Getting to the root of Ginseng

by Paul Keogh, Naturopath & Medical Herbalist

Ginseng has been used for thousands of years to treat ailments and enhance general health. 
Four powerful types of ginseng; Korean, American, Siberian and Indian - belong to a unique class of medicinal herbs called biological response modulators or adaptogens, which can help with prevention and recovery from fatigue and exhaustion.

Chinese medicine
From a Chinese medicine perspective adaptogens tonify, strengthen or replenish the body’s ‘adaptive energy’ or Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). Optimal Qi depends on the body’s reserves of strong inherited Qi called Jing, which is stored in the kidney organ-meridian system.

Energetically, adaptogens work to generate healthy Qi, supplement Jing and tonify the organ-meridian systems. The kidney organ-meridian system is particularly important as it governs the adrenal cortex and autonomic nervous system.

Adaptogens with kidney tonifying effects are essential to the success of any formula treating deficient Qi or adaptive energy.

Korean Ginseng
Panax ginseng, commonly called Korean ginseng, is one of the most respected energy (Qi) tonics in Chinese medicine with a reputation for promoting longevity. For this reason, it is taken on a regular basis from mid-life onwards. Research shows it also improves athletic performance, alertness and co-ordination.

Traditionally, panax ginseng and Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) are combined to treat Qi deficiency by tonifying the kidney, spleen, stomach and lung organ-meridians, enhance energy production and modulate the immune system.

Other herbal adaptogens are also referred to as ‘ginsengs’ because they act in similar ways. However, each herb also has unique properties and they are frequently combined for best effect.

Indian Ginseng
Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng or Ashwagandha) is a highly respected Ayurvedic herb with calming, immune modulating and cognitive enhancing properties.

Energetically, withania benefits the Qi and fortifies kidney-meridian energy or Jing following general debility, overwork, low sexual vitality, nervous exhaustion, muscular weakness, poor memory, anaemia and fatigue.

Siberian Ginseng
Eleutherococcus senticosis (Siberian ginseng) is another highly respected adaptogen. 
Research shows it improves physical performance, increases stamina and enhances recovery. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, immune function and improves blood flow to the brain.

American Ginseng
Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) enhances mental performance, relaxes the nervous system and modulates immune function. 
Energetically both these herbs tonify Qi, strengthen Jing and nourish kidney Yin.

Medicinal mushrooms
Two specific medicinal mushrooms work to reinforce the therapeutic actions of these ‘ginseng’ herbs.

Cordyceps sinensis (Chinese caterpillar mushroom) is an adaptogen traditionally used to restore the adrenal cortex and kidney organ-meridian system. It helps combat fatigue and stress, promote endurance, drive, libido, immunity and enhanced physical performance. It tonifies kidney Yang and strengthens protective Qi.

Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) is an adaptogen with profound immune modulating effects. It also reinforces the Qi tonifying effects of the other herbs.

For long term unexplained fatigue, consult a healthcare practitioner to assess whether there may be a more serious underlying problem.

Lifestyle tips

A healthy lifestyle impacts significantly on how you feel and function each day, so creating a simple plan and sticking to it can help you feel fit and energised. Suggestions include:

• Consuming a balanced diet that sustains energy levels, including natural or minimally processed foods which tend to be nutrient dense and low GI. 
• Exercise regularly to help boost energy, alleviate stress and improve sleep quality.
• Make time for relationships, relaxation and sleep.

 Resource: healthylife.net.au