Ginseng has a history going back 5,000 years. It was the most valued in herbal medicine in the Orient. Ginseng has been highly regarded in the Far East. However, over the last decade it has gained popularity in the West. Ginseng is grown on mountain slope in East Asia (China, Korea). The roots are harvested in the autumn from plants 6-7 years old. The major active ingredient in ginseng is Ginsenosides. Ginsenosides are a class of steroid-like compounds. Ginseng is highly prized as an adaptogen. Due to its adaptogenic properties ginseng is used to lower cholesterol, increase energy and endurance, reduce fatigue and effects of stress, as well as prevent infections. It can alleviate some major effects of aging, such as degeneration of the blood system and increase mental and physical capacity. It even appears to help people with diabetes. |