Ginseng

**Definition**
Ginseng is an herb from the Far east that has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years, as the Chinese believed it had mythical healing powers. The main ingredient of ginseng, ginsenocides, are a type of steroidal saponins which are able to target many different types of tissues meaning the body has many different responses to ginseng. There is a lot of uncertainty about the effects of ginseng due to lack of scientific research and the pharmacology of ginseng is very complex. ginseng has been found to effect the Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular System, Endocrine System, and Immune System. (Attele, 1999)

**Sources**
Ginseng is not found naturally in food, and is generally taken as a pill.Ginseng supplements should typically come from either American or Asian ginseng plant roots, other types of ginseng do not have the same effects as American or Asian ginseng. Popular brands of ginseng supplements are Nature Made, Nature's Answer, and NuSci.

**Recommendations**
It is recommended that ginseng be taken at dosages from 200-400 mg a day as "preventative" medicine, however it has been shown that 40 mg in a multivitamin still has an effect on the body. Athletes like to take ginseng as a stimulant for better cognitive performance during competition. It is also recommended that people who are fatigued take ginseng as well. Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take ginseng because there is little scientific research of ginseng's effect on children.

Usage
Ginseng doses range from 200-400 mg daily but can go as low as 40 mg daily to still have an effect on the body. Ginseng is used for a variety of different reasons because the ginsenocides can effect several different body tissues and systems. Typically ginseng is used as an energy boost, to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and treat diabetes. Studies show that ginseng can help with learning and memory as well as enhance nerve growth in the CNS. Early studies have shown that ginseng can possibly reduce the risk of some cancers.

Warnings and Side Effects
Ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, however there is very little quality research that has been done to see the effects of ginseng on the body. There are a variety of different side effects that come from taking ginseng including headaches, elevated heart rate, nausea, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and others. Ginseng can alter the effects of some medications so it is important to check with a doctor before taking ginseng especially if you are on heart or medicine that effects blood clotting. It is also possible to overdose on ginseng so it is important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Some symptoms of overdose include decreased heart rate, vomiting, nausea, convulsions, and seizures.

Effectiveness: 3/5
Ginseng has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years, so it has to be effective. However, although it has been used for thousands of years it is still unknown how ginseng actually works or how many different ways it can be used, and in some cases it has been proven to be ineffective.

Safety: 4/5
Ginseng is relatively safe with very minor side effects. The only time ginseng can be dangerous is if the person using it severely overdoses which could result in serious heart problems or seizures.

Cost: 5/5
Because ginseng is a plant, it is easily available to develop and use. Typical ginseng supplements cost around 10 cents a capsule.

Ease of use: 5/5
Ginseng supplements are taken daily as a pill just like any other multivitamin so it is very easy to use.