Ginseng As A Cold And Flu Remedy
There are two types of ginseng that are used medicinally. Panax ginseng is also known as Asian ginseng. It is this variant that has a long history of use in China and other Asian countries. American ginseng is not considered as effective as Panax ginseng, though it may suit some people better.
Siberian ginseng is actually not in the same genus as Panax and American ginseng, and its active constituents are also quite different. Thus, even though it is nicknamed 'ginseng', it is actually not a ginseng. To get a sense of the differences in plant classification that a genus represents, look at the term 'homo sapien', as applied to humans. The genus is represented by the term 'Homo'. 'Sapiens' is used to name the species. Both American and Asian ginseng belong to the same genus - 'Panax'.
Another important difference between Siberian 'ginseng' and the Panax varieties, is that Siberian ginseng does not contain ginsenosides. Ginsenosides are found only in plants belonging to the Panax genus. They are believed to be responsible for ginseng's medicinal effects, and there are a number of different variants that have slightly different effects. The exact amounts of the different ginsenosides predominant in various ginseng plants does vary - even from plant to plant. Things like where the plants were grown, and how old they were when they were harvested, can all have an impact on their ginsenoside content. For this reason, it really pays to get good quality ginseng, whether it's the American or Asian variety you're after.
Whilst there have been problems of credibility associated with some ginseng studies, possibly related to the variety in strength and quality of the supplements used, there have been good quality studies as well.
Ginseng For Colds
One study, from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Alberta, was designed as a placebo controlled, randomized, double blind study of 170 people between the ages of 18 and 65 years. This is considered a good-quality study design amongst scientists. They used a standardized extract of American ginseng, which came in a 200g capsule, with 80% poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides from the root.
The people in the study had a history of getting at least 2 colds in the previous year. They were told to take 2 capsules of either ginseng or the placebo (they didn't know which they were getting), every day for 4 months. The trial started at the beginning of the cold and flu season.
The results were interesting. Of those taking ginseng, only 10% got two or more colds, compared to 22.8% of those taking the placebo. This was comparable with the results of common antiviral drugs that are used to prevent or treat flu. And of those who took the ginseng but still got sick, their symptoms were less severe.
Thus ginseng may provide a valuable immune boost to those who are susceptible to winter colds. This is especially valid for the elderly, as ginseng has been shown to have other important benefits for memory and aging.
References: Nutraingredients
Related Tags: remedies, supplements, herbs, natural health, ginseng
To learn more about dog kennel fencing, click here. Rebecca's site covers dog kennels, breeds, puppies, and more.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Working And Reasons To Buy Phentramin- D Diet Pills
Phentramin- d is one of the newest and enhanced versions of the Phentermine diet pill. It efficientl - Genf20 Plus: A Natural Way To Age Backwards
Due to popular demand, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) supplements are flocking the market. Guarantees of - Reverse The Effects Of Aging With Genf20 Plus
Aging comes with a lot of problems. As a person ages, the skin sags, eyesight blurs, bones become br - Health Benefits Of Genf20 Plus
When you get older, your body will surely experience the symptoms such as weaker stamina and bones, - Genf20 Plus Review - What You Should Know About Genf20 Plus
If you are still searching for the best anti-aging treatment that can reverse or at least slow down - Genf20 Plus - Anti-aging Treatment For A Younger You
There are many things in life that you wish you would rather not experience and one of them is aging - Say Goodbye To Fatigue With Detox Cleanse
Are you feeling unceasing fatigue, regular headaches? If you happen to feel your energy meter drops - Kidney Liver Cleanse To Get Rid Of Those Damaging Toxins From Your Body
Determining the right kidney liver cleanse product will assist you to get rid of numerous toxins fro - Erectile Dysfunction - Solving It The Herbal Way
Impotence is an often humiliating condition which most men find hard to accept. While studies show t - Isocort - Understanding The Facts
Isocort is a natural supplement which supports adrenal function. It can have profoundly positive eff
Most viewed articles in this category:
- How to Use Radionics Concepts to Save Money on Vitamins
It usually takes decades for fundamental scientific discoveries to become accessible to everyone. N - Be Wary of Treating Bone Spurs with Coral Calcium
Be Wary of Treating Bone Spurs with Coral CalciumThere are many websites that claim coral calcium ca - Should You Take Herbal Supplements?
A lot of people today are considering herbal supplements as an alternative to, or in addition to, co - Bob Barefoots Coral Calcium
One night, a few years back I as watching early morning television and happened to stumble across a - Mangosteen Supplement Use
The majority of any studies done with the mangosteen fruit to date have been done in a lab. There is - Colloidal Silver for Flu Prevention
Influenza, commonly called as Flu, is a highly contagious and acute infection of the respiratory tra - The Deep Need for a Postnatal Nutritional Program For All Postpartum Women
Throughout the past 30 years in private practice, hundreds of women have told me they felt that thei - Tips For Purchasing A Superior Hoodia Product
There are dozens of Hoodia products in the marketplace today, hence it is very important to take a l - Discovering Antioxidants
As society continues to find new and better ways to combat disease and improve overall health, we ar - Acne And Vitamin Supplements
Since the majority of the worlds population suffer from acne at some point in their lives, there is