Ginseng Root, Panax Quinquefolium, has a long and illustrious history as one of the finest herbal tonics that one can take. Like its oriental cousin, Panax Ginseng, or its Siberian relative, Eleutherococcus Senticoccus, it is probably the only herb that can truly be called an adaptogen. An adaptogen has a normalizing influence on the body, increases resistance to the adverse influences of a wide range of factors, and causes minimal disorders in the physiological functions of an organism.

Recent research has shown Ginseng to be beneficial in normalizing blood sugar levels, whether they are low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia or diabetes). Ginseng has helped normalize blood pressure, both raising low blood pressure and lowering high blood pressure. In addition, it will help to regulate the ratio of red and white blood cells in the body, stimulate the endocrine system, and maintain proper levels of hormones in the blood.

It has been used for depression, to increase endurance in athletes, and to combat stress and fatigue. It is beneficial in regulating glycogen production, important in maintaining energy levels. Additional effects include a pronounced tonic effect in cardiovascular disorders, such as rheumatic heart disease, and the build-up of plaque (arteriosclerosis). It will help to lower serum cholesterol and inhibit the uptake of cholesterol from foods in our diet. One of the most encouraging findings suggest that the ginsenosides found in Ginseng can help to achieve ‘re-differentiation’ of cancer cells, i.e. it helps to change the cancerous cell back to normal. However, one should not look upon Ginseng as a ‘cure-all’ for cancer. Finally, for those who have cancer and receive radiation/chemotherapy,Ginseng has been found to substantially reduce the effects of radiation - nausea, hair loss, weakness, etc.

Ginseng’s remarkable benefits are attributed to the wide array of bio-chemicals found in the roots. These substances are called ginsenosides, a complex carbohydrate molecule containing a sugar and an alcohol/phenol component. There are at least six primary and seven secondary ginsenosides in addition to arabinose, camphor, mucilage, resins, starches, vitamins Bl and B2, iron, phosphorus, manganese, copper, cobalt, sulfur and geranium. As with most herbs, the therapeutic benefit stems from not just the active ingredients (the ginsenosides), but also the synergistic balance of all the minerals and associated compounds.

Because of its unique composition, its historical usage, and recent research, we believe Ginseng to be one of the most suitable herbs to be used in our current societies. Dr. Hans Selye, a Canadian doctor who pioneered the seminal study of stress on the human body, stated that the body reacts the same way to all types of stress - biological, physical, emotional, societal, environmental, political, inter-personal. The list goes on. We now know that all forms of stress have been demonstrated to lower the body’s immune system, opening the pathways for illness. Ginseng provides one of the best ways to help the body deal with various types and forms of stress.

We are not presenting Ginseng as a universal panacea or cure-all; but if there is one item that could be used to help the body handle life in the world today - it is Ginseng. Taken daily, one capsule in the morning and perhaps another capsule in the late afternoon, Ginseng can put the body and its associated organs and glands back on a more stable basis, toning them, nourishing them, and helping to re-establish the overall equilibrium that goes with good health.