whole or sliced and is usually taken orally as a tea or energizing drink. The ginseng leaf is also available in the similar dried form.
Function
American and Korean ginsengs have numerous functions and are known to heal various conditions. Herbalists use the root as an adaptogen, which has the ability to increase the body's resistance to stress, anxiety, trauma and fatigue. It is also used as a nourishing stimulant to treat mental illness, type II diabetes and sexual dysfunction in men and is even known to reduce the chances of cancer. Though there may be many similarities, there are also many differences between the two types of ginsengs.
American Ginseng
American ginseng is used to promote the yin and therefore used to cool down the body from a fever or from hot weather. It is also believed to enhance the body's immune system and early research has shown it may help with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when used with gingko.
Korean Ginseng
Korean ginseng is also known as red ginseng. It is not peeled, steam-cured and dried, which is thought to prevent the concentration of its healing ingredients. The cultivated roots are brewed as a warm herbal tea. Korean ginseng promotes the yang in the body and is used to improve blood circulation and revitalize or stabilize the natural "heat" in the body. The "heat" within the body can come in many forms such as high cholesterol, sexual dysfunction, high blood sugar, stress and menopause.
Side Effects
Both American and Korean ginseng are not recommended for children or pregnant women due to their stimulating effects. Other side effects may include the inability to sleep, restlessness, headaches and vomiting. Doctors should always be consulted before consuming any alternative forms of medications.
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