Panax Ginseng Uses for Brain Power, Health & Sex Drive

Panax ginseng is used for memory, immune function, erectile dysfunction (ED) and more. Panax ginseng is also used as a tonic to help restore health after experiencing exhaustion.

It is commonly referred to as Asian ginseng and has a long history of use as an adaptogen. This refers to an herb that increases the body’s ability to adapt to stress and changing situations.

It is native to China, Korea and Russia. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) the herb is called Ren Shen. P. ginseng is one of the most famous Chinese herbs and has played a significant role in traditional medicine for over 7,000 years. The herb is now cultivated throughout Asia.

The root of this plant contains medicinal compounds. Contemporary research has revealed that ginsenosides and saponins are the main active ingredients and the supplement is rich in Vitamins B, C and E.

In addition to its use as a supplement, Panax ginseng is also used to make cosmetics and soaps and can be added to beverages for flavour. For example, ginseng red root tea is used to make a soap that is antibacterial, anti-fungal and used for wrinkle prevention. The root itself is used to make a soap rich in ginsenosides.

Ginseng is commonly consumed as a tea and is sometimes added to beverages, such as Tongkat Ali Ginseng Coffee by Alicafe.

Panax Ginseng

Adaptogen

Energy

Immune Function

Well- Being

How It Works:

• Boosts energy & mental focus
• Supports immune system & restores balance
• Improves mood, sleep quality & endurance

Dosage:

Between 100 - 400 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Panax Ginseng Uses

Panax ginseng has a wide range of contemporary uses and is considered a tonic herb, or and herb used to promote general well-being.

It is thought to impact many of the body’s systems and to have wide-ranging effects.

Research has revealed many of the herb’s useful qualities, but further investigation is necessary before ginseng can be attributed with any definitive therapeutic use.

In a recent study, individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who took daily doses of ginseng for 12 weeks were observed to exhibit improved mental performance.

A study was also done involving participants between the ages of 38 and 66. Researchers observed daily supplementation may improve abstract thinking, mental arithmetic skills and reaction times.

When combined with gingko biloba, ginseng supplementation was shown to further improve mental performance. Preliminary study indicates this supplement has as a promising pharmacokinetic profile and can affect neurotransmission and neuroprotection. [1]

A study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements in 2009 showed Panax ginseng may improve some symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Panax ginseng uses also include improved sexual function in men with ED. In one pilot study involving 60 patients with mild to moderate ED, two-thirds of the patients in the supplement group reported improved erections.

Panax Ginseng Uses in TCM

Panax ginseng is used in TCM to treat forms of exhaustion, including exhaustion syndrome due to qi (vital energy) deficiency. Symptoms of exhaustion syndrome include extremely faint pulse, heavy sweating, severe vomiting and diarrhea, or long and severe diseases.

Qi deficiency in the spleen or lung is also addressed using P. ginseng. Qi deficiency can sometimes be indicated by physical fatigue, mental fatigue, poor appetite and loose stool. Panax ginseng is also used for palpitation, insomnia, amnesia and erectile ED.

Panax Ginseng Adverse Effects

Panax Ginseng extract should not be used by anyone suffering from an auto-immune disorder. Additionally, it should be avoided by those who have received an organ transplant.

Large doses of ginseng should be avoided (especially if combined with other stimulants) and supplementation should not exceed six weeks.

The recommended dosage varies depending on the potency of the extract used. However, for most products the dosing range will be between 100 – 400mg per day.

This supplement should be avoided by those taking anticoagulants or who suffer from any bleeding conditions. This supplement should be used with caution by people with heart conditions and diabetes.

Individuals suffering from a hormone-sensitive condition, such as breast, ovarian or uterine cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, should not take ginseng.

This supplement has been known to interact with alcohol and caffeine. In addition, it can increase the potential side effects of theophylline, albuterol, clonidine and sildenafil citrate.

It may cause agitation if taken by people with schizophrenia, or mania in individuals with bi-polar disorder. It may also interact with the diuretic water pill furosemide (Lasix).

Ginseng should not be taken in combination with medications that are metabolized by the liver using the enzyme cytochrome P450 2D6.

This supplement should not be combined with the herbs danshen, red clover or saw palmetto, devil’s claw, eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng), garlic, ginger, horse chestnut, or papain. The TCM herb li lu may also interact with Panax ginseng use.

Conclusions

Panax ginseng is used as an adaptogen that is said to support mental function, alleviate exhaustion and improve the body’s immune function. It is also used for ED. This supplement has been used for thousands of years in TCM and is considered a powerful tonic to promote general wellbeing.

Speak with your doctor before supplementing with Panax. ginseng to make sure this supplement is right for you.

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