| This article is part of a series giving information about | | | | for the weak or elderly. It has also been associated |
| herbs and their medicinal properties. We are going to | | | | with memory improvement and so could be very |
| look at Korean ginseng in this article. You will find out | | | | useful for people suffering from dementia. It is also a |
| what this herb is, how you can use it and the | | | | great tonic for those who suffer from exhaustion or |
| conditions that could be helped by Korean ginseng. | | | | chronic illness. |
| What is Korean Ginseng? | | | | Some studies have also shown that it has anti-fatigue |
| Korean ginseng is often also known as Chinese | | | | abilities and so can be very useful for people who are |
| ginseng and is probably one of the most widely used | | | | suffering from things like chronic fatigue syndrome. In |
| and acclaimed herbs available. It comes in a couple of | | | | addition studies on animals have shown that it can |
| varieties and you will often hear them referred to as | | | | help lower blood sugar by facilitating the release of |
| white or red ginseng. The plant grows on moist | | | | insulin which could make it useful for diabetics. Other |
| shaded mountainsides in Korea, China and Russia and | | | | studies have shown that it has anticancer properties |
| is a perennial herb. It has dark green leaves and red | | | | and also that it can be useful for people suffering |
| berries and can grow to a height of 2 ft (60cm) or | | | | from AIDS. In addition it is thought to help with |
| more. The root is the part that is used for medicinal | | | | cholesterol reduction as well as impotence. |
| purposes and is very slender and some even say if | | | | Side Effects and Precautions |
| has similarities to the human body in appearance. | | | | There are a number of different types of ginseng so |
| How to use Korean Ginseng You can get Korean | | | | it is important to do your research and get the one |
| ginseng from your health food store in a variety of | | | | that is best for you. Korean ginseng is not |
| different ways. Depending on where you look you | | | | recommended for people suffering from ulcers, high |
| will be able to find it as whole root, powder, liquid | | | | blood pressure, tension headaches, nervousness, |
| extracts and teas. You may also be able to get | | | | mental imbalance, inflammation, fever and symptoms |
| powder capsules as well and you should take them | | | | associated with high levels of stress. It is also not |
| as indicated on the packet. Many herbal teas that | | | | recommended for pregnant or lactating women as |
| you find in your local supermarket will also contain | | | | well as women of child bearing age. It is better for |
| ginseng. If you are going to take the herb it is | | | | the elderly and weak and often not given to young |
| recommended that for each week taken you should | | | | people. |
| have a few days away from the herb. | | | | The side effects are usually mild but some people |
| If you would like to make a tea you can do this will | | | | can suffer from overstimulation, irritability, |
| the whole root. You should slice it up using about 1 to | | | | nervousness, and insomnia. If you take too much |
| 5 grams and cover with water. Bring to the boil and | | | | ginseng or do not have a break it can cause things |
| allow to boil for 10 minutes of more, then strain and | | | | like headaches, insomnia, seeing spots, dizziness, |
| flavour with honey to taste. Many experts say that | | | | shortage of breath and gastrointestinal discomfort. |
| you should not use metal pots as that can affect the | | | | Long term use can cause menstrual abnormalities and |
| antioxidant properties of the herb. | | | | breast tenderness in some women. |
| Uses of Korean Ginseng | | | | In terms of interactions you should seek medical |
| Korean ginseng is a widely used herb and has a large | | | | advice it you are using hormonal drugs before taking |
| number of benefits. As a result a lot of research has | | | | ginseng. In addition as it is a stimulant you should not |
| been carried out on it to determine the medical | | | | take ginseng with caffeine as this can cause over |
| benefits. It is thought that Korean ginseng can help a | | | | stimulation. |
| person to deal with stress and bring themselves back | | | | This article has been supplied by alternative therapies |
| into balance. It is often used as a herb for general | | | | directory. You can also find more information on our |
| health and many Chinese herbalists will recommend it | | | | Herbal Medicine page. |