Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, RN, EdD

Ginseng is used through the Far East to combat weakness and provide extra energy. Early Native Americans used ginseng for stomach and breathing disorders and neck pain. Russian scientists claim it stimulates physical and mental activity, improves endocrine activity and has a helpful effect on the sex glands. It is used to enhance athletic performance and reduces fatigue by sparing glycogen (the form of sugar stored in the liver and muscle cells) by using fatty acids for energy.

Low doses can raise blood pressure, while higher amounts can reduce it. High doses may protect against the harmful effects of radiation and reduce inflammation. It helps people with diabetes because it reduces the hormone cortisol in the blood and stops it from interfering with insulin. If you have hypoglycemia, you should avoid large doses. Combination products or those with sugar or added color are to be avoided also. Go to a health food store or buy it from a Chinese market. Take it for 15 to 20 days, followed by a rest period of two weeks and avoid long term use of high doses.

*This article is for informational purposes only. For medical advice, contact your health care practitioner.