Ginseng for the Modern World

Ginseng article continued from previous page

One more herb is also commonly called ginseng - Prince ginseng (Pseudostellaria heterophylla). Though unrelated to the first three herbs I've mentioned, Prince ginseng is also a mild stimulant and adaptogen. It is the least well-known of the four ginsengs, and also the least expensive. Low-quality ginseng mixtures commonly use Prince ginseng root to add volume and keep costs down (and profits up). While not necessarily medically harmful, this practice cheats the consumer and uses a low-potency herb in place of a higher-strength root.

Ginseng is commonly available in a number of forms. Ginseng tea is quite popular, and now fills supermarket shelves as well as displays at natural foods stores. Since ginseng is a root, when dried it becomes very tough and hard. In order to extract the health-giving compounds from the tough pieces of root, use boiling water and let your ginseng tea steep at least 10 to 15 minutes with the cup covered. Covering the cup keeps the steam in and keeps the water hot longer so it dissolves more of the active principles from the ginseng.

Since ginseng root is such a tough consistency, even grinding it into powder doesn't effectively release the active compounds. For this reason, gelatin capsules filled with ginseng root powder are not a very good choice. If you prefer a capsule to a cup of tea, choose capsules of ginseng extract rather than powdered root.

Ginseng tinctures are also available these days as a convenient form of this herb. Be sure to choose an alcohol-based tincture, not a glycerin-based one, in order to get the highest potency of active principles.

If you're in good health, you can certainly take ginseng on a daily basis for more energy and to help your body adapt to stress. But avoid it if you're sick, since its effects can actually put more stress on your system while your body is fighting an illness. When you're over the illness, ginseng is a good choice to help your body rid itself of toxins and get back on track.

When choosing a ginseng supplement, be sure to pick a reputable brand. Many imported ginseng supplements, especially those from Asia, are unfortunately adulterated with other herbs and even heavy metals. Imported herbal products don't have to meet FDA standards and are not tested for content, so be safe and stick with a domestic brand name or a well-known European brand. Especially avoid the little vials of ginseng tonic that are often displayed by the cash register at convenience stores.

Now that you know about the different types of ginseng, you can choose the supplement that will work best for you.Ginseng is a powerful ally for energy and good health in the stressful modern world.

Rev. Laura Perry, MSNH, is a Holistic Health Consultant residing in Woodstock, Georgia.
Contact her at mamalaura@earthlink.net or at 678.445.0357.