What Is Ginseng?
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a root that has been used as traditional medicine by the peoples of China, Korea, and other parts of East Asia for thousands of years.
Frequently used as a potent preventative rather than a curative, it has also demonstrated tremendous therapeutic benefits for a wide number of conditions. If taken regularly, it is thought to increase vitality and extend lifespan.
What Is Ginseng Used for?
Ginseng is widely used to improve overall energy and vitality, particularly during times of fatigue or stress. While there isn't much clinical evidence to support an energy-boosting effect, there are studies showing its potential value in normalizing glucose levels after meals in diabetics, stimulating immune function, treating impotence, and - when combined with ginkgo biloba - improving memory and deficit of attention disorder in children.
Ginseng is used for:
- Increasing strength and energy levels
- Reducing memory lapses
- Countering fatigue
- Relieving sleep disorders
- Easing headaches
How Ginseng Works
Ginseng increases levels of estrogen, a female hormone in charge regulating many functions throughout the body.
Ginseng can accomplish this task because it contains phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that have a chemical structure very similar to estrogen. In other words, ginseng replaces the natural human hormones with plant-based compounds to raise the amount of estrogen, leading to higher hormones levels.
Concerns about ginseng
Using ginseng for relieving menopause symptoms has been recently questioned because some studies have shown that there may be a relation between phytoestrogens and the development and growth of breast cancer cells that have estrogen receptors.
In any case, you should learn about the benefits and side effects of this phytoestrogenic herb before using it in order to make a well-informed decision.
Benefits and Side Effects of Ginseng
Before using ginseng, women should be aware of the beneficial and the adverse effects this phytoestrogenic herb has.
Ginseng benefits
Ginseng relieves menopause symptoms. Ginseng is effective in short-term treatments for alleviating menopause symptoms, especially energy- and mood-related symptoms.
Ginseng is a good alternative to HRT. The phytoestrogens in ginseng can supply the needed hormones to supplement low estrogen levels in women. Ginseng has the same benefits as HRT - although it is a bit weaker - with a less expensive cost.
Ginseng has several health benefits besides relieving menopause symptoms. This phytoestrogenic herb is also used for improving sexual functioning and reducing the risk of catching a cold, among other benefits that are still unconfirmed.
Ginseng side effects
Ginseng may increase the risk of breast cancer. The phytoestrogens in ginseng may stimulate breast cancer cells that have estrogen receptors.
Ginseng has several side effects. Headache, nervousness, agitation, and trouble sleeping may occur. Unlikely side effects that should be reported promptly include diarrhea, fast or irregular heartbeat, skin rash, and unusual vaginal bleeding.
Conclusions about Ginseng
Ginseng is very effective for treating some menopause symptoms, and it's reasonably priced compared to HRT. However, ginseng has been recently questioned because it adds artificial hormones to the body, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer and other reproductive cancers.
On the other hand, you can find other alternative treatments that are just as effective as ginseng, but have no side effects. For example, hormone-regulating herbs are a great alternative for treating hormonal imbalance.
Hormone-regulating Herbs for Hormonal Balance
Hormone-regulating herbs have nutrients that nourish the endocrine system to balance hormone levels naturally, avoiding side effects. This means that hormone-regulating herbs make the body itself produce the needed hormones. Click on the following link to read more about hormone-regulating herbs for balancing hormone levels.
