Ginseng is yet another addition to the category of Hot supplement topics. Of course - if there is a naturally occurring substance that helps to stimulate mental and physical energy, decrease incidence of cancer and ward off colds and flu - I certainly want answers! Although I'm still left a bit confused about all the different varieties - Siberian ginseng appears to be a popular, commercially available and beneficial form.
The Claims:Decrease/Prevent Stress and Stress Related Illness:
Created from the root of the Eleutherococcus senticosus plant native to Siberia, Siberian ginseng has been used as an energy tonic by the Chinese for over 5,000 years. This is exciting news as it appears that ginseng improves both mental alertness and attention to detail. It has been noted in many studies to improve endurance and increase overall energy in many athletes. For me, this begs the question: "Could ginseng be a natural solution to ADD?" It does appear so. And where stress is concerned - in documented patient studies, rates of stress were lower in individuals who supplemented. Ginseng has shown promise in both the relief of stress and decreased incidence of stress related diseases, such as arteriosclerosis, by improving circulation and normalizing blood pressure.
Relief of Menopause Discomforts:Siberian ginseng - in many of the articles and studies I found - works to stabilize hormone levels to decrease or relieve the discomforts of menopause, i.e. emotional instability and hot flashes. Also ginseng is used in much the same way to stimulate the endocrine gland and also assimilate vitamins and minerals.
In females - many of the studies suggest - ginseng supports uterine function. This will strengthen the female uterus and aim to make it more fertile. In males, ginseng acts in much the same way by stimulating testosterone levels.