Ginseng for Fire

The common name of the genus Panax, a group of perennial herbs of the aralia family (Araliaceae), native to the woodlands of the North Temperate Zone. Panax schinseng of Manchuria, extensively cultivated, was in such demand among the Chinese that the supply became insufficient. Then P. quinquefolius of eastern North America was discovered, and soon it was being exported to China in large quantities. The price paid for the dried roots was so high that in a relatively short time the collectors nearly exterminated the plants. Ginseng is used as a general remedy for many ills, but there is no evidence that the drug has therapeutic value.

Herbal products from the roots of three species; Korean or Chinese ginseng is Panax ginseng, Siberian is Eleutherococcus senticosus, American is P. quinquefolius. Reported to have an immuno stimulant action, to increase work capacity, and act as an adaptogen (have anti-stress compounds), with limited evidence of efficacy.

A herbal root obtained from the plant Panax ginseng (Siberian ginseng is obtained from a different species, Eleutherococcus senticosus). It is one of the best known of the traditional Chinese medicines and is said to bestow a long and happy life. The active ingredients within ginseng are thought to be soapy chemicals called saponins or ginsenosides. Ginseng is sold whole or as an extract in capsules, powders, or tea, and marketed as an 'energizer'. However, although taken by athletes as an ergogenic aid, there is no concrete, irrefutable evidence that ginseng improves physical performance. One of the problems with its use by sports people is that unrefined products sometimes include traces of other drugs, such as ephedrine, which are banned by many sports federations. Ginseng may also be harmful in doses as low as 3 g per day, causing high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression.

General benefits:

• stimulated mental and physical activity, improved accuracy of work, prevents.
  
• fatigue, stimulation of endocrine glands, improves memory.
  
• strengthen the heart and nervous system, builds mental and physical vitality, builds resistance to disease, stimulates endocrine glands.
  
• Help to improve decreased health conditions, hangovers, fatigue, cool or hot feelings, stress, menopause, light symptoms of diabetes, male impotency, weakness surrounding childbirth increased strength, stamina, athletic performance, stress management, recovery from illness.
  
• improved capacity to think, study, concentrate, focus and memorize.
  

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• breast pain
• signs of low blood sugar (e.g., sweating, increased heart rate, palpitations, tremor)
• vaginal bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• difficulty sleeping
• irritability
• nervousness

Extracted from: http://www.answers.com

For the Chinese, Ginseng is known to increase energy and alertness. Therefore, small children/ teenagers are given ginseng tea to keep them energised and awake during exam periods and adults and/ or older people drink or eat Ginseng for its warmth generating benefits. Due to its unique feature and benefits, it can be sold up to USD250,000 for an over hundred years old Ginseng.