Ginseng - Top Herbal Supplement

Ginseng is one of the best know herbal supplements on the market today, mainly known for its contribution to energy levels. However, many people mistakenly think that just taking Ginseng supplement is the answer to their energy problems by itself. Of course, this is not the case, as they must look at their general health and find the cause for their low energy.

There are several main types of Ginseng herb: Panax Ginseng (Korean is similar), Siberian Ginseng, and American Ginseng. The best known one as a herbal supplement is Panax Ginseng; this is the 'man root', so called because its root can sometimes look like a person. As such, under the 'doctrine of signatures', where herbs which look like body parts are sought out, the Chinese thought Panax Ginseng helped the whole body. 

To this day many people believe in the powers of Ginseng as they believe that it has healing and mystical powers. But since Ginseng resembles the entire body it is thought that is can bring balance and well being to the whole body.

In fact, the Chinese regard Panax Ginseng herb as being a very 'Yang' root, and so more suitable as a supplement for men than women. It should thus be used with caution.

Siberian Ginseng - Usually Better
For most purposes, much better to use the herb Siberian Ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus. This herb is more balancing type of 'ginseng' and so suitable as a herbal supplement for both sexes. It is also known to be a good supplement for nourishing the adrenal glands - whereas Panax Ginseng, if taken to excess, is more likely to drain the adrenal glands. Finally, Siberian Ginseng is cheaper than the Panax, whose price has been pushed higher and higher by the laws of supply and demand.

Ginseng contains complex carbohydrates, is an anti inflammatory, an anti oxidant, and has anti cancer elements. Notice today that many energy drinks contain Ginseng which is because it is known for creating energy, this was brought to the forefront by the Chinese but Americans have a different plan for Ginseng which is use it for mental lucidity and treating stress. There has been a growing relationship between Ginseng and its ability to strengthen physically as well as mentally and maintain good balance. By the way - these energy drinks also usually contain lots of sugar; if you want to take this great herb, drink water and have a few capsules of Siberian Ginseng herbal supplement.

The Russians carried out a lot of research into the properties of Ginseng for helping mental improvement, eliminates anemia, and helps prevent diabetes, neurosis, coughs, asthma, and TB. Further they found that it can be very beneficial to the liver and can also reduce the effects significantly of a hangover.

There has been more recent research on Ginseng than on any other herbal supplement, ever. The concern is that many times when people purchase Ginseng at various stores it may have been over processed and therefore not as effective. If using Panax Ginseng, you have to be sure you are purchasing authentic Panax Ginseng and in order to do that you may have to purchase the Ginseng root. Another reason to favour Siberian Ginseng - Eleutherococcus.

Oddly enough, with all of the research and studies that have been conducted on Ginseng the FDA has yet to endorse it. It is known that people who suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, bleeding or clotting disorders, or diabetes should not use Ginseng unless they speak with their physician first.

While it is true that Ginseng is most widely recognized as a medicinal herb it is also used quite frequently in teas and in cooking. Most people are aware of the infamous Ginseng tea but many are not aware that Ginseng is sliced and put into soups and often boiled and mashed, added to stir fry dishes, and added to boiling water when making rice. It is much more common for cooking in Chinese, Korean, and Asian foods.

Often Ginseng is used when cooking chicken and mushroom dishes. Many people also use it in desserts for some added zing. It is often used in soups, salads, and even jellies. It seems that most people who enjoy the benefits of Ginseng for cooking are vegetarians but it might be becoming more popular since people are now learning the true benefits of this very popular herb.

However, as a herbal supplement first consider the Siberian Ginseng, Eleutherococcus. Get better benefits; both sexes can use it safely; it nourishes the adrenal glands; and it is also a tonic for the immune system. This is a great herbal supplement which can safely be taken every day. As with all herbal supplements, though, have a break of a few weeks after a few months of continuous use.