[FASTLARRY]

GINSENG

GINSENG is the ultimate example of man's almost mystical interaction with nature. Ginseng plays the central role in a good deal of Chinese mythology, medicine, commerce and trade. For Western man, the economic value of Ginseng outweighed its medicinal value until the past 15 years or so, during which time extensive research on the plant has grown explosively, and has tended to verify and extend the various medicinal claims. Ginseng is, of course, the famous Asiatic tonic that has been shown in numerous studies to affect mental and physical behavior.

Ginseng has been found to protect the body & nervous system from stress, stimulate & increase metabolic function, increase physical & mental efficiency, lower blood pressure & glucose levels when they are high, and raise them (blood pressure & glucose levels) when they are low, increase gastrointestinal movement & tone, increase iron metabolism, and cause changes in nucleic acid (RNA) biosynthesis. In geriatric use, Ginseng has been proven beneficial in restoring mental abilities. Ginseng also helps by directly affecting the adrenal-pituitary axis, the result of which is manifested by an increased resistance to the effects of stress. This herb also aids mental function by improving circulation. Animal studies have clearly demonstrated Ginseng's ability to help the learning process. Ginseng has also been found to stimulate the central nervous system in small amounts, and depress the central nervous system in large doses.
Ginseng Studies and Research

According to David Kiefer, M.D. and Traci Pantuso, B.S. at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson and published in 2003 by the American Academy of Family Physicians, ginsenosides from Panax Ginseng “. . . have been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Results of clinical research studies demonstrate that Panax ginseng may improve psychological function, immune function, and conditions associated with diabetes.”
Diabetes Forecast November 2003
Using Ginseng to Control Blood Sugars
Ginseng may help control blood sugars in people with type 2, say researchers at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. In a study of 30 people whose diabetes was well-controlled either with pills or diet, half the participants took three grams of American ginseng and seven grams of Konjac mannan fiber (a sticky form of fiber) each day for 12 weeks. The other 15 participants took a placebo (dummy treatments) for 12 weeks. The placebo consisted of cornstarch for the ginseng and bran fiber for the Konjac mannan fiber.

After 12 weeks, researchers measured the participants' A1Cs. Then the groups switched treatments for 12 more weeks. The original placebo group took ginseng and Konjac mannan fiber, and vice versa.

At the end of the study, the researchers found that treatment with ginseng and Konjac mannan fiber lowered the participants' A1Cs from 7 percent to 6.5 percent. Those taking placebo lowered their A1Cs to 6.8 percent.

Russian Ginseng Research - Revealed to the World
It appears that ginseng does help facilitate metabolic equilibrium. Russian research shows that ginseng stimulates physical and mental activities in tired and weak individuals and aids in balancing. The herb was found by the researchers to strengthen and protect the human organism when under prolonged strain. They learned that ginseng works to stimulate and improve the working of the brain with it’s oxygenation properties. All this without the harsh side-effects of a stimulant such as caffeine. Ginseng was also found to increase energy and physical endurance by the Russian team of scientists. They said that it stimulates the functioning of the endocrine glands and promotes the body’s reproductive organs more vigor.

Oriental Medicine - Ginseng Research Coincides
Naturally, there has been a great deal of research done in Asia on ginseng and its many components. Quality research teams in China, Japan and Korea suggests that ginseng reduces fatigue and increases stamina. They have found that ginseng helps the formation of red blood cells and helps to eliminate anemia. Like the Russians, they learned about mental improvement but they also believe that ginseng helps prevent neuroses, increases the secretion of body fluids and helps prevent diabetes. They say it normalizes pulmonary functions, prevents coughs, tuberculosis and asthma. Ginseng properties were studied to conclude that the root strengthens the gastrointestinal system, helps facilitate liver regeneration, detoxifies poisons, enhances blood alcohol clearance, reduces the effect of alcohol intoxication and even helps eliminate hangovers!
Further Ginseng Research

More researchers are investigating claims that ginseng can help adjust blood pressure, reduce blood sugar and may be advantageous in the treatment of cancers, tuberculosis, diarrhea, kidney degeneration, rheumatism, shock and depression. A measure of the active ingredient in ginseng is called ginsenoside. hey can effect various enzyme systems at locations in the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, adrenal gland and immune system. Research shows that ginsenosides causes certain effects. Studies have shown that specific ginsenosides can stimulate the brain, sedate the central nervous system, balance certain metabolic processes, decrease blood sugar, improve muscle tone, stimulate the endocrine system and help balance hormone levels. Research also suggests ginsenosides may be anti-tumor and anti-viral.

Although ginseng is not a drug or a stimulant, many who use it, agree that if taken for a period of time, ginseng will increase feelings of well being, relieve fatigue and weak conditions and strengthen body functions. Further reputable studies in Japan and the United States have shown that ginseng stimulates every conceivable aspect of protein and nucleic acid metabolism and may help to maintain or facilitate the capacity of cells to tolerate anaerobic oxidation. Better put, ginseng may help reduce cell damage, thus, helping to counteract age-related changes.
Benefits of Ginseng

Maintain Your Peak - Restore Vitality
In China, ginseng is classified as a kingly herb, a mild herb with no harmful side-effects, that helps the body maintain peak health. Many Asians view ginseng as a regenerative elixir that, if taken over a period of time, can not only increase health and vitality but can also prolong life. It is believed that ginseng makes the body more resistant to disease, prevents decline in potency in older men, restores virility, increase general vitality and can negate some effects of stress. It is said to give the sick more strength, energy and stamina. Most evidence of ginseng's effectiveness is more suggestive than conclusive and you should always consult a physician’s medical treatment for ailments as recommended by the FDA.

Making Us Feel Better - How does it work?
Ginseng is considered to be an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a substance that has the ability to bring the body back into a healthy, balanced state. Ginseng is seen as having both soothing and revitalizing adaptogenic properties. Ginseng seems to be able to increase the body's ability to adapt and adjust. It is believed that the active ingredients in ginseng can harmonize body functions and are only used as needed, even if taken regularly.

Powerful Herb - It’s What’s Inside That Works
Ginseng contains a complex mixture of carbohydrate compounds, nitrogenous compounds, fat soluble compounds, vitamins and minerals. In the 1960's specific complex carbohydrate compounds called ginsenosides were identified and tagged as significant active ingredients. Up to 29 different ginsenosides have been identified to date. These compounds have chemical structures similar to human hormones and it is believed that they may work similarly.
Safe and Easy - Enjoy the Benefits!

Ginseng is a mild herb and is considered to be extremely safe. Negative side-effects are virtually nonexistent. It is not a stimulant and does not cause feelings of over excitement, agitation or insomnia, when taken responsibly. However, it has been reported that large doses of ginseng can cause nausea, high blood pressure, sleeplessness, restlessness and sexual arousal. The recommended daily dose is small and large doses of ginseng are not recommended or necessary.

An accepted dose of ginseng is one or two grams a day. That is two to four 500 mg capsules or tablets. One gram of high quality ginseng is usually just about right for the average adult, male or female. Chinese herbalists believe that maximum benefits from ginseng use can only be realized by taking ginseng for several months. It is recommended that first-time users take small amounts of ginseng daily for two to three months before evaluating the effects.
A good question that is often asked is, “Is ginseng addictive?”. A review of related literature says 'no'. Ginseng is believed to be safe for long term use. People have taken ginseng for 10, 20, even 30 years with no known adverse effects. Many ginseng users have found that once maximum health benefits have been reached and vitality restored, they can taper-off on their ginseng consumption, taking it just a few times a week or even skipping whole weeks!