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Panax Ginseng is a herb found in North America, China, and Korea. Although there are different herbs that fall into the ginseng category, the most common is Panax or Asian Ginseng, not to be confused with American or Siberian ginseng.
People generally make medicine from the root of this plant, offering a wide range of benefits. This natural memory-boosting nootropic has been shown to enhance mood and mental performance, protect against age-related memory loss, and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It’s also been shown to enhance physical stamina and endurance.
Across numerous studies, this supplement has been shown to affect energy levels, immunity, and sexual functioning. To increase neuroprotective properties and benefits, add Panax Ginseng to your stack. You can also take it with Vinpocetine or Ginkgo Biloba for enhanced effects.
History of Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng was discovered over 5,000 years ago within the mountains in China. It was more than likely used as a source of food until its rejuvenating powers were discovered. By the 1900s, the demand for Panax Ginseng was greater than the wild supply, so Korea began to cultivate commercial ginseng which continues today.
Finding this root in the wild is now rare and individuals can face heavy fines for picking what is left. Although native to the forests of northern China and North Korea, ginseng is also grown in the woodlands of the eastern United States and Canada. It requires rich soil and shade.
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The Effects of Panax Ginseng
When taking herbal Ginseng supplements, there are a number of active ingredients that lead to a wide range of benefits. More specifically, compounds known as ginsenosides are responsible for the range of benefits that users typically experience. This root contains more than 25 ginsenosides which have long puzzled scientists.
Since Panax Ginseng is considered to be an adaptogen, it works to normalize various bodily functions. When taking Panax Ginseng, homeostasis is the main goal. Numerous glands throughout the body become more balanced, helping to regulate function and overall health. Meaning, ginsenosides may stimulate one gland but then depress another. It’s all about balance.
Based on Panax ginseng’s rich history, it has been used to treat depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, weak immune function, lung disease, cancer (breast, ovarian, liver, lung, and skin), anemia, diabetes, inflammation, COPD, asthma, nerve pain, insomnia, and more.
Benefits Associated with Panax Ginseng
When taking Panax Ginseng, it’s what’s known as a whole-body health booster. As mentioned, it works to normalize bodily systems that imbalanced. It’s also responsible for boosting and repairing the immune system. When taking this supplement, it enables your body to adapt and reduce damage from stressors in the environment.
Panax Ginseng is also believed to work as a powerful antioxidant. Based on natural processes in the human body, free radicals are produced as byproducts. Although natural, if there are too many free radicals, they begin to damage cells.
When you ingest Panax Ginseng, you help rid your body not only of these free radicals but other poisons and toxins as well. In turn, cells experience an anti-inflammatory effect which is often the root cause of many health complications.
While focusing on the nootropic community, Panax Ginseng is also a cognitive enhancer. When taking this supplement, users have increased working and spatial memory, as well as enhanced levels of focus and concentration. Some studies also report that healthy adults may experience a sense of calmness, reducing stress levels.
In the medical community, Panax Ginseng has been shown to help treat type 2 diabetes. It’s also highly beneficial when trying to lose weight, as Panax Ginseng works as a natural appetite suppressant and the extract from the berry itself is said to fight against obesity. By losing weight, you immediately improve your chances of maintaining your health long-term.
What are the Associated Side Effects?
Although Panax Ginseng is a natural supplement and is very well tolerated and safe, there can be some minor side effects associated with dosing. When overused or an allergic reaction occurs, some individuals have experienced insomnia, headaches, high blood pressure, vomiting, and skin rashes. If this is the case, you should stop taking Panax Ginseng and discuss options with your doctor.
Panax ginseng is not recommended for pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. One of the chemicals in Panax has been shown to produce birth defects in animals. If you suffer from an autoimmune disease, a bleeding condition, diabetes, a hormone-sensitive conditions, schizophrenia, or have heart problems, Panax ginseng may not be right for you.
How Much Is Considered a Safe Dose?
The benefits of ginseng may not be noticeable at the very beginning, as studies are generally reported based on long-term use. With that being said, most users will notice effects within only a few days. Others will wait two weeks to two months before noticing results.
This is what’s known as the initial load period. Users should take between 500 and 1000 mg a day. Some even double this dosage for the first ten days or so. After this initial load phase, you’ll want to experiment with your own ideal dose. Typically, Panax Ginseng is taken in doses of 200 to 400 mg for general preventative measures, with 400 being the most effective for cognition.
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