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Ginseng

What You Need to Know About Ginseng

By , About.com Guide

Updated September 26, 2011

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Other Types of Ginseng

In traditional Chinese medicine, American ginseng is said to have "cooling" properties. This type of ginseng is often touted as a natural remedy for diabetes. American ginseng is also said to stimulate the immune system, improve strength and stamina, and treat and prevent some forms of cancer.

Also used to boost strength, stamina, and immunity, Siberian ginseng is sometimes taken to ease the side effects of chemotherapy. In addition, Siberian ginseng is thought to act as an adaptogen and protect against atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

Should You Use Panax Ginseng for Health Purposes?

While Panax ginseng may help with certain health conditions, it's crucial to consult your doctor before using Panax ginseng (or any other type of alternative medicine) to treat a chronic health condition.

Sources

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Choi HK et al. Clinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction. International Journal of Impotence Research. 7.3 (1995):181-6.

Hong B, Ji YH, Hong JH, Nam KY, Ahn TY. "A double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a preliminary report." J Urol. 2002 Nov;168(5):2070-3.

National Institutes of Health. "Ginseng, Panax: MedlinePlus Supplements". April 2011.

Reay JL, Kennedy DO, Scholey AB. "Single doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental activity." J Psychopharmacol. 2005 Jul;19(4):357-65.

University of Maryland Medical Center. "Asian ginseng". Last accessed May 2011.

Vuksan V, Sung MK, Sievenpiper JL, Stavro PM, Jenkins AL, Di Buono M, Lee KS, Leiter LA, Nam KY, Arnason JT, Choi M, Naeem A. "Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) improves glucose and insulin regulation in well-controlled, type 2 diabetes: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of efficacy and safety." Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2008 Jan;18(1):46-56.

Wesnes KA, Ward T, McGinty A, Petrini O. "The memory enhancing effects of a Ginkgo biloba/Panax ginseng combination in healthy middle-aged volunteers." Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2000 Nov;152(4):353-61.

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