Ginseng an aphrodisiac

Ginseng refers to species within Panax, a genus of 11 species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, in the family Araliaceae. They grow in the Northern Hemisphere in eastern Asia (mostly northern China, Korea, and eastern Siberia), typically in cooler climates; Panax vietnamensis, discovered in Vietnam, is the southernmost ginseng found. This article focuses on the Series Panax ginsengs, which are the adaptogenic herbs, principally Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius. Ginseng is characterized by the presence of ginsenosides.

The English word ginseng derives from the Chinese term rénsh?n (simplified: ??; traditional: ??), literally "man root" (referring to the root's characteristic forked shape, resembling the legs of a man). The difference between rénsh?n and "ginseng" is explained by the fact that the English pronunciation derives from a Japanese reading of these Chinese characters. However, the current Japanese word for these characters ?? (ninjin) means carrot, and ginseng is referred to in Japanese as ???? (chosen ninjin), or ???? ????(Goryo Insam) also known as Korean ginseng. The botanical name Panax means "all-heal" in Greek, and was applied to this genus because Linnaeus was aware of its wide use in Chinese medicine.

Ginseng has captivated Asian medicine for more than 5,000 years. It was even prized more than gold during the Qing dynasty of ancient China. This rhizome, in its natural state, is said to resemble an erect penis and/or several other parts of the human body which lead ancient experts to believe that it possesses mortal attributes. Authentic ginseng, that which comes from the species Panax, is commonly used as a healing agent to treat fatigue, reduce stress, fight infection and cure impotence.

As a potent aphrodisiac ginseng was mentioned in the ancient medical book of India, The Atherva Veda which states: “seed that is poured into the female that forsooth is the way to bring forth a son .... the strength of the horse, the mule, the goat and the ram, moreover, the strength of the bull (ginseng) bestows on him ..... This herb will make thee so full of lusty strength that thou shalt, when thou art excited, exhale heat as a thing on fire.”

Today, ginseng rhizomes (both American and Asian [Panax]) are taken orally as adaptogens, aphrodisiacs, nourishing stimulants, and in the treatment of type II diabetes, including sexual dysfunction in men. Some studies conducted point out that ginseng (Panax ginseng) appears to inhibit some characteristics associated with cancer in animal models; nevertheless, this effect is unclear in humans. Ginseng is most commonly promoted as an adaptogen (a product that increases the body's resistance to stress), one which can to a certain extent be supported with reference to its anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. The rhizome is most often available in dried form, either in whole or sliced form. Ginseng leaf, although not as highly prized, is sometimes also used; as with the rhizome it is most often available in dried form.

In 1996, a comparative, randomized and double-blind study at the National Autonomous University of Mexico does indicate it to be "a promising dietary supplement" when assessed for an increase in quality of life.

In humans, there is marked evidence to suggest ginseng increases energy and reduces fatigue. Recent studies showed soldiers given ginseng ran faster for longer, while night-shift workers also worked longer without suffering tiredness.

Native Americans use the local variety as a treatment for nausea and vomiting, and as a potent love potion. They recommended it to early settlers who abandoned their man-made drugs in favor of plant medicines, and adopted ginseng as a powerful stimulant and aphrodisiac.

A 2002 study by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (published in the annals of the New York Academy of Sciences) found that in laboratory animals, both Asian and American forms of ginseng enhance libido and copulatory performance. These effects of ginseng may not be due to changes in hormone secretion, but to direct effects of ginseng, or its ginsenoside components, on the central nervous system and gonadal tissues. In males, ginsenosides can facilitate penile erection.


Tagged as: love, aphrodisiac, ginseng