7 Unexpected Benefits Of Ginseng

Herbs are generally used in conversations around cooking and gardening. But, their health benefits have been tapped into only recently.

One such herb is ginseng, which is a vital part of most medicinal practices in East Asia and North America. Here are a few benefits of the herb

1. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Research states that Korean red ginseng (KRG) might help in regulating glucose and insulin levels for those with type 2 diabetes. So, if you do suffer from this disorder, you could try incorporating ginseng in your diet.¹

2. Boosts Brain Function

Ginseng might boost your brain health. Studies state that ginsenosides, a constituent in ginseng can modulate stress, fatigue, and learning. It hence modulates cerebroelectrical (EEG) activity and significantly improves memory.²

3. Improves Mental Health

Apart from boosting your mood, research states that panax ginseng might be useful in the treatment of stress-induced disorders. However, it’s important to remember that the research regarding this is still fairly new and scattered.³

4. Relieves Symptoms Of Allergies

It is believed that ginsenoside Rh1, a constituent in ginseng, possesses anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammations caused by allergies.⁴

In fact, fermented red ginseng in particular, is believed to improve nasal congestion symptoms caused due to allergic rhinitis. So, if you do tend to pop anti-allergy pills each time the season changes, do give ginseng a shot.⁵

5. Treats Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction affects 5 percent of men around the age of 40.⁶ Recent research concludes that red ginseng helps sexual function in men without any adverse effects to their hormones or lipid blood levels.

It did this by releasing endothelial nitric oxide which increases penile hardness. This made it easier for men to engage in sexual intercourse.

Besides this, ginseng has the potential to improve disorders hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, which are believed to be important risk factors for Erectile Dysfunction.⁷

6. Fights Cancer

Several studies state that ginseng, when used in combination with anticancer drugs, enhances the effects of chemotherapy.⁸ Besides this, it combats tumor growth, prevents oxidative stress, and protects cells.⁹

7. Improves Lung Function

Ginseng is believed to improve lung function for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) when administered with doses of ginseng for 3 months. It does this by improving pulmonary function, respiratory endurance, and oxygen consumption in patients.¹⁰ Although this treatment is believed to have no side effects, be sure to consult a professional before consuming ginseng.

Besides this, ginseng might reduce obesity and improve metabolic health.¹¹ It might also improve one’s immune function and slow down the aging process.¹² And, although its consumption is generally considered safe, infants, children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women might be better off avoiding it.¹³

In general, ginseng is an excellent supplement to add to your routine. However, before you take any supplement, you should definitely consult a doctor.