Benefits of Ginseng

There appear to be numerous benefits of ginseng. The supplement is often claimed to be beneficial for treating conditions such as anxiety, diabetes, and depression. Ginseng may also help stimulate the immune system, improve overall health and well-being, and increase resistance to stress. It is important to know that some reported ginseng benefits are more valid than others.

 

What Benefits Can Ginseng Provide?

Ginseng is an herbal supplement derived from the roots of the ginseng plant. The term "ginseng" usually refers to Panax ginseng (also known as Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, or Korean ginseng). This type of ginseng should not be confused with American ginseng or Siberian ginseng, which have different medicinal properties. People claim that ginseng is beneficial for various general uses, such as:
 
  • Increasing resistance to stress (including physical and emotional stress)
  • Stimulating the immune system
  • Improving overall mental health and functioning (including improving memory)
  • Improving overall health and well-being
  • Slowing the aging process.
     
Ginseng is also claimed to be beneficial for treating a variety of specific conditions, such as:
 
Some of these reported benefits of ginseng are more valid than others (see Does Ginseng Work? for more information). As with many supplements, claims for the benefits of ginseng are often exaggerated, and these claims must be evaluated critically. Most importantly, it is essential to remember that natural products should not be used carelessly, as many natural products can be quite toxic (for instance, many poisons are natural products). Ginseng can cause serious side effects, especially if taken inappropriately (see Side Effects of Ginseng for more information).
 
Ginseng is often claimed to be an "adaptogen." Although this term sounds very scientific, it is not a medical term at all. It is used by herbalists to describe certain herbs that are claimed to increase the body's resistance to physical or emotional stresses.
 
(Benefits of Ginseng Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;