Ginseng

Ginseng (“root of life”) is a medicinal plant of the Araliaceae family. Used as a general tonic. Ginseng grows in North America and Asia (Korea, Japan, China, Russia, Vietnam). It is believed that preparations based on it help to resist stress. Ginseng is widely used for this purpose in Russia and Eastern Europe. However, the scientific basis for this use of ginseng is largely limited to animal and human studies, which are of unacceptably low quality. There has also been better research into various forms of ginseng for more specific purposes – boosting immunity to fight colds and flu, as well as other infections (including herpes), help control symptoms of diabetes, stimulate mental activity, improve overall well-being and physical performance. body – and some of them showed positive results.

Botanical characteristic

Ginseng has a branching, spindle-shaped, taproot, 0,7-2,5 cm thick and reaching 25 cm in length. As a rule, large longitudinal or spiral-wrinkled branches depart from it. The “body” of the root is cylindrical with pronounced annular thickenings at the top, forming an apical bud. The leaves are palmately compound, long-petiolate, converge into a whorl at the top of the stem. The flowers are small, pale green, collected in an umbrella, visually reminiscent of stars. The stem is single, hollow inside, plant height is 30-70 cm.

The fruit is a drupe with two flat seeds, bright red. The ripening period is August-September. Seeds are wrinkled, irregularly rounded, with a spout at the base, yellowish-gray in color.

Chemical composition

Ginseng root is used for medicinal purposes. Preparations based on it have a mild relaxing effect on the central nervous system and are synergists that are used instead of phenamine, pyrotoxin, caffeine and camphor as natural stimulants.

Active ingredients of the root:

• xatriols;
• saponins: ginsenosides (panaxosides);
• biologically active polyacetylenes (falcarintriol, panaxinol, panaxidol, panaxitriol, heptadeca-1-en-4,6-din-3,9-diol, falcarinol);
• polysaccharides (solubility in alkali – up to 10%, in water – up to 38,7%);
• essential oils (sesquiterpenes make up to 80%);
• fatty acid;
• phytosterols;
• peptides;
• mucus, resins, pectin, organic acids, sucrose;
• vitamins (B5, B9, PP, C), amino acids;
• trace elements: manganese, molybdenum, copper, cobalt, chromium, titanium, zinc, iron.

The amount of minerals in the underground part of the plant increases towards the end of the growing season.

Useful and harmful properties

According to scientific studies, ginseng roots are supposed to have an adaptogenic, stimulating and tonic effect on the human body. Based on them, tinctures, ointments, decoctions, teas, powders, capsules and tablets are prepared, which are recommended to improve the function of the nervous, endocrine, digestive and cardiovascular systems, as compounds that help maintain the body in a state of balance.

The positive effect of formulations based on ginseng root:

1. promote recovery after exhausting physical exertion;
2. have a positive effect on the nervous system, in a state of stress and neurasthenia, stimulate the respiration of brain cells;
3. have wound healing, anti-inflammatory and disinfectant action;
4. increase the secretion of bile, normalize carbohydrate metabolism by lowering blood sugar, help reduce weight and the risk of obesity;
5. strengthen hair follicles, improve blood circulation of the scalp, prevent baldness;
6. activate the activity of the adrenal glands;
7. increase the sensitivity of the eyes;
8. strengthen the immune system and are recommended for the prevention of seasonal colds.

Several studies have been conducted that show that ginseng root improves erectile function in men. The saponins contained in the plant stimulate sexual activity, with regular use of ginseng (within 2 months), sperm motility increases, sexual function improves. However, an analysis of the results from 6 controlled but small studies leaves some doubts about these conclusions. To increase the effectiveness of treatment during therapy, it is recommended to stop drinking coffee, since the drink causes excessive stimulation and excitability.

Despite the uniqueness of the plant, with the uncontrolled use of tinctures or preparations, ginseng can harm the body. With prolonged use, biological substances begin to accumulate in organs and tissues, which leads to an increase in blood pressure, dizziness and nausea. Ginseng shampoos can cause allergies, resembling seborrhea in symptoms – dandruff, intense production of sebum.

Contraindications:

• acute respiratory diseases;
• hypertension;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• insomnia;
• hyperthyroidism;
• increased nervous irritability;
• idiosyncrasy;
• age to 12 years.

To avoid sleep problems, ginseng root formulations should be taken before lunch, as it has a stimulating effect on the human body.

“Red ginseng” with honey

The dried raw ginseng root is called white ginseng, while the steamed and dried root is called red ginseng. Chinese herbalists believe that each form has its own unique benefits. According to separate experimental data from the South Korean National Ginseng Institute, it is assumed that “red ginseng” slows down the aging process of the body, increases immune defense, and prevents the development of cancer. In addition, it enhances detoxification, increases energy production in cells, protects against atherosclerosis and diabetes, and stimulates oxygen utilization by cells.

The method of preparing the mixture according to the method of Vladimir Bolibok

Wash fresh ginseng root (1 part), grate and add to heated honey (5 parts). Cook the resulting mass for 1 hour over low heat, cool and transfer to a sterilized glass jar. Store in a dark place. The composition is prepared exclusively in enamelware, which does not affect its beneficial properties.

During heat treatment of the root, polysaccharides (starch) are converted into oligosaccharides (caramel). The output is a product of a rich brick shade.

Drink before breakfast, between 8.00 and 11.00, 5-10 ml. For prophylactic purposes, “red ginseng” with honey is drunk from October to March, when the body’s immune status decreases.

Therapeutic and prophylactic dose increases to 15-20 ml per day and is distributed 2 times: on an empty stomach in the morning and before lunch.

Indications:

• increased mental and physical stress, chronic fatigue;
• prevention of colds in autumn and winter;
• radiation exposure both when radionuclides enter the body and from an external source;
• neuropsychic exhaustion, chronic stress (feelings of anxiety, fear, depression);
• elderly, senile age (for rejuvenation of organs and systems);
• the period of recovery after surgical operations, diseases and injuries;
• chronic intoxication (with alcohol, drug addiction).

The active ingredients in ginseng are substances known as ginsenosides. Ginseng low in ginsenosides may not be effective. However, different types of ginsenosides appear to have different actions, and the exact mixture of ginsenosides in a given product (ginseng) can play a significant role in its effectiveness. In case of drug abuse, the following reactions from the body may occur: neck muscle tension, tachycardia, hair loss, insomnia. When these symptoms appear, the drug is completely stopped or the dosage is reduced.

Contraindications:

• hypertension;
• pregnancy, age up to 12 years;
• severe neuropsychiatric diseases, convulsions;
• encephalopathy (increased intracranial pressure);
• thyrotoxicosis (Graves’ disease, hyperfunction of the thyroid gland).

Ginseng with honey is an adaptogen that helps the body save energy and restore strength. Struggling with overwork, anemia. It is used to activate skin cells: regeneration and improvement of metabolic processes. Ginseng honey is included in cosmetic soaps, lotions and creams. It helps to get rid of wrinkles, pale skin, freckles and eczema.

Traditional recipes

Ginseng is a stimulant that has a mild effect on the human body and reveals its reserves. Helps to cope with depression, slow down aging, resist infections and diseases of internal organs. Improves mood, increases efficiency, harmonizes circadian rhythms.

Recipes with ginseng:

1. To improve memory, lower cholesterol, improve the functional state of the heart. Fresh ginseng root is crushed in a blender, 15 g of the resulting mass is mixed with 30 ml of freshly squeezed grape juice. Use once a day for 30 drops.
2. From skin infections, pain and calluses. To prepare a medicinal paste, you will need 30 g of dry crushed ginseng and 50 ml of hot water. Mix the ingredients, leave for 3 hours, then heat in a water bath, stirring regularly, cool. The paste is applied to the affected areas for a quarter of an hour, after which it is washed off with warm water. Apply as needed 2-4 times a day.
3. With bronchitis. To speed up the removal of sputum and relieve inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, a decoction is prepared from ginseng roots (30 g) and water (200 ml), which is boiled for 5 minutes. The drink is filtered, drunk warm, 150 ml 3 times a day.
4. To improve metabolism and get rid of anemia. Cooking principle: ginseng roots (100 g) pass through a meat grinder, add warmed honey (900 g). Mix the contents, leave to infuse for four weeks in a dark place, stir regularly. The course of treatment is 8 weeks. Take 2,5 ml before breakfast.
5. To boost immunity. Powder from a dry root pour boiling water, adhering to a ratio of 1:10, wrap the container with a towel, wait 10 minutes. Ready tea to take 15 ml 20 minutes before meals 3 times a day for 30 days. A month later, repeat the course of treatment.
6. To improve the functioning of the digestive tract and increase efficiency. Ginseng honey extract (5 ml) is added to hot boiled milk (200 ml), the mixture is cooled to 40 degrees and added to fermented milk starter. Yogurt is shaken, taken half an hour before meals twice a day, 200 ml each.

Ginseng root extract is available in capsules of 0,75 g, 1 g and in the form of tinctures. For vitaminization of the preparation, lyophilized royal jelly, vitamins A, E, C, D, B, phosphorus, potassium iodide, zinc and calcium sulfate, iodine-iron fumarate are introduced into its composition. The treatment regimen depends on the disease and is prescribed by the attending physician. Ginseng preparations are used in the complex treatment of anemia, arrhythmia, arthritis, atherosclerosis, bronchitis, hypotension, headaches, influenza, depression, diabetes, toothache, impotence in men, nervous and physical exhaustion, flatulence, calluses, muscle pain and cramps, runny nose and cough, neurasthenia, baldness, indigestion, blurred vision, acne.

Ginseng tincture

The drug is used to lower the level of glucose and cholesterol in the blood, improve the functioning of the adrenal glands, relieve symptoms of drowsiness. Ginseng root, infused with alcohol, is indicated for overexertion, neurasthenic and asthenic syndromes, exhaustion of the body, insufficient erection, vegetative-vascular dystonia, reduced immunity, diabetes mellitus and arterial hypotension.

Principle of use: 30-50 drops 40 minutes before meals three times a day (can be diluted in water or juice). The maximum safe daily dose for an adult is 200 drops. The tincture has a stimulating effect on the body, so it should not be taken immediately before bedtime. During the use of ginseng, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages.

In case of an overdose of the drug, side reactions are observed: body temperature rises, skin rashes appear, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tachycardia, and a sharp jump in blood pressure occur.

Contraindications for use: hypertension, irritability, allergies, pregnancy, lactation, age up to 16 years, insomnia.

Tincture recipes:

1. from dry root. Ginseng powder (30 g) pour vodka (1 l), leave for 4 weeks, strain. Take for 2,5 months, repeat the course after 30 days.
2. From fresh root. Rinse the raw materials thoroughly, clean from the ground, dry, then grind in a blender. Pour gruel from ginseng root (100 g) with vodka (1 l), leave for 1 month, periodically shaking the mixture, strain. Use within 30 days, after a ten-day break, repeat the course.

To prepare the tincture, instead of vodka, you can use diluted alcohol in a ratio of 1: 2. Store the tincture in a tightly closed glass jar in a dark place.

The tincture is recommended for women at the stage of pregnancy planning, as it stimulates blood circulation in the pelvis. At the same time, immediately after conception, the product is contraindicated for use.

The composition of ginseng tincture includes saponin, which stimulates the reproductive function in men. It stimulates libido, dilates blood vessels, increases sperm motility, promotes erection, stimulates the sex glands. Tincture is used to enhance potency, relieve fatigue and signs of overwork. It has a positive effect on the organs of the endocrine system.

Before treatment, you need to consult a doctor.

Hair Benefits

Masks, tinctures and decoctions based on ginseng (when used externally) stimulate the growth of new hairs, get rid of dead skin scales and sebum residues, improve blood flow to the follicles and help remove dandruff. For medicinal purposes, only the root of the plant is used, which is cut in the seventh year of life. It is to this “age” that it accumulates useful B vitamins, tannins, ascorbic acid, pectin, fatty acids, resins, sulfur and phosphorus, which have a positive effect on the condition of the hair.

Positive effect on the condition of the hair:

• increases the elasticity of the scalp, nourishes it and protects against dehydration;
• stops hair loss;
• relieves dandruff;
• strengthens hair follicles;
• gives natural shine to the strands, makes them smooth and obedient.

A distinctive feature of hair care products with ginseng is fast results. A positive effect can be seen after the first application. Ginseng tincture is purchased at a pharmacy or prepared independently and rubbed into the roots at least 2 times a week. After applying the product to the hair, the finished product is wrapped in a plastic bag and a warm towel, wait 30 minutes. The tincture is washed off or left until completely absorbed.

Cooking options:

1. From fresh ginseng root. Wash raw materials, dry, grind and pour alcohol, observing the ratio of 1:10. Infuse for a month in a dark place, strain before use.
2. From dried ginseng root. To prepare, it is enough to pour powder (30 g) with vodka (1 l), leave to infuse for 3 weeks, strain.
3. Infusion. Indicated for use by people with sensitive scalp. To prepare the product, ginseng root powder (30 g) is poured with boiling water (250 ml), left to infuse for 1 hour. The infusion is cooled to room temperature, applied to the hair.
4. With grape juice. Alcohol tincture of ginseng (10 drops) is mixed with grape juice (100 ml). Rub the resulting product into the scalp, leave for 40 minutes, rinse with water.

Ginseng tincture is recommended to be added to ready-made cosmetic products (masks, shampoos, balms) to enhance their effect.

Hair masks:

1. For hair shine: linden honey (25 ml), boiled water (200 ml), crushed ginseng root (30 g), mix, leave for 1 hour. Keep the mask on the hair for at least 30 minutes, rinse.
2. To nourish the hair: mix cream (10 ml), chopped ginseng root (10 g), 1 chicken yolk and apply to the root zone of the hair, then spread over the entire length. Wash off the mask after 1,5 hours.
3. To strengthen hair: mix castor oil (30 ml), ginseng tincture (15 ml), apple cider vinegar (15 ml), 2 egg yolks, apply the contents to the entire length of the hair. Keep the composition on the hair for a maximum of 10 minutes, then rinse with water.
4. Against dry hair: applesauce (15 g), banana – ¼ piece, ginseng tincture – 15 ml, orange juice – 60 ml. The components are mixed, kneaded until a homogeneous mass is obtained, applied to wet hair, hold for 35 minutes, rinse with water.

To cleanse the head of keratinized scales, homemade peels based on ginseng are used. They not only get rid of dandruff and sebum, but also improve blood flow to the hair follicles, nourish the dermis of the head. To prepare the peeling, mix sea salt with ginseng tincture and shampoo in a ratio of 2:1:1. The resulting product is rubbed into the skin, distributed over the strands, rinsed with water. Use 1-2 times a week. The fatter the hair, the more often you need to carry out a cosmetic procedure.

Cultivation and reproduction

The site for ginseng is protected from winds, open sunlight. It should have a slight slope to drain rain, melt water. It is a shade tolerant plant with a shallow root system that is vulnerable to drought. For favorable growth, the area with ginseng is kept in a loose, moist state by mulching. The most favorable is loamy soil with a high content of humus and drained sandy loamy soil. The plant grows slowly and propagates by seeds. In the first year of life, it forms one three-lobed leaf. The roots are not dug up for the winter. Intensive growth of the root mass occurs in the third year. It is during this period that ginseng begins to bear fruit. Seeds are collected in the fourth year. Up to 40 seeds are obtained from one plant.

By the end of the fifth year, the height of the stem of the plant reaches 30-70 cm, depending on the growing conditions.

The most common method of growing ginseng is the seedling method. In this case, one- or two-year-old roots with an apical bud are used. The recommended time for planting roots is autumn. During this period, the roots have the greatest survival rate. For reproduction, plants use exclusively whole dense shoots, since damaged roots will rot in the soil. The beds are covered for the winter.

Ginseng tolerates frosts better than winters with frequent thaws.

As a top dressing, natural organic matter is suitable in the form of rotting fallen leaves, bark, oak sawdust. At the same time, chemical fertilizers and manure spur the growth of shoots, increasing their susceptibility to diseases.

Procurement of raw materials

Rinse the dug roots, dry them, lay them on a wire rack and leave them in a well-ventilated room with a temperature regime of 15-30 degrees. Turn once a day to prevent mold. To check the raw material for the level of drying, it is broken. If, when bent, the roots emit a characteristic crackle, then the crop is ready for long-term storage.

Conclusion

Ginseng is a medicinal plant with a fleshy, juicy root, which is used for medicinal purposes in traditional, folk medicine. By themselves, the shoots are poisonous, so preparations based on them are used only as directed by a doctor. In the Far East, it is believed that ginseng tincture prolongs the youth of the body, gives immortality. Medicinal formulations are used to enhance potency in men, treat neuropsychic exhaustion, and increase immunity.

Ginseng is a source of glycosides, which are sugar carriers and are involved in the redox processes. In addition, fatty acids, phytosterols, resinous substances, xatriols, macro- and microelements contained in the root of the plant improve the activity of the endocrine system, accelerate metabolism and wound healing, stimulate hunger centers, and have a stimulating effect on the subcortex and brain.

Forms of release of medicinal ginseng products: alcohol tinctures, powders, liquid extract, capsules, tablets. The dosage of the drug depends on the type, severity of the course of the disease and is prescribed by the attending physician based on the clinical history.

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