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Page 39
| its threatened or endangered status in more than half of the 50 states. Because it can fetch up to $600 per pound, the young immature roots of American ginseng continue to be harvested illegally. Buy only ginseng which is woods-grown, not wildcrafted. |
| Reputed to be a men's tonic, ginseng is beneficial to both men and women. Christopher Hobbs writes in The Ginsengs that it can improve physical as well as mental performance under stress, improve reaction time, prolong life and combat senility. In China it is used to treat heart disease and cancer. A 1990 study showed that 100 mg of standardized ginseng extract increased immune cells, including T-cell counts. Ginsenosides (saponin compounds in the plant) have been found to stimulate bone marrow production, stimulate the immune system, inhibit tumor growth, stabilize blood pressure, detoxify the liver and balance blood sugar. Although hailed as an aphrodisiac and male virility tonic, research is inconclusive as to whether ginseng has an effect on sex hormones. |
| Panax ginseng is generally regarded as a safe herb, providing protection against mental physical fatigue, nonspecific resistance to stress and supporting adrenal gland function. Perhaps its reputation as a panacea is due to its ability to restore strength, balance and harmony so that the body can heal itself. |
| Experts advise that to err on the safe side, don't use ginseng if you have high blood pressure, headaches, insomnia, inflammation, asthma, heart palpitations or infections associated with high fever. Pregnant women should avoid ginseng because of its hormonal interactions, and ginseng is not considered safe for children. |
| Ginseng can be taken in several ways. An excellent and cost-effective way is to use a ginseng cooker, which slowly cooks the root, producing a concentrated water extract. To make ginseng tea, simmer 3 teaspoons of the dried or sliced root in 8 ounces water, covered, for 45 |
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