Benefits of Siberian Ginseng

Ginseng plant is native to northern China and has been used as a medicinal herb, for more than 3000 years. Ginseng plant plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginseng roots resemble human body and exhibit various therapeutic properties.

Three major types of ginseng are available in the market today. These are Asian (Oriental), the most commonly used, Siberian, and American ginseng.

• One of the myriad benefits of ginseng is that it helps lower the levels of sugar and cholesterol in blood.
• It helps avoid side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
• It is used to treat low testosterone in men. It helps increase the sperm count as well.

• It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and so, helps relieve pain and discomfort due to arthritis.
• It fights stress as it has a positive impact on adrenal glands. This helps avoid illnesses caused by stress.
• Siberian ginseng supplement or tea helps relieve chronic fatigue. Being an adaptogen, it helps the body to resist trauma and anxiety.

• It strengthens your immune system and thus helps fight simple disorders like cold and flu, stomach upset, and even helps manage liver or lung disorders.
• It increases body's resistance to bacterial and viral infections, extreme hot or cold weather, physical exhaustion, harmful chemicals, air, water and noise pollution.

• Siberian ginseng tea benefits include strengthening respiratory system and curbing bouts of asthma attacks. It enhances blood circulation and improves sex-life.
• It is used to treat infertility. It promotes healthy function of the uterus in women. It is used to relieve symptoms of menopause. It is believed that it helps enhance the production of breast milk.

The ginseng exhibits antiviral and anticancer properties. But more research is required in this field. It is suggested that pregnant and nursing women, small children should take doses of this ginseng under the guidance of an expert physician.

In spite of several Siberian ginseng benefits, one has to take precautions because several side effects of ginseng root have been noticed worldwide. It is advised that diabetic patients should avoid excessive use of ginseng because it can cause hypoglycemia. Moreover, it may interfere with insulin and other oral medicines for diabetes.

The side effects of ginseng generally are experienced due to overdose of ginseng. So consult your physician for correct dose and correct use of Siberian ginseng. Taking it continuously for more than two months may result in health complications.

• Increased heartbeat, high blood pressure
• Muscle spasms due to nerve inflammation
• Upset stomach
• Nosebleeds
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Chest or breast pain
• Drowsiness
• Interference with insulin and some other drugs

You must have noticed that some of the ginseng side effects are serious while others are mild. It has been observed that health benefits of ginseng tea and ginseng root are the same. You just need to keep it in mind that ginseng should be consumed in proper doses and for limited days.

To reap Siberian ginseng benefits, you need to follow the instructions regarding its dosage and duration, religiously. Siberian ginseng is now commonly known as Eleuthero as its scientific name is Eleutherococcus senticosus. So don't get confused if you see this name on the labels.

Ginseng can be taken in powdered, capsule or pill form. Experts suggest taking Siberian ginseng for four to eight weeks, then taking one or two weeks off, before resuming the dose.