As the name would suggest American Ginseng has been used in America for quite some time with significant use from the Native Americans.
American Ginseng, like many other adaptogens, has several effects on the body and not all are completely understood. This is both great and not so great since much of what is known about many of the adaptogens is not always rooted in clinical trials, but could be what has been passed down from generation to generation. While I do support the study of adaptogens I feel that it is important to listen to all of those that have been using these for hundreds and even thousands of years as they have the understanding of how powerful these plants can be.
How American Ginseng Can Help You Become Strong as an Ox and Healthy as a Horse:
- Adrenal Glands: This is of course a big part of what we are looking for adaptogens, to help us deal with stressors, whether they be from life in general or hitting the gym hard. American ginseng does an amazing job of helping regulate overly stimulated nervous systems.
- Immune Function: We can all use a nice little immune system boost. For those who are chronic cold catchers this is certainly for you. There is no reason that you should always be missing a training session from illness.
- Metabolic Syndrome: So you are getting a little soft and maybe not recovering and putting on muscle like you used to, no big deal right? Wrong! There is a good chance you are losing some insulin sensitivity. When you just can’t handle carbohydrates properly or are terrible with your refined diet, then correcting this is a must. Do not go the way of type 2 diabetes.
- Sexual Performance: This is one that everybody pays a bit of attention too and for got reason. It is a correlation, but often seems to be true that if your sex drive and performance are at their peak, then training in the gym is going well too. Think about it, your body won’t let you make a baby if it is not ready (male or female) and if you are not ready to do one of the most important functions of the body, then training should be out of the question.
- Digestion and Absorption: Very rarely does anybody produce enough stomach acid and digestive enzymes. To have something boost it up is always helpful. This cannot be overstated as important because if you are not breaking down foods properly, you will not take in the nutrients to help with recovery!
- “Makes Everything Work Better” (1): Okay, so this might be a bit anecdotal, but who’s to say it is not true. As David Winston talks about this was told by a Cherokee man when making his herbal formulas . You can start adding a little bit if you make your own, or make sure that it is part of what you take.
Of course my main reason for taking the american ginseng boils down the strength and health. It certainly seems to help accomplish both. There are a few other things it will help with along the way and is I certainly encourage you to try it.
- Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: herbs for strength, stamina, and stress relief. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.