What is ginseng used for?
A large range of conditions including stress, depression, mental alertness,
as a tonic to resist colds and flu and other infections, for chronic
illnesses, to boost sex hormones. Siberian ginseng may help in treating
menstrual irregularities and symptoms of menopause.
Which type is best?
There’s nothing like the whole root to guarantee you’re getting the real
thing, though it is the most expensive. Extracts are made from the entire
root and are considered a good alternative. For convenience, capsules are
popular. But some capsules on the market do not contain pure ginseng, or may
include discarded residues or inferior grade roots. Only buy from reputable
firms (see below).
Ginseng teas that contain pure ginseng and no other ingredients are a good
way of getting ginseng. However, teas containing several ingredients often
have minute amounts of ginseng. Powdered ginseng may, like capsules, be
adulterated or contain poor quality root, uness it is a reliable make.
How do you use ginseng?
You can make tea with the root. Boil 24 fluid ounces of water, preferably in
a non-metallic container such as an enamel pot. Add 1-3 grams of dry whole
or sliced ginseng root.
Reduce heat and simmer covered for about 20-30 minutes. When cool, you can
strain off the softened root and eat that as an alternative: 2-4 small
pieces a day, spread out over the course of the day.
Drink the tea at room temperature, about one cup once or twice a day.
You can make up enough for several days and store it in the fridge for
several weeks, reheating as needed. Don’t reheat in a microwave as the
process could remove nutritional value.
Can you overdose on ginseng?
The answer is yes. Some specialists recommend that it is taken for only a
course of one month and then discontinued for two weeks before resuming use.
And they advise that you never take it for longer than three months, without
a further, month’s gap. Since it is a stimulant, don’t use around bedtime.
There are also unsuitable interactions with certain drugs, so some people
should not take it – see below.
Who shouldn’t take ginseng?
Anyone taking heart or diabetic medications including pills for raised blood
pressure, sleeping pills, antidepressants, antipsychotic medicines,
diuretics, oral corticosteroids. If you are in any doubt, consult your
doctor.
Products available from Nutricentre
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Korean Ginseng Panax 5000
Code NACP5030
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Korean Ginseng
Panax 5001
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Korean Ginseng
Panax 5002
|
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Korean Ginseng Panax 5000 |
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Il Hwa |
£15.95 30 caps |
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Elagen (Siberian Ginseng, equivalent to 2000mg Root)
CODE ELA00010
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Eladon Ltd |
£12.99 30 caps |
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American Ginseng 520 mg Vegicaps.
CODE SOLE1285
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Solgar |
£17.19 50 vcaps |
