In China, Ginseng has been used as a tonic and restorative for thousands of years and is one of the most popular herbs being used to prevent and cure illnesses even in today. According to Compendium of Materia Medica, the most complete and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) published in 1593, “Ginseng has a bittersweet flavor and is ‘neutral in nature.’ It acts particularly on spleen and lungs, which can replenish ‘Qi’ (essential energy), nourish lungs, strengthen spleen, and ultimately fortify the body.”
So, what exactly is ginseng? Being named as “King of the Herbs,” ginseng is the root of a small woodland plant native to the mountain forests of Asia. As its common similarity to the human form, the name ginseng actually is composed from two words meaning “Man Plant” by Chinese. Although being called the remedy for all diseases may sound too good to be true, ginseng indeed is full of many kinds of beneficial chemicals and nutrients such as carbohydrates, fatty acids, fructose, glucose, maltose, pectin, starch, sucrose, B complex vitamins, biotin, calcium, choline, copper, iron, manganese, nicotinic acid, zinc, etc.
Furthermore, since ginseng contains steroid compounds, it is seen and used as an effective natural body building aids. What’s more, a chemical components called saponins have been found in ginseng, in which contain anti-oxidants and have the effects similar to those produced by various human hormones, making this natural plant capable of defending against diseases by improving one’s immune system and slowing the aging process. In fact, clinical trials have proven that patients with shortness of breath, cold sweating, weak pulse, etc. received immediate improvement after being treated with ginseng.
In China, TCM Practitioners often include ginseng in their prescribed herbal medicine to help patients smooth the mucous membranes, strengthen and tone the spleen, and mitigate fatigue and stress. While for general population, especially those who suffer from chronic disease or want to speed up the recovery from a major sickness, often add ginseng into their meals to increase physical and mental activity.
“The value of ginseng primarily is as a preventive,” TCM Practitioners said. “When taking it over a long period of time, it indeed can support the natural balance of your body and stimulate rejuvenation.”
Not sure how to start? Try this Ginseng Black-bone Chicken Soup tonight.
Tips:
In order to get the possible best results from eating ginseng, we should have ginseng before meal and allow the body to absorb and digest the nutrients as much as possible. Also, to avoid affecting or reducing the effects of ginseng, one shall not eat daikon (radish) or drink strong tea, or consume any food with “cold” or “pungent” attribute within 24 hours.
Image by Peter Garnhum
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