Hair Alternative Medicine

Ginseng: Root of Immortality


Translated to mean man root in Chinese, the name ginseng premises on the belief that the roots, with their attached limbs, resemble a human being. Due to its perceived kinship with the gods, the Chinese named it the root of immortality. Indeed, being closely associated with longevity and masculinity, the ginseng has always been regarded as the King of all tonics among the Chinese.

History

In 18th century American folklore, ginseng was thought to have the powers to frighten spirits away. The Jesuits exported it as a valuable commodity, along with rare furs, and this was how the American Indians came to be acquainted with its valuable medicinal properties.

The Latin name of ginseng is panax, which means panacea. Like the Asian ginseng, the Panax variety is believed to be imbued with masculine properties. Soviet cosmonauts used Siberian ginseng for alertness in outer space. Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) is a native spring shrub in the woodland areas of Siberia and Korea while Panax is a herbaceous perennial that finds its fertile ground in North American forests.

The value of ginseng lies mainly in its roots, which have plenty of branches and flesh. They take at least six years to mature and should not be harvested early. To ensure that the numerous root limbs attached to the main root do not break off when harvested, the ginseng should be unearthed carefully and dried for at least one month before use. Ginseng has thin stems with 5 to 6 veined leaves each. Tiny flowers cluster near the main stem.

Cultivation of ginseng is now done with extreme care as the once-plentiful supply has almost decimated, thanks to escalating popularity. It comes as no surprise then that ginseng seeds now come at a heavy price.

Health Notes

Ginseng is held in high regard in China due to its rejuvenating powers and ability to provide stimulation to the whole body and offer protection against fatigue and disease in general. It is a good remedy for inflammation, fever, hormonal imbalances, high blood pressure, diabetes and anemia. A stimulant for the central nervous system and endocrine glands, the demulcent effects of ginseng also make it soothing for mucous membranes. New studies show that ginseng may be effective for heart protection and cancer. Use ginseng with caution if you are pregnant.


MORE RESOURCES:

Alternative Health Practices Complement Mainstream Approach
Patch
Interested in alternative health practices? Dr. Yvonne Kleine, a Bayport resident, Naturopath and Ph. D Nutritionist, introduces her new column and asks ...



Mel Evans/AP
NPR
"We are very supportive of alternative medicine," says Dr. Sacared Bodison, director of the student health center. All-nighters and good health don't mix. ...

and more »


WISC Madison

Pawlenty's Budget Contradicts His Own Executive Order, Instructs State To ...
Huffington Post (blog)
(a) The commissioner shall develop and authorize a demonstration project to test alternative and innovative health care delivery systems, ...
The Downside of Medicare--And AlternativesHuffington Post (blog)
Get Politics AlertsHuffington Post (blog)

all 481 news articles »


stv.tv

Alternative to alcohol pricing policy produced
Press and Journal
Under the proposals published yesterday, revenue would go to the UK Treasury and be reinvested in public health projects across Scotland instead of boosting ...
Sturgeon sets the minimum price of alcohol at 45p a unitHerald Scotland
Scotland pursues 45p-per-unit minimum priceOfflicence News
Scottish government names minimum alcohol priceNetdoctor
DeHavilland (press release) (subscription) -BBC News -Independent
all 369 news articles »


The Voice of Russia

Alternatives in anti-dengue drive pushed
ABS CBN News
Former Health Secretary Jaime Galvez Tan said communities with pools of stagnant water would benefit from the alternative product in efforts to control the ...
Alternative medicines can't cure dengue: DOHMalaya

all 42 news articles »


Dispensaries Speaking Out Against Proposed Ban
KKCO-TV
"They take the dispensaries away, now we're forced to go on the street," said Samantha McClellan, an employee of Mesa Alternative Health & Wellness and a ...
Pot shop owners far from mellow about closing their doorsGrand Junction Sentinel

all 11 news articles »


Bionovo, Berkeley researcher receive NIH grant to develop obesity drugs
Drug Store News
2) The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine's small business technology transfer program, part of the National Institutes of Health, ...
Bionovo Receives NIH Grant to Develop Drugs for the Treatment of Female ...PR Newswire (press release)

all 14 news articles »


Wyden Defects on ObamaCare
Wall Street Journal
The Secretary of Health and Human Services would need to approve the ObamaCare alternative of Oregon or any other states, and the waivers don't start until ...

and more »


Text messages little help in remembering the Pill
Reuters
The researchers suggest that alternative reminder systems, used by 68 percent of the participants who didn't receive text messages, may have played a role. ...

and more »


TopNews United Kingdom (blog)

Oregon Public Health Department issues advisory for North Fork Reservoir
OregonLive.com
Those who use water directly from the North Fork Reservoir are also advised to use an alternative water source and the public is warned that toxins cannot ...
Toxic algae levels confirmed in South UmpquaNRToday.com
Coos County's Sru Lake Contains High Algae LevelsKEZI TV

all 41 news articles »

Google News

home | Iridology | "Mind Machines" | "Alternative Health" site map | Iridology Site Map | "Alternative Botox"
© 2000 - 2010