Plants and natural remedies currently have a great presence in our lives. Nowadays, thanks to research, we know more and more about nature and the benefits it can provide us. One of the most popular ancient natural remedies is ginseng . Next we will see what this plant is for, how it is obtained, what are its benefits for our health and what precautions we must take.
What is ginseng?
Surely you have heard it many times, but you still do not know what ginseng is and what it is for. Well, it is a small plant, whose root has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine , which is fleshy and thick. This plant is born especially in cold and mountain places, it is common in countries such as Korea, China, Japan or Russia.
Ginseng plants belong to a genus of plant called insomnia, which is Latin for panacea, from the Greek Panakos, which means “remedy against all ills .” It is a very appreciated plant to treat a multitude of health problems, although you also have to know how and when to take it.
What is ginseng good for?
As we have indicated, the use of its root in traditional Chinese medicine is very common. Although there is no solid scientific evidence that ginseng is capable of curing multiple health disorders. For thousands of years, and currently in our culture it is used to combat fatigue, weakness and exhaustion, this being its most characteristic function.
It is used to improve the symptoms of various health problems such as: diabetes, heart problems and for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). And although its effectiveness has not been proven, ginseng is also used for the prevention of certain types of cancer, strengthening memory, increasing and improving physical performance, etc.
In our culture we know it more as a stimulant, and that is why it is present in many vitamin and energy supplements. We can easily find it in any herbalist or pharmacy. Its properties have been extracted to market it in capsules, tablets, drops and even in cosmetics. Although traditionally, what has always been done to extract its properties has been to cook the ginseng root and make it into an infusion for consumption.
Ginseng contraindications
Although thanks to the fact that it is a natural remedy it does not have serious side effects, certain mild contraindications can be found . There are people for whom the consumption of ginseng, due to excessive consumption, has affected symptoms such as: insomnia, agitation and restlessness. Because it is a stimulant, certain people may also be more sensitive to its effects. If ginseng is abused, these symptoms can lead to diarrhea, nervous disorders and stomach pain.
This plant is not recommended, especially in patients suffering from hypertension. It is also not advisable for children under 12 years of age and pregnant women. When taking ginseng it is preferable and recommended not to take it continuously . Its consumption must be cyclical and alternating the periods of intake. For this reason, the most advisable thing is to talk it over with a professional and follow their instructions.
