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Scientific developments have no doubt improved the
quality of life, but people's health has also suffered as a result of
technological advancement.Air and water pollution insecticides in vegetables
and fruits, growth hormones in meat products, antibiotics, artificial
colourings and preservatives, genetically modified food, pharmaceutical drugs
and other chemicals are all causing toxins to build up in our bodies. The body
begins ailing when toxins reach an unacceptable level. As a result, cancer,
coronary, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and the degeneration of
various organs have become common illness affecting all of us in modern day
society. Ginseng is recognized as the king of all herbs in Asia. Enhances the
immune system effective against cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, blood
related disorders, fatigue and aging.Efficacies well documented in 5,000+
years of medical history. Exclusively used by emperors and the affluent in the
past. Non-toxic, non-stimulant, no adverse effect.
Western medicine vs. Chinese medicineIn the last century, Western medicine developed into a science with a narrow focus: researching separate clinical issues and curing the symptoms of disease. Furthermore,
in many place, it has turned into an expensive kind of `equipment medicine`, the cost of which society is barely able to tolerate any longer. Human beings, as both physical and psychological entities, have receded into the background. Measured to maintain health and prevent disease have not received proper attention. However, the past decade has seen a rising interest in naturopathy, holistic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.
Health is, according to Chinese doctors, the equilibrium of body and soul. Unlike Western medicine, Chinese medicine does not focus primarily on the treatment of illness. Instead, it
focuses on the entire person-- the unity of body, psyche and soul. In Chinese medical thinking, illness is only one manifestation of an imbalance that exists in the person as a whole.
The philosophy behind Chinese medicine is that we live between heaven and earth, and comprise a miniature universe within ourselves. The material of which living things are made is considered to belong to the yin, or the female, passive, receding aspect of nature. On the other hand, the life functions of living things are considered to belong to yang, or the masculine, active, advancing aspect of nature. Yin and Yang are not opposing
forces, they belong together. We carry both Yin and Yang aspects within ourselves. If Yin and Yang are in equilibrium, this leads to overall health and well-being. If they are out of balance, illness and disease occur.
Yin and Yang can be forced out of balance in the human body by external or internal elements. Externally, the passage of the seasons and changes in the weather have an influence on the human body. Those having the most pronounced effect are wind, cold, heat(sun), moisture, dryness and fire(internal heat). Excessive or extraordinary changes in these external elements harm the body, and are referred to as the `six external disease-causing factors`. Internally, if mood changes such as happiness, anger, worry, pensiveness, grief, fear and surprise are too extreme,they too can harm good health. These are called the `seven emotions`. In Chinese medicine, the six external disease-causing factors interact with the seven emotions to form the theoretical foundation of disease pathology.
An important objective of Chinese medicine is disease prevention. In earlier times, the most esteemed doctors were those whose patients did not get sick in the first place. Traditional Chinese doctors administer herbal remedies in many combinations. Various active agents in the remedies complement one another and produce a cumulative effect that defies scientific explanation. When disease does occur, Chinese medicine attempts to eliminate the symptoms by stimulating the person's self-curing mechanisms.
Recently, Chinese medicine and some of its treatment methods have been acknowledged by many Western-trained doctors, especially as an adjunct to standard medical practices or as a means of preventative medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine relies on the use of many different kinds of herbs, the magnificent effects of which are something inexplicable in terms of modern science. When ailments have already manifested, Chinese medicine acts to stimulate the body's self-healing ability to counter the diseases.
Ginseng: The Root of Bing Han's Success
Ginseng had long been acknowledged by ancient medical literatures as precious plant capable of "maintaining balance and strengthening the foundations" of the human body. This extraordinary plant was discovered in the mountains of Northern China over 5,000 years ago.
Historical records show that ginseng has been an integral part of Chinese medicine for more than 3000 years.
Ginseng is difficult and expensive to grow. Before ginseng can be planted, the same plot of land can not be used to grow another ginseng crop for at least 15 years, during which time red cedar trees are planted. After the cedar trees are removed, the soil needs to be
turned over to allow for the absorption of natural essential ingredients, treated with organic fertilizers but avoiding any drugs or chemical compounds. Every two years after planting, the roots need to be transferred to another bed and the four-year seeds can be harvested
for cultivation. Because ginseng is not easy to harvest, and because of its strength-giving powers and commercial value, there is very little wild ginseng left in the world. Today, 99% of all ginseng is commercially grown.
Components of Ginseng Ginseng is a remedy that facilitates a healthy equilibrium in the body,and eliminates disturbances in bodily functions. In doing so, it can adjust its effects to the needs of the individual. This almost unique harmonizing effect is based on the remarkable interplay of ginsenosides,
the special active agents of the ginseng root.
Ginseng contains a complex mixture of carbohydrate compounds, nitrogenous compounds, fat-soluble compounds, vitamins and minerals. In the 1960's specific complex carbohydrate compounds called ginsenosides were identified and tagged as significant active ingredients. Up to 29 different ginsenosides
have been identified to date. These compounds have chemical structures similar to human hormones and it is believed that they may work similarly, effecting various enzyme systems at locations in the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, adrenal gland and immune system.
Health Benefits of GinsengIn China, ginseng is known as the "King of all Herbs". It is unique in its ability to absorb all the minerals present in the soil over its six years' growth. It is an effective traditional Chinese medicine with no harmful side-effects that helps the body maintain peak health. Many Asians view ginseng as a regenerative elixir that,
if taken over a period of time, not only increase health and vitality, but also prolong life. It is believed that ginseng makes the body more resistant to disease, prevents decline in potency in older men, restores virility, increases general vitality, negates some of the effects of stress and gives seriously ill patients strength, energy and stamina.
Research has found that ginseng has extraodinary health benefits and helps facilitate metabolic equilibrium. Russian research shows that ginseng:
- Stimulates physical and mental activities in tired and weak individuals.
- strengthens and protects the body and mind when under prolonged strain
- Stimulates and improves the working of the brain without the effects of a stimulant
- Increases energy and physical endurance
- Stimulates the functioning of the endurance system
Naturally, there has been a great deal of research done in Asia on ginseng and its many components. Research done in China, Japan and Korea suggests that ginseng:
- Reduces fatigue and increases stamina
- Helps the formation of red blood cells and counters anemia
- Improves metal conditions and helps prevent neuroses
- Enhance body metabolism, balance the hormonal system and helps prevent diabetes
- Normalizes pulmonary functions, prevents coughing, tuberculosis and asthma
- Strengthens the gastrointestinal system and helps facilitate liver regeneration
- Detoxifies poisons,enhances blood alcohol clearance, reduces the effect of alcohol intoxication and helps reduce hangovers
In America, ginseng is being used to increase vitality, raise energy levels, improve athletic performance, build stamina and treat certain health problems. Researchers are investigating claims that ginseng can help adjust blood pressure, reduce blood sugar and may be advantageous in the treatment of cancers, tuberculosis, diarrhea, kidney degeneration, rheumatism, shock and depression.
Additional research has shown that specific ginsenosides can stimulate the brain, sedate the central nervous system, balance certain metabolic processes, improve muscle tone,stimulate the endocrine system and help balance hormone levels. Research also suggests ginsenosides may be anti-tumour and anti-viral.
Although ginseng is not a drug or a stimulant, many agree that if taken for a period of time,ginseng can increase feelings of well-being, relieve fatigue and weak conditions and strengthen bodily functions. Studies in Japan and the United Stated have shown that ginseng may reduce cell damage, thus help counteract age-related changes.
Components of the Ginseng Root |
Specific Active Agents | | |
Panaxdiole group | Ra1,Ra2,Ra3,Rb1,Eb2,Rb3,Rc,Rd,Rg3 | |
Ginsenosides | (+Rh2,Rs1,Rs2) | |
Panaxtriole group | Re,Rf,Rg1,Rg2,Rh1,Rh0 | |
Qleanolic acid | Ro | |
Phenoles | Maltol |
| Non-Specific Active Agents |
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| Vitamins |
B-12,folic acid,nicotine acid, pantothenic acid,biotin,nictylamide |
| Mineral salts |
Copper,Calcium, magnesium,potassium,sodium,phosphorus,iron,aluminum |
| Trace elements |
Nickel,manganese,chromium,zinc,selenium,molybdenum,cobalt,vanadium,germanium |
| Amino acids |
Aspartic acid,blycine,alanine,proline,valine,isoleucine,tyrosine,phenylalanine,fatty amino acids,arginine |
| Ethereal oils(0.05%) |
200 separate components |
| Fats |
Neutral fats |
| Sugars(5%) |
Glucose,fructose,saccharose,maltose,trisaccharide |
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