This ability to bring the body to balance and to support a wide variety of functions is what makes ginseng so valuable as a remedy for just about any condition. Adaptogens, including ginseng, work best after long-term moderate use by regulating biological functions, including hormone function, to defend us against the destructive effects of chronic stress.

In the spirit of this wide- ranging action, ginseng has been shown in human studies to:

Ginseng is used in Asia to support sexual energy in older people, but the scientific evidence for this use is scanty. From what we know about adaptogens, it seems reasonable that long-term use would enhance all the body's functions, and a healthier body is likely to behave better sexually. Even so, there is some scientific evidence that ginseng does treat impotence, and clinical trial have shown that it increases sperm production and sperm motility. Clinicians, though, do report that ginseng increases sexual desire (libido). The same argument applies to the purported longevity effects. However, though these claims have yet to be proven scientifically, ginseng has been used by millions of people for 5,000 years, and is the most important herb for men in one of the most well developed and extensively practiced medical systems in the world.

True ginsengs, in the Panax genus, include Panax ginseng, from East Asia, the plant we usually think of as "ginseng," and Panax quinquefolius, or American ginseng.

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), comes from many areas in East Asia, and is often identified by the region of its origin. Like tea, coffee, or wines, with their varietal classifications, ginseng can be Korean, Chinese, or Manchurian, for example.

All ginseng roots, when peeled, are white. Asian ginseng can be processed by steaming, which turns the root red. This process makes he root more stimulating. So, Asian ginseng is available as red or white. Thus, we could have "red Chinese ginseng," or "white Manchurian ginseng." Ginseng is a connoisseur herb, and different aficionados have their favorite preparations.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), which grows only in North America, is prized in Asia. Considered to be a little "cooler" and less stimulating than Asian ginseng, its uses are similar. American ginseng is not available steamed, so is only "white."

Several other herbs in the Panax genus, relatives of ginseng, are used as medicine. They have their own characteristic uses. Most are somewhat stamina enhancing, similar to ginseng, as well:

Other valuable Asian herbs with similar properties are used along with, or as substitutes for ginseng:

Ginseng is generally indicated for daily, consistent use in moderate doses by men over 40 years of age. It is not used in Asia by young people, unless there is a clear stamina deficiency. Do not use ginseng as a short-term stimulant. A dose that will feel temporarily energizing can cause uneasiness, irritability, headache, and heart palpitations.

Ginseng is not generally used by premenopausal women in Asia. This is not an absolute prohibition, but there are better tonics for a woman's body. Ginseng is a "hot" herb, in the Chinese herbal system, and considered less suitable for the woman's metabolism. Women in our culture sometimes receive benefit at menopause, but ginseng will cause breast tenderness in some, a hint about the wisdom of the Chinese herbalists.

A typical dose of moderate quality ginseng would be 4,000-6,000mg per day. Remember that the effects are slow and gradual, and extend over a period of years.

By becoming informed and following a few selected guidelines, you can unravel the myths and mysteries surrounding this precious herb. Probably the most respected, and definitely the most researched long-term tonic herb in the world, ginseng has something to offer just about everyone. If it's right for you, make it a part of your life.