What is ginseng? What are the benefits for men and women?
Ginseng is one of the short, slow-growing plants with a distinctive medicinal effect, which contains several benefits for men and women that we will talk about in this article in addition to knowing the potential damage that may appear when using this plant.
What is ginseng?
The origins of the ginseng herb cultivation go back to Korea, Japan and America, where this herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries; They believe that it has the ability to heal a large number of diseases.
With the passage of time, modern scientific research began to prove that this plant has benefits in increasing human efficiency and increasing his mental and sexual efforts.
And this plant absorbs and withdraws all the mineral and organic elements from the soil, and the ginseng herb is harvested most of the time from 4 to 6 years and sometimes less or a little more.
What does ginseng contain?
Ginseng contains two important compounds: ginsenosides and gentonin, and these two compounds work to complement each other; To provide health benefits, this plant can be classified into two common types, namely:
- American ginseng (Panax quincofolius), believed to act as a relaxing agent.
- Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), believed to have a tonic effect.
What are the benefits of ginseng?
In the old days, people used to eat ginseng; To help treat certain medical conditions, scientists have been studying this herb. Although there is a need for further research; To confirm the benefits of using the plant as a supplement, current research has looked at the distinctive medicinal effects of the herb.
The following are the most important benefits of ginseng that have been studied by scientists:
- It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, due to the presence of ginsenoside compounds, which help prevent inflammation, in addition to increasing the antioxidant capacity in cells.
- It helps improve brain functions such as memory, behavior and mood, with positive effects on brain function and behavior in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Boosting and strengthening the immune system of cancer patients undergoing surgery or chemotherapy. Red ginseng extract helped boost the immune system of advanced stomach cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy after surgery.
- It appears that ginseng extract can enhance the effect of vaccinations against diseases such as influenza, as well.
- It may be useful in reducing the risk of some types of cancer, such as cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, and lung; This is because it contains ginsenosides that help prevent abnormal cell production and growth, in addition to its antioxidant properties.
- Red ginseng may help lower blood sugar by improving pancreatic cell function and promoting insulin production and blood sugar absorption in people with and without diabetes.
- It may help improve the health of patients undergoing chemotherapy, reduce side effects and enhance the effect of some therapeutic drugs.
- Increases energy levels and fights fatigue. It reduces oxidative stress and increases energy production in cells, which may help combat fatigue and promote physical activity.
- Consuming this herb may help improve lung function and relieve symptoms of bronchitis and COPD.
- Ginseng increases metabolism, in addition to stimulating the process of burning body fat, which may help in losing weight.
- It may also help lower the blood pressure level of patients with high blood pressure; This is due to the fact that the herb contains ginsenosides.
- It promotes heart health, thus improving symptoms of some heart diseases, such as heart failure.
- Ginseng helps to increase the rate of cell formation in patients with aplastic anemia, thus helping to treat the disease.
The benefits of ginseng for sex for men
Ginseng may be a useful alternative for treating erectile dysfunction in men. Because it contains compounds that improve the relaxation of the muscles of the penis and increase blood circulation, which helps restore the normal sexual function of men.
Benefits of ginseng for women
Women taking this herb as a supplement or as a drink during and after menopause may help relieve symptoms associated with menopause, but you should consult your doctor first before taking it.
How to use ginseng
Ginseng can be used raw, as a drink with tea, or even added to various dishes. It can also be taken as a powder or as a supplement.
The appropriate doses of ginseng pills for the treatment of various pathological conditions include:
- The recommended dose for regulating glucose levels for type 2 diabetics is 200 mg per day.
- The recommended dose for erectile dysfunction in men is 900 mg 3 times daily.
- The recommended dose for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is about 5 to 9 g per day, and the doctor determines the duration of treatment, which may reach about 12 weeks.
We confirm You should consult your doctor before taking these supplements so that they do not interfere with the effectiveness and effect of other medications you are taking.
Benefits of ginseng for men and women
Although ginseng is generally considered safe to use, some of the following side effects have been reported when used by some people:
- headache;
- sleep problems;
- Digestive problems.
- Changes in blood pressure and blood sugar.
- diarrhea.
- fast heartbeat
- severe cutaneous reaction;
- breast pain;
- Anorexia.
- vaginal bleeding;
- Menstrual problems.
- liver damage;
Drug interactions with ginseng pills
People using ginseng may experience drug interactions that could affect the way medications work or increase their side effects.
Some of these medications or products include:
- Blood thinners, such as warfarin or aspirin.
- High blood pressure medications.
- Heart medications.
- Diabetes medications.
- Medicines that treat depression.
- Caffeine products, such as coffee.