Beat Holiday Stress: The Gift of Ginseng

As we head into the last few days of the Christmas season, the rush for last minute gifts may become a stressful endeavor. Although a wonderful time of year where many people come together in the spirit of giving and unison, the pressures inherent with the holidays can greatly tax the body's reserves. Its times like this that our botanical kingdom shows its wonderful benefits and when used correctly, can greatly enhance the body's ability to control the effects of stress, while safely optimizing our energy levels. Ginseng is just the herb fit for the occasion!

To benefit most from this wonderful herb, it is important to understand the many forms of Ginseng and how and when to properly use them:
Ginseng is an Adaptogen. In the world of Herbal Medicine, Adaptogens improve the body's resilience by enabling it to physiologically adapt to problems before they reach the point of collapse by directly supporting the function of the adrenal glands. Adaptogens also have effective secondary immune modulating and building effects.

There are three main types of Ginseng presently used in Herbal Medicine:

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) - This herb was greatly prized by the eastern Native American tribes for its many beneficial uses. Among these was as a general tonic and male revitalizer. In modern use, American Ginseng is primarily used for post-operative, post- traumatic conditions - - assisting the recovery process. It is also a beneficial tonic for the immune system but not as stimulating as the other two forms of Ginseng. (In America, this herb is endangered due to over harvesting and exporting.)

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) - this herb was heavily used in Russia as a performance optimizer and tonic for its athletes and soldiers during the mid-1900's. It is now cultivated and used throughout the rest of the world and simply goes by the name Eleuthro, as it is no longer Siberian. Like American Ginseng it serves as a recovery tonic and immune enhancer but has a more stimulating effect for low energy-type people. It tonifies and enhances the adrenals to avoid the "burn-out" stage which can jeopardize a person's health.

Red Ginseng - (Panax schinsen) also called Korean or Chinese Ginseng, is by far the strongest of the Ginseng group and one that needs to be used properly. Like its other close members, it does support recovery and immune health but it has it greatest attribute as the "great optimizer". It is the most stimulating of the Ginseng and it is to be used by those who need that extra push for a LIMITED amount of time. It optimizes concentration, memory, physical output and libido. However, this herb does have a drawing effect on the body and if not used properly can exhaust the adrenals. This herb should be taken on a three-week-on, three-week-off basis to give the adrenals time to recover. With those suffering from any form of hypertension and/or heart disease Panax shouldn't be used.
There is also a fourth choice, although not truly a "Ginseng" as we know it, but very similar in properties and effect. It is called Indian Ginseng by many but known commonly as Ashwaganda (Withania Somnifera). This is my favorite and the one most suited to my personal needs. It is again, tonifying and immune enhancing but it is also a calming herb, which is opposite of the other Ginsengs. It also has memory enhancing and anti-aging qualities as well.

You may be wondering which one to take - that would depend on how well one handles stress and each person's temperament. The more hypo (underactive) the person is, the higher he/she can start on the stimulating scale. The more hyper (overactive) the person is, the lower he/she should be utilized.

As with anything in life, moderation is the key. The Ginseng family is wonderful gift to humankind, perfectly suited for today's fast-paced world. These wonderful herbs truly deserve the consideration of any and all who presently live on the fast lane.

Yours in Good Health,

Eric Rodriguez, MH, CCI
The Culpeper House
www.culpeperhouse.com