Ginseng DrLam® - Body. Mind. Nutrition®

Table of Contents

Reading Tips:

For fast reading, scan through the topic headings in BOLD BLACK, important conclusions in BOLD BLUE, and "Must Know" in BOLD RED. To jump to specific sections in this article, click on the respective LINKS in the Table of Contents.

Information presented here is for general educational purposes only. Each one of us is biochemically and metabolically different. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here.

Ginseng

Michael Lam, MD, MPH
www.DrLam.com

There are two main kinds of ginseng: Chinese or Korean ( Panax ginseng) and Siberian ( Eleutherococcus senticosus).

For over 5000 years, this agent has been used to restore vitality, increase the feeling of energy, improve mental and physical performance, increase immunity, and reduce anxiety. Ginseng has the ability to serve as an adaptogen. Kings and emperors of the past have placed great emphasis on ginseng to fortify their health.

It appears to accomplish these goals by fine tuning the adrenal gland and reestablishing a proper cortisol level. Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland. More is secreted in times of stress or after a meal high in sugar. It is one hormone that increases with age rather than decreasing (as in growth hormone, DHEA, melatonin, estrogen, and testosterone). Excessive cortisol in your body is a leading pro-aging factor. For this reason, cortisol is also called the aging hormone. The exact mechanism of action of ginseng is still unknown, and will not be fully investigated for many years to come.

There are many types and grades of ginseng and ginseng extracts. Chinese ginseng tends to be the more potent form. Consider using Chinese ginseng if you have been under a great deal of stress, if you are recovering from an illness, or have been on corticosteroid drugs (such as prednisone) for a long time. Siberian ginseng works well if your stress is mild and your adrenal function is less affected.

The marketplace is full of many types and grades of ginseng and ginseng extracts. The quality is highly dependent on the source, age, parts of the root used, and the method of preparation. Due to the lack of FDA regulation and standardization, be weary of unsubstantiated claims and unscrupulous marketing schemes.

Ginseng can be eaten raw. The Koreans do it by cutting the root into small slices and dipping them into honey to damping the bitterness before eating as a appetizer.

If you are shopping for ginseng extracts, choose only products that have been standardized for ginsenoside content. Generally, 100 mg of extract containing 5% of ginsenosides three times a day in the form of an oral tablet is sufficient. For milder support, use fluid extracts of Siberian ginseng at a dosage of 1 to 2 tsp one to three times a day, or the dry powdered extract at the dosage one to three times a day.

The response varies widely, and there is no guarantee of results. Start at lower doses and gradually increase the daily amount. If you take too much, side effects such as anxiety, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, hypertension, menstrual changes, and breast pain may arise. Should these problems develop, reduce your intake or discontinue using ginseng completely.

For the less adventurous, consider vitamin B12 ( 500 mcg to 1500 mcg) as an alternative or to be used concurrently to enhance the results of ginseng.

Message from Dr. Lam

I hope you have enjoyed reading this article. If you have areas you don't understand,
or if you have a specific health concern, feel free to write to me by clicking here.

About The Author

Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certified in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.

For More Information

For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam at www.DrLam.com.
Feel free to email Dr. Lam by clicking here if you have any questions.

Ownership and Use

This Web Site and all content and materials included on this Web Site, including without limitation all information, text, graphics, illustrations, photos, video, sound and software (collectively the "Content"), are copyrighted and protected under U.S. and international copyright laws, trademark and other intellectual property laws and treaties and are the exclusive property of Dr. Michael Lam. Dr. Michael Lam hereby retains all right, title, and interest in the Content.

All rights are reserved. You may not store, modify, create derivative works of, translate, distribute, publish, transmit, sell or participate in any sale of, or exploit in any way any Content in any form or by any means. You acknowledge that you do not acquire any ownership rights by downloading material from this Web Site. You are authorized to view this Web Site for informational purposes only. No part of this Web Site or Content can be redistributed, copied, adapted or reproduced without the prior written consent of Dr. Michael Lam.

This content is copyright protected