Ginseng (American) Tincture

Popular Herb known for its many health benefits
2 oz Bottle, Code 3131

$28.95

American Ginseng enhance immune function, lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and improve adrenal function, physical performance, and mental alertness. "Ginseng is generally prescribed for conditions characterized by great weakness or conditions that are the result of great stress or strain," says Korngold (1991). Because ginseng can be stimulating, he finds it most appropriate for people over 40, whose "core energies have begun to decline."
One study found that when 12 menopausal women took 6 grams of ginseng root a day for 30 days, they experienced significant reductions in anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and depression. By the end of treatment, measurements for these symptoms were on par with an age-matched group of eight women who were not experiencing these menopausal symptoms. The treatment group also had reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol, thus favorably altering the ratio of cortisol to DHEA (Tode et al. 1999).
Suggested dosage:For nonstandardized products, the usual dosage is up to four 500- 600-mg capsules a day. For a product standardized to 5-7% ginsenosides, take 100 mg, 1-2 times a day. Brown (1996) recommends taking ginseng for 2-3 weeks, followed by a 1-2 week break, then repeat.
Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or people with high blood pressure. Don't take ginseng without medical supervision if you're on a blood-thinner such as warfarin or have diabetes (as your insulin dosage will need to be adjusted due to ginseng's ability to lower blood sugar). Discontinue use if ginseng produces ill effects such as an elevated blood pressure, hot flashes, insomnia, nervousness, or irritability. Combining ginseng with caffeine and other stimulants increases the risk of overstimulation.

From Life Extension's "Whats Hot" Archive, April 2000

American ginseng lowers blood sugar

Canadian studies show American ginseng can lower blood sugar when taken before a meal and may serve as a treatment and preventive measure for diabetes mellitus.

During the study, reported in Archives of Internal Medicine, Type-2, adult-onset, diabetic and nondiabetic participants received either an inactive placebo or 3 grams of ground American ginseng, 40 minutes before or during a test meal. Diabetics experienced a 20 percent decrease in blood sugar levels when taking the ginseng compared to those taking placebos. Researchers observed a similar decrease in nondiabetics when they consumed the ginseng before, but not during, the meal, suggesting the importance of timing. Researchers did not evaluate Chinese, Japanese or other types of ginseng. "Although preliminary, these findings are encouraging and indicate that American ginseng's potential role in diabetes should be taken seriously and investigated further. Controlling after-meal blood sugar levels is recognized as a very important strategy in managing diabetes. It may also be important in the prevention of diabetes in those who have not yet developed the disease," said lead investigator Dr. Vladimir Vuksan, at St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto. "This study represents an important step in the evaluation of herbals. A major criticism of the herbal field and past ginseng research has been the lack of scientific, placebo-controlled trials in humans. Our study applied traditional clinical trial standards to research on an alternative medical product."

Nearly 16 million Americans have diabetes. A third do not realize the have the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. Incidence of Type 2 diabetes increases with age. About 18 percent of those over 65 have the condition. People with diabetes do not properly produce or use insulin, a hormone that converts sugar and other foods into energy. There is no cure, only management with medications, diet and exercise.

April 9, 2000

(2oz = 2,000 drops) Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the tongue, or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool, dark place. Keep out of reach of children.

WARNING: Hypoglycemics should use caution, as Ginseng lowers blood sugar levels. Do not take if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease