Korean ginseng originally grew only in the mountain forests of China and Korea. A mature plant is about 60-80 cm high and, at its tips, and has finger-like leaves which open up like a hand. The root has an almost human form and this is how ginseng got its name: “ginseng“ derives from the Chinese “jen shen“ which can be translated as “human root“.
The name “Panax“ stems from the Greek language and means “all-healing“. It is referred to as 'true' ginseng because, from the medical perspective, it is by far the most valuable of all the ginseng varieties. In Germany, only preparations from the true Korean ginseng are licensed for use as a medicine.
How Ginseng Works
Adaptogenic Action
Ginseng is beneficial to health as a restorative and fortifying medicine suitable for those who suffer from tiredness or weakness, or who show a decline in performance and concentration. Likewise, its use is recommended for generally preventing typical illnesses caused by today's lifestyle and has been shown to offer protection against the effects of ageing.
This protection can be effective against every form of negative influence: physical, chemical and biological stress (e. g. radiation, allergy-inducing environmental poisons or pathogens) and, likewise, against psychological stress, such as that experienced at work or in difficult family situations.
The Balancing Effect
Ginseng has both stimulating and rebuilding properties, as well as calming properties. An explanation for this is provided by the active ingredients contained in ginseng, the ginsenosides. One knows from the two best studies of ginsenosides that they are antagonists - which harmoniously compliment one another, just like Yin and Yang in Chinese medicine.
One increases blood pressure, has a stimulating action, and promotes performance and the ability to react. Its antagonist reduces blood pressure, soothes agitation and helps one to switch off.. The most important site of action of the ginsenosides is probably the hypothalamus – a region in the interbrain (diencephalon ), from which all hormonal and neuronal processes are regulated that serve the maintenance of a state of equilibrium in the body.Areas of Experience
Hardly any medicinal plant has been so intensively studied as ginseng. Researchers throughout The World have taken experience gained from Asia over many centuries as the basis for their investigations, in order to provide orthodox medicine with a foundation for new therapies.
Immune System:
Ginseng strengthens the immune system, amongst other ways, by increasing antibody production and increasing the activity of different immune cells. People who suffer from allergies can therefore benefit to a high degree from regular participation in a course of treatment with ginseng.
Cardiovascular System:
Ginseng produces a strengthening of heart performance and regulates blood pressure. Ginseng thus counteracts those factors causing arteriosclerosis and thrombosis. Those who suffer from circulatory disorders, dizziness and cold hands or feet will benefit from using ginseng.
Exhaustion:
Ginseng produces an improvement in the energy balance. Available energy reserves are better utilised and, by stimulation of metabolism, additional energy reserves can also be better mobilised. Performance and endurance will increase.
Brain and Memory:
Ginseng has a centrally acting effect on mental ability. The stimulation of brain activity leads to an increase in the ability to concentrate and improved memory, and a greater speed of perception, as well as better relaxation of the nerves.
Disorders of the Metabolism:
People with metabolic disorders, which can be manifested, for example, in increased blood sugar or cholesterol values, can be helped to achieve a generally improved state of health by the restorative properties of ginseng.
Cancers:
The restorative effect of ginseng on the organism and the resistance of the body are especially important in relation to cancer. However, ginseng is not only suitable as a long-term therapy for strengthening the body, it also provides strengthening and fortifying as an accompaniment to chemotherapy and following operations.
Sexual and Reproductive Disorders:
Ginseng stimulates and strengthens the whole organism. In so doing, sexual function is also improved. Sperm achieve greater mobility and increased duration of life.
Ginseng Cultivation
Korean ginseng is a perennial plant which, in winter, sheds the parts of the plant appearing above ground and remains dormant during the winter period.
Ginseng was originally a woodland plant and therefore, can only tolerate little sunlight. Therefore, adequate shading of the ginseng fields is quite important, in order for the plants to thrive. In spring, shortly before the plants sprout, the shade covers are erected. In autumn, they are taken down again, in order to avoid damage to the construction being caused by storms or snow. 
A further important aspect of cultivation is the prevention of the accumulation of water in the soil. For this reason, the earth should be very permeable. In addition, the beds are laid out in a manner similar to that used in asparagus cultivation, in mounds, in order to allow the rain to drain away more quickly. A thick layer of mulch ensures that the earth is kept adequately moist. It protects the roots in winter against damage caused by frost and reduces the growth of wild plants.Only in the Autumn of the sixth year of growth can the ginseng roots be harvested. The plants should be allowed to grow for this long in order to achieve an optimal ginsenoside content in the roots and so fulfil the quality criteria for use as a high grade medicine.
Videos
Healthy Living - Episode 494, Ginseng: The Root of All Good - Broadcast 21st January 2008:
KETV Omaha Channel 7 News Report:
Videos courtesy of Supreme Master TV and KETV @YouTube
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