Ginseng is a famous plant with fleshy roots. It usually grows in the cold climates of North America and Eastern Asia. Different species of this plant contain Ginsenosides and Gintonin which were widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries. The generic name of the ginseng root comes from the Greek word panacea, which means “all-healing” in Greek.

However, this plant was not used for healing. Instead, it was used as a tonic for patients with chronic illnesses.

Is it Better to Use Raw Ginseng Root or in Supplements?

   There are different ways to process ginseng. Green ginseng is the fresh raw product and the most vulnerable form.  White Ginseng is the peeled and dried ginseng without heating but some of the useful enzymes break down in the process and get lost. Red ginseng is made of steamed and dried ginseng which is less vulnerable and less likely to decay than white and green roots due to minimal water content.

   Since ginseng roots are very prized it is more affordable to use vitamins and supplements containing ginseng extracts. Processing the roots the right requires a great deal of knowledge and takes time in order to make sure that all the beneficial ingredients are not lost. On the other hand, vitamins containing ginseng root are very easy to obtain and use.

Why Should You Use Vitamins Containing Ginseng?

   Regular use of vitamins with ginseng supplements can help improve your immunity, lower blood glucose level(1) and might also increase concentration and learning abilities. Some doctors went further by saying that ginseng can be beneficial in cases of heart diseases, fatigue, and high blood pressure but there is little scientific evidence to support such claims.

   A very famous use of ginseng all over the world is preventing premature aging due to its anti-oxidant effects. It clears the body from harmful free radicals preventing heart diseases and some types of cancer. It also prevents the accumulation of free radicals in the brain which can prevent dementia in old age.

   Ginseng is also widely used as an appetite suppressant as it controls the hunger hormones to help with cravings. One of the most ancient uses of ginseng is to use it as an aphrodisiac and a male libido booster. Consuming ginseng roots or their extracts is also very beneficial for your hair and skin.

   Vitamins and Supplements containing Ginseng root extract are very easy to buy. You can find so many multivitamin products containing ginseng and in several forms suitable for everybody like capsules, powders, and teas. Since there is no well-known dose, you should follow manufacture’s information written on the ginseng product you are using either as pills or tea. There are no well-known contraindications for ginseng other than hypersensitivity. It should also be used cautiously with some drugs like anti-diabetics and insulin, anti-psychotic drugs, caffeine and other stimulants, Ginseng can interact with the previous drugs either by boosting or lowering their effect leading to confusing their therapeutic effect.

    Although ginseng root has minimal side effects when used properly, consuming large quantities may result in ginseng abuse syndrome with symptoms like diarrhea, confusion, high blood pressure and sleeplessness that may result in depression. Always use ginseng within moderation for the best results.