Ginseng is the most popular natural supplement. Ginseng was once called “man root” because of its manly root. Many still believe ginseng has medicinal and supernatural powers. The ancient Chinese believed that plants that resembled bodily parts could heal them. Thus, a hand-shaped plant might heal hands. Ginseng is believed to balance and heal the body since it resembles it.

Ginseng has complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and anti-cancer effects. Ginseng boosts energy, so many energy drinks now contain it. The Chinese popularized ginseng for this purpose, while Americans use it to improve mental clarity and relieve stress. Ginseng’s ability to improve mental and physical energy is being studied.

It was the Russians who made that discovery; however, the Asians have discovered that ginseng helps mental improvement, eliminates anemia, and helps prevent diabetes, neurosis coughs, asthma, and TB. Further, they found that it can be very beneficial to the liver and can also reduce the effects of a hangover significantly.

Ginseng has been studied more recently than any other herbal supplement. Ginseng purchased in stores may be over-processed and less effective. The best way to buy genuine ginseng is to buy the root. Despite extensive research on ginseng, the FDA has not approved it. Ginseng should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, bleeding or clotting issues, or diabetes without first consulting a doctor.

Ginseng is utilized in drinks and cuisine as well as medicine. Ginseng is sliced and put into soups, boiled and mashed, used to stir-fry meals, and added to rice-making water. Chinese, Korean, and Asian cuisines use it more.

Chicken and mushroom recipes often use ginseng. To spice up pastries, many use it. Soups, salads, and jellies use it. It seems that most individuals who use Ginseng for cooking are vegetarians, but as people learn more about its benefits, it may become more popular.