I was first introduced to ginseng about twenty years ago. A supermarket was giving out free samples of Seven Seas Red Ginseng capsules. I had heard that ginseng was supposed to enhance sensuality, but I was sceptical. Figuring it wouldn't hurt me, I took one (or was it two?) of the little red gelatin capsules. Shortly after getting home and putting away the groceries, the nerves in my lower back started tingling and 'opening' up. I definitely felt more energetic, sensitive and aroused. Any notions that ginseng was merely a placebo were quickly dismissed.

Since then, I have been a fan of ginseng. Sometimes I take it regularly. Sometimes I have followed the advice of some herbalists to 'take a vacation' from ginseng. And as I get older, I take it more frequently.

Ginsana Brand is one of the most researched ginseng products. Ginsana G2G is a standardized extract that contains 4% ginsenosides. The daily serving size is 2 capsules, and this dose is enough to have a general tonic effect. One mail order source with good prices is Vitacost.com

I don't usually feel the more dramatic effects of ginseng these days, probably because my body has become tolerant. If I take a break for a few weeks and resume ginseng, its effects are more noticeable. And even if the tingles are mostly a thing of the past, I do have more energy when I take ginseng regularly.

There are 3 types of real ginseng commonly available:

• Korean (Chinese) - Panax ginseng
• American - Panax quinquefolium
• Vietnamese - Panax notoginseng

Precautions
Ginseng has been used by millions of people over a long period of time, and has a good safety record.

Pregnant women should avoid ginseng, and just about every other herb and medicine. Although there is no good evidence that ginseng will have negative effects on a developing fetus, there is also no proof that it is safe.

Ginseng can sometimes cause stimulation. It is my experience that with regular use, ginseng does not cause excitability, only an increase in energy. But some susceptible people may experience too much energy at first.

Other Health Benefits

The Latin name for ginseng (Panax) means panacea. And there are some studies that have shown that ginseng is beneficial for many conditions. A partial list of these includes:

• Hypertension
• Cancer prevention
• Energy
• Anxiety (with daily use)

These plants are botanically related and have similar compounds, called ginsenosides. The ginsenosides are not true steroids, but are chemically similar to steroids in many ways.

The Korean/Chinese ginseng is sometimes processed by steaming it before it is dried - this produces Red Ginseng which is particularly good as an aphrodisiac.

There are several plants that are sometimes called ginseng, but aren't really:

• Siberian Ginseng
• Brazilian Ginseng
• Indian Ginseng (Ashwagandha)

These ginseng wannabees are good herbs, but their action is different from the action of 'real' ginsengs.