A study by the University of Alberta in Canada recently found that taking American ginseng (panax quinquefolius) can help reduce your chance of getting a cold!
What is ginseng? Ginseng is a dried root from herbs in the same family. The most commonly used type of ginseng is Asian ginseng (panax ginseng). American ginseng is considered a milder version of the Asian varieties. In its various forms, ginseng has been used in medicine for over seven thousand years!
The name panax comes from the Greek panacea, meaning “all healing”. Ginseng supporters say it can help reduce stress, boost energy, enhance memory, and more. It is believed to have a normalizing effect on the body — it can lower high blood pressure OR raise low blood pressure, depending on what you need. Drugs or supplements with a normalizing effect are known as “tonics” or “adaptogens”.
Ginseng root also contains Vitamins A and B-6 and Zinc.
How does it work? Ginseng is used to improve general energy and vitality. Researchers are studying the usefulness of ginseng in helping diabetics normalize blood glucose levels and treating male impotence. Ginseng helps stimulate your body’s production of proteins that act a lot like antibodies — by stimulating the function of your immune system, ginseng may help you avoid colds! It may also help make the duration of colds shorter. Participants in the University of Alberta study found that those who took ginseng experienced colds that lasted eight or nine days, while those who took the placebo had colds that lasted eleven days or more.
You may also see ginseng used with ginkgo biloba as a memory aid. Ginseng is available as a tea or as a pill. It is generally well tolerated, but may not be recommended for use by people who use insulin or oral hypoglycemics. Also may not be recommended for people with hypertension or bleeding/clotting problems.
Talk to your doctor before adding any herbal supplements to your diet.