For a long time, stress and its cousins, depression, and anxiety have wreaked havoc on humankind. But now we are introducing Superman, quite literally. Ginseng for stress relief was first practiced in Chinese medicine over 5000 years ago.
why then did it take the rest of the world so long to start using ginseng? Most probably, it is because most people don’t know the value of natural medicine.
To be fair, most people don’t know the value of natural medicine
The negative consequences of stress on our health can manifest in a variety of ways. Top on that list is how it influences both our mental and physical well-being.
Fortunately, there are ways to help mitigate these negative effects of stress. Taking ginseng has been demonstrated to be one of them.
It may come as no surprise to some people, but ginseng has long been known to boost mood. Studies have looked at how well it does in lowering stress levels and high glucose levels associated with stress.
This plant is frequently used as a natural tonic to heal mental and physical disorders brought on by bodily stress.
These include issues like:
- Anxiety,
- Panic attacks
- Depression
Frequently brought on by the daily pressures of modern life or by pressures related to the workplace.
The Science Bit: Ginseng, as an adaptogen
In situations where the body is suffering or under pressure, adaptogens are utilized to assist the body adjust to stress levels and combat symptoms.
And ginseng is just that.
It is a great herb that may successfully counteract the physical and psychological changes brought on by stress in the body.
The pituitary gland is stimulated to release a stress hormone as a result of some types of stress that leak hormones through the brain and endocrine system.
Cortisol, the main stress hormone, is then produced as a result of this signaling from the adrenal glands. Although this is a completely normal occurrence, if the process is overworked and sugar (glucose) levels rise too high, the body may experience harmful biological stress responses.
One mechanism by which the body regulates blood sugar levels is the release of naturally produced cortisol during this process. However, excessive amounts can have a negative impact on the body’s natural equilibrium and result in severe imbalances, even though they are treatable.
Why Ginseng Is Used
It’s uncommon for us in the modern world to rely solely on plant medication to heal illness and disease. That said, ginseng is one of the medical plants that is frequently tried, and as a result, this ideal has drastically changed throughout the years.
Pressures and tensions from modern life have a significant impact on how our brains function. These pressures can be brought on by a variety of factors, such as being overworked, worrying about money, living in substandard conditions, or being ill. In fact, anyone can experience stress at any moment, for any reason.
Ginseng is a popular option for people who want to avoid receiving medical treatment because it can help with the biological stress reactions that the body produces. However, ginseng is also known to have favorable interactions with most drugs.
People who want to treat symptoms with a herbal alternative rather than conventional medications frequently use herbal ginseng. Ginseng is beneficial for various mental conditions including anxiety and despair. Additionally, it might aid in weight loss for diabetic patients, impotence, and even mild and persistent panic disorders.
It positively aids in controlling blood sugar levels and boosting the immune system, making it almost a super-herb. Even the most severe disorders caused by immune system abnormalities can be treated with ginseng.
Studies on ginseng’s anti-stress benefits have found that it performs incredibly well when compared to other, “controlled,” drugs. This may be the reason it is such a well-liked option. For optimal power, it can be purchased as aged roots and consumed as a tonic or in tablet form.
Ginseng’s History
The utilization of ginseng for medical purposes dates back more than 3,000 years to ancient China. It was discovered in a Choson Dynasty tomb, and artifacts discovered there suggest that it was used in tea to cure some of the same illnesses that we use it for today, such as the common cold, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Since its discovery in the Northern Chinese mountains thousands of years ago, ginseng has become a mainstay in herbal pharmaceuticals. Because of the plant’s purported therapeutic powers, it is believed that it was utilized as food and in foods.
Even after many years and significant shipments around the world, the price it commands now continues to be influenced by demand, quality, and age. Due to the scarcity of wild ginseng, most of what we buy today is produced by industrial growers who can supply the high demand resulting from its widespread use.
Ginseng is typically used by those of us who like to use herbs that have been tested and have been shown to help with specific aspects of the body’s healing process.
Panax ginseng, a Korean plant that also thrives in far Eastern Siberia, is one of the many varieties of ginseng used in today’s herbal supplements.
Being the most researched member of the ginseng family, Panax ginseng is frequently referred to as “true ginseng.” Panax has been demonstrated to help with blood sugar levels and circulatory system damage brought on by stress. Despite not directly affecting cortisol levels with short-term use, it has the strongest effects of the ginseng family.
Another ingredient that is frequently seen in herbal tonics is red ginseng.
Conclusions Regarding Ginseng’s Effects on Stress
- Reduces excessive cortisol levels and nourishes the adrenal glands
- Controls hormonal alterations and immune system stress
- Treats panic, anxiety, and depressive disorders
- Naturally relieves stress, maintains energy levels, and combats fatigue
- Works well with several drugs, including those for blood pressure and heart problems.
- The benefits of antioxidants
- Lowers blood sugar levels (linked to stress or fasting)
- Enhances mood and cognitive function
Conclusion
Ginseng has been used successfully in investigations. It might be time to stop going to coffee shops and start taking ginseng supplements instead.