Ginseng for Your Immune System, Concentration, Heart, and Menopause. Different varieties of ginseng root have been used as treatments in Asia and North America for centuries. Ginseng is one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world. Why do people take ginseng? Ginseng has traditionally been used for a number of medical conditions. However, its benefits for most of them haven't been seriously researched. There are two main types of ginseng: Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Studies have found that the different types have different benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, American ginseng is considered less stimulating than the Asian variety. Although many other herbs are called ginseng - - like eleuthero, or Siberian ginseng - - they do not contain the active ingredient of ginsenosides. Some studies have found that ginseng may boost the immune system. There is some evidence that one particular type of American ginseng extract might decrease the number and severity of colds in adults. Several studies in people have also shown that ginseng may lower blood sugar levels. There is some early evidence that ginseng might temporarily - - and modestly - - improve concentration and learning. In some studies of mental performance, ginseng has been combined with ginkgo. While these studies are intriguing, many experts feel that we need more evidence. Ginseng has also been studied as a way to improve mood and boost endurance as well as treat cancer, heart disease, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, and other conditions. While some of these uses are promising, the evidence isn’t conclusive. How much ginseng should you take? Korean Ginseng Benefits. Korean ginseng (Panax Ginseng) is considered an energizer, normalizer and stress reducer. It has been used traditionally to ward off fatigue. What other names is Ginseng, Panax known by? Asian Ginseng, Asiatic Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Chinese Red Ginseng, Ginseng, Ginseng Asiatique, Ginseng Blanc, Ginseng. Standard doses of ginseng have not been established for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. Always buy ginseng from a well- respected company. Find patient medical information for Korean Ginseng Oral on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. Are there any cautions associated with Ginseng in treating and/or helping with erectile dysfunction? The active ingredients, ginsenosides, in. Because it’s an expensive root, there is a risk that disreputable manufacturers might sell adulterated ginseng or include less than advertised on the bottle. Can you get ginseng naturally from foods? There are no natural food sources of ginseng. Ginseng is sometimes added to energy drinks and foods. Continued. What are the risks of taking ginseng? Side effects from ginseng are generally mild. The Best Herbs To Help You Quit Smoking (Part 3/5 of Natural And Effective Ways To Stop Smoking) January 31, 2013 by Michelle Leela Grace 5 Comments. Korean ginseng reportedly can disturb sleep and increase the likelihood for insomnia. However, ginseng may also reduce the time it takes. Since ginseng can act as a stimulant in some people. Ginseng has been reported to cause nervousness and insomnia. Long- term use or high doses of ginseng may cause headaches, dizziness, stomach upset, and other symptoms. Women who use ginseng regularly may experience menstrual changes. There have also been some reports of allergic reactions to ginseng. Interactions. Because ginseng may affect blood sugar levels, people taking drugs for diabetes should not use ginseng without talking to their doctor first. Ginseng can interact with warfarin and with some medicines for depression. Do not take ginseng without consulting your doctor if you take any medications. Caffeine may amplify ginseng’s stimulant effects. Risks. To avoid side effects from ginseng, some experts suggest that ginseng shouldn’t be used for more than three months - - or sometimes just a few weeks - - at a time. After a break - - or “holiday” - - your doctor might recommend that you begin taking it again for another few weeks or months. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, ginseng is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. See the links below for in- depth information on the two main types of ginseng: American ginseng and Asian or Korean ginseng. Sources. SOURCES: Longe, J., ed. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, second edition, 2. Natural Standard Patient Monograph: “Ginseng.”National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine web site: . All rights reserved. The Best Herbs To Help You Quit Smoking (Part 3/5 of Natural And Effective Ways To Stop Smoking)Continued From Part Two: Diet and Supplements that Help You Quit Smoking. Herbs can be a great addition to a stop smoking program. Certain herbs will decrease withdrawal symptoms, ease stress and anxiety, reduce cravings, or help detoxify the lungs and body. Unless otherwise stated, the herbs listed below can be taken as a tea or in tincture or capsule form. Some herbs, if noted, can even be smoked. Some herbs can taste unpleasant. If the taste is preventing you from taking a herb regularly, then try mixing it in with another herbal tea that you do enjoy drinking. Certain herbs, such as lobelia, require a lower dose, whereas other herbs can be taken at a higher dose. In general, most herbs are not taken more than 3x per day, and each dose can be one cup of tea, or 1. If you are taking capsules, follow the directions on the bottle as potency will vary according to manufacturer. Most of these herbs are very common, but if you are having trouble finding them at your local shop, then check online suppliers such as Mountain Rose Herbs. Calamus (Acorus calamus)Calamus, otherwise know as Sweet Flag, helps to eliminate excess mucus and clear congestion in the bronchioles. It is traditionally used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough, but is also of great use in removing the residual toxins in the lungs from cigarette smoking. Calamus is a calming and centering herb. It also has stimulating properties, and while it can treat anxiety, it will also give you the extra energy and stamina that you need while in withdrawal. Also, a well know digestive aid, calamus can help relieve upset stomach that may occur during the acute phases of withdrawal. Because of its effects on digestion, calamus tends to increase appetite, so be aware of this if you are taking calamus and are concerned with putting on weight once you quit smoking. Some say that chewing calamus root kills the taste for tobacco. I guess it’s worth a try since the root has many other benefits in regards to quitting smoking. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)While catnip excites cats, it calms down humans. Catnip reduces anxiety and can help those suffering from insomnia. Since catnip is calms the mind, it can help take the edge off the first few days after quitting. Catnip is also helpful for easing digestive upset and alleviating headaches which can occur during the withdrawal period. Catnip may also help to reduce cravings for cigarettes. Putting several drops of catnip tincture on the back of the tongue is said to decrease the desire for cigarettes. Some people smoke catnip, but smoking it may cause headaches, so proceed with caution if you choose to do so. Cautions: Excessive intake of catnip may cause headaches, nausea, or vomiting. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)Coltsfoot is an expectorant herb, which means that it promotes coughing and helps to expel mucus. Coltsfoot is an excellent herb for cleansing the lungs, but using too high of a dose can lead to coughing fits. Start using coltsfoot at a low dose; you want to cough once in a while to bring up the excess phlegm and clear the toxins, but not so much that coughing becomes incessant. Cautions: Do not use coltsfoot if you cannot stop coughing, if you are coughing up blood, or if you have pain when breathing. Horsetail (Equisitum arvense)Horsetail contains a small amount of nicotine and can help alleviate cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms in the first few days after quitting. Cautions: If using horsetail for more than six weeks continuously, it is important to take a break from the herb for three weeks, as excessive use can cause urinary irritation. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)Hyssop’s expectorant properties clear mucous congestion and purify the lungs. Hyssop also soothes irritated mucous membranes in the respiratory system, and it is often used for treating respiratory ailments. Hyssop is also useful to help one cope with any extra stress that may be associated with quitting smoking. Hyssop relieves anxiety, soothes the nervous system and enhances mental clarity. It may also help lessen withdrawal symptoms as hyssop is known to help clear toxins in the intestines, bladder, and kidneys in addition to it cleansing action in the lungs. Hyssop is also a diaphoretic herb, meaning that it promotes sweating which will help in cleansing the body of toxins through the skin. Cautions: Hyssop does have laxative properties, if you experience excessive diarrhea while taking this herb, stop taking it for a few days, then resume with a milder dose. Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng)Korean ginseng has adaptogenic properties, meaning that it helps the body deal with physical and emotional stress and to restore balance in the body. It is a tonic for health and helps improve overall well- being. Korean ginseng is also a tonic for the adrenal glands and it reestablishes proper cortisol levels in the bloodstream. Because it energizes the body and helps deal with symptoms of stress and fatigue, Korean ginseng may increase energy, endurance and stamina during the withdrawal period. Korean ginseng will help one deal with the mental and emotional stresses of quitting as it sharpens concentration, improves mood and may lessen anxiety. Often used for breathing problems and asthma, Korean ginseng dilates constricted vessels in the lungs and may help rebuild the general health of the lungs. Korean ginseng has been studied for its effects on cancer prevention. It has been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing lung cancer, as well as other types of cancers, and may be beneficial if you are worried about the carcinogenic effects of a long- term smoking habit. Cautions: Do not take ginseng for prolonged periods without a break. For example, alternate periods of a few weeks of taking ginseng with a few weeks of not taking ginseng. In this way, you will avoid side effects that may occur from taking ginseng for extended periods. If you have insomnia, do not take ginseng later than midday as it may interfere with sleep. Do not take ginseng if you have a heart condition, diabetes, auto- immune disease, bleeding disorder, schizophrenia or a hormone sensitive condition; ginseng has various effects which can make these conditions worse. If you are on medication to prevent organ rejection after transplant, do not take ginseng as it can interfere with the medication. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)Licorice is an expectorant and demulcent herb. It has been traditionally used to soothe irritation in the lungs caused by asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. It is also an adrenal tonic, and can help to balance cortisol levels, reduce fatigue and restore energy. Chewing on sticks of licorice root (not the candy) can also satisfy the oral fixation of smoking. You can find licorice root at a health food store or herbal shop. Cautions: Do not use licorice for more than 4- 6 weeks. High doses or long- term use may cause potassium depletion, edema, or high blood- pressure. Avoid using licorice if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, adrenal disease or weaknesses in the kidneys or liver. Also do not take licorice if you have hormonal conditions such as any estrogen- sensitive condition (uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or breast, uterine or ovarian cancer), low testosterone levels, or an imbalance of aldosterone. Licorice may interfere with several medications including ACE inhibitors, diuretics, corticosteroids, Digoxin, MAO inhibitors, Warfarin or medications processed by the liver. Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)Lobelia, also know as Indian tobacco, is shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with the cessation of smoking. The reason why Lobelia has this effect is because it contains an alkaloid called lobeline which binds to the same receptor sites in the brain as nicotine. Lobeline produces similar effects in the body as nicotine, without causing the damage that nicotine causes. It is also not addictive or habit- forming. Another beneficial alkaloid in Lobelia is isolobelaine, which has relaxing effects on the central and autonomic nervous systems. It helps to ease tension and calm the nerves, aiding those who are going through withdrawal symptoms. Lobelia is also an expectorant and an anti- spasmodic herb. It is commonly used to treat lung conditions such as asthma, whooping cough, and pneumonia. Lobelia will help clear the lungs and ease spastic coughing. While you are in the withdrawal period, you can take Lobelia regularly, as you would other herbs, or you can try it on an “as needed” basis, and use it only when cravings are really bad. If a craving for cigarettes comes about, take 5- 1. Lobelia tincture under the tongue, or sip a tea made of Lobelia, and the craving should subside within 5 minutes. Lobelia has quite an unpleasant taste, but given its potential benefits, it’s worth enduring. Cautions: Lobelia is a potent herb, and when taken in high doses it may cause nausea and vomiting. It is best to start with a lower dose, and if you do not feel results than increase the dosage gradually if no side effects are noted. If you start to feel nauseous, discontinue the use of the herb for the remainder of the day, and try a smaller dose on the following day. Too high of a dose can also cause dizziness, light- headedness, dry mouth, vomiting, or excessive sweating. Do not take Lobelia if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, if you suffer from seizures, or if you are recovering from shock. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)Mullein is demulcent in nature, it soothes inflammation and irritation in the lungs. It is often used in the treatment of respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. Since mullein has an affinity for the lungs, it is an excellent herb to take when quitting smoking to aid in a quick recovery of the lungs.
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