Ginseng Benefits

As the "all-healing" root, ginseng has been used for thousands of years to improve the human body's ability to combat illness. Primarily, it is used to revitalize the body, particularly during recuperation from injury or illness. Modern day uses have seen a growth in its use.

Specific Ginseng Health Benefits

Hormonal Problems: Ginseng is a phytoestrogenic herb that contains plant hormones that are similar to human estrogen. Menopause drastically alters the amount of estrogen hormones a woman�s body produces. Ginseng redresses this balance by replacing lost hormones with phytoestrogenic ones. Such a process is not without dangers however. It is worth noting that ginseng�s benefits and side effects widely vary, depending on the person consuming the herb. Some types of ginseng for example, have been known to cure insomnia in some people and act as a stimulant in others.

During menopause, ginseng can help treat vaginal dryness. Ginseng contains ginsenosides which have an estrogen-like effect on vaginal walls. This effect prevents the thinning of vaginal walls that can affect menopausal women.

Allergies: As a booster to the immune system and the body's ability to heal, ginseng has been medically proven as effective in treating some allergies. A study involving 323 people taking ginseng in comparison to a placebo found that those taking the herb were less likely to suffer from allergies.

Ginseng also counteracts the effects of the common cold. The North American version of the herb contains compounds that can boost the body's immunity by increasing the production of immunoglobulin, which plays a vital role in the immune system.

Sexual Dysfunction: Studies have shown that continuous use of ginseng can benefit men with erectile dysfunction, in comparison to those taking a placebo. Ginseng has also been used by menopausal women in parts of Asia to combat a lack of libido.

Memory Loss: The combination of ginseng and gingko has been proven to increase brain power, and this combination is often used by women suffering from memory lapses during menopause.

Immunity: American ginseng, along with its Asian Panax equivalent, has long been used to increase the body's immunity to illness. Clinical trials of American ginseng have shown the herb enhances immunity cells� ability to flight illness.

Stamina: Korean ginseng also contains steroids such as panaxtriol, which are similar in structure to anabolic steroids found naturally in the body. For this reason, Korean ginseng is ideal for athletes, to increase stamina.

After learning of ginseng�s benefits, it is important to identify its negative effects. Read the next section where side effects of ginseng will be explained in detail.

Conclusions About Ginseng

Ginseng is great for treating some menopause symptoms, but has recently been criticized because it adds artificial hormones to the body. In so doing, ginseng can trigger side effects including serious illnesses such as breast cancer.

Other alternative treatments are just as effective as ginseng, but without the side effects. Non-estrogenic herbs, for example, are a great option for treating menopause symptoms. Read more in the following article.