According to historical records, the use of ginseng for health and healing has a history of at least two thousand years. In China, there are numerous myths and legends surrounding ginseng, with ancient people believing it to be a gift from the immortals, possessing miraculous effects such as resurrection and rejuvenation. Ginseng is a vital herb for replenishing vital energy (yuanqi), commonly referred to as the “King of Tonics.” It can be applied to all conditions of deficiency, such as internal injuries and insufficient qi, blood, and body fluids, and has a resuscitative effect on patients in a state of collapse.
Modern clinical research has proven that regularly consuming ginseng in medicinal dishes can enhance immune function, increase disease resistance, and delay aging; it can also prevent and treat various diseases such as anemia, diabetes, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, neurasthenia, and cancer. Fresh ginseng, unprocessed and kept in a lively state, not only has high nutritional value and mild medicinal properties but also tastes delicious, making it suitable for preparing medicinal dishes and infusing in liquor.
As people’s living standards improve, the consumption of ginseng has become increasingly common, leading to a diversification in its usage methods. In recent years, fresh ginseng has gradually gained popularity and affection among people. So, what are the benefits of consuming fresh ginseng?
1
Beauty and Skin Care
Ginsenosides in ginseng have astringent properties and can regulate moisture balance in the dermis, preventing skin dehydration. They can also inhibit melanin formation, making the skin smooth, tender, and fair. Historically, Empress Dowager Cixi used to consume 3 to 5 grams of fresh ginseng daily by holding it in her mouth, primarily for beauty and anti-aging purposes.
2
Regulating the Central Nervous System
Ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1 can balance the brain, promoting the conversion and utilization of energy substances in the brain: they can calm the mind, improve memory, prevent insomnia, prevent senile dementia, and treat forgetfulness and depression. Scientists have studied human memory, noting that memory increases from birth until around 30 years of age, after which it begins to decline, primarily due to decreased conversion and utilization of energy substances in the brain. Therefore, ginseng plays a significant role in regulating brain function and the central nervous system.
3
Improving Cardiovascular Function
Ginseng affects heart function: it has a stimulating effect on the hearts of various animals, initially exciting and then inhibiting, with small doses stimulating and large doses inhibiting. Its effects on the heart are similar to those of cardiac glycosides, enhancing myocardial contractility. In large doses, it can weaken contractility and slow the heart rate. Ginseng protects the myocardium, increases myocardial contractility, slows the heart rate, and regulates blood pressure, preventing hypertension and heart disease. Regarding blood vessels, ginseng is generally considered a vasodilator, but there are reports of small doses causing constriction and large doses causing dilation or initially constricting and then dilating. Ginseng can also regulate blood supply to the heart and brain, preventing strokes, cerebral hemorrhages, and headaches due to insufficient blood supply.
4
Enhancing Immune Function
1. Ginseng polysaccharides are immune enhancers, regulating individuals with low immunity and poor resistance;
2. They reduce the toxic side effects of radiotherapy, accelerate the repair of damaged tissues, and prolong patient survival time;
3. Ginsenosides can enhance anti-stress effects, improve endurance, and provide resistance to hypoxia, high temperatures, and low temperatures. In Korea, Japan, and Russia, 40% to 70% of athletes consume ginseng to enhance their physical skills and adapt to intense exercise.
5
Antioxidant Effects
1. Ginsenosides and ginseng polyacetylene compounds have antioxidant properties: they prevent aging in the human body;
2. Ginsenosides can also regulate endocrine and metabolism: protecting the normal functioning of the internal organs;
3. Ginseng contains components that promote red blood cell growth: maintaining cell vitality, keeping the skin rosy, and enhancing antioxidant capacity.
6
Lowering Blood Lipids and Blood Sugar
Ginseng has lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects: particularly, ginsenoside Rb2 can improve blood lipids, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, raise serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lower the atherosclerosis index, making it valuable for treating hyperlipidemia, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. Ginseng has lipid-lowering effects on both healthy individuals and those with hyperlipidemia. Medical experts found that after 1 week of oral administration of red ginseng powder to 5 healthy individuals and 6 patients with hyperlipidemia, there was no significant decrease in serum cholesterol, but a notable increase in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a significant decrease in the atherosclerosis index. For patients with hypertriglyceridemia, serum triglycerides can also be significantly reduced. Additionally, administering 3 to 6 grams of red ginseng powder in a single dose to normal individuals and diabetics showed a trend of lowering blood sugar.
7
Anti-Tumor Effects
Ginsenosides in ginseng contain substances with anti-tumor properties, including ginsenoside Rh2, Rh1, Rg3, and Rg5, all of which exhibit certain anti-tumor activity. Ginsenoside Rh2 is the most effective component in ginseng for anti-tumor effects.
Fresh ginseng retains the natural essence of ginseng, and besides nourishing and strengthening the body, it also possesses the sweet and fragrant taste of ginseng, making it an excellent health product. Therefore, ginseng should be consumed “fresh”!
How to Eat Fresh Ginseng?Why Consume Fresh Ginseng
(1) Comprehensive nutrition and delicious taste. It is well known that for agricultural products, any processing method inevitably leads to nutrient loss, so unprocessed fresh ginseng is undoubtedly the best choice for consumers in terms of nutrient retention.
(2) Moderate medicinal properties, making it suitable for a wider range of people. Many people worry about consuming ginseng due to the fear of causing internal heat. However, the nutritional components of natural fresh ginseng are balanced. Like other fruits and vegetables, moderate consumption will not cause internal heat. In contrast, processed ginseng inevitably loses some components during processing, leading to different “medicinal properties” and the potential for causing “internal heat”.
Methods of Consuming in Medicinal Dishes1(1) Steaming. Cut ginseng into 2 cm thick slices, place in a porcelain bowl, fill with water, seal the bowl, and steam for 4 to 5 hours before consuming.2(2) Chewing. Place 2 to 3 slices of ginseng in the mouth and chew thoroughly; it is refreshing and sweet, making it the simplest method of consumption.3(3) Powdering. Grind ginseng into a fine powder and swallow daily, with the dosage depending on individual constitution, generally 1 to 1.5 grams per dose.4(4) Brewing tea. Cut ginseng into thin slices, place in a bowl or cup, and brew with boiling water, covering for 5 minutes before consuming.5(5) Infusing in liquor. Cut the whole ginseng root into thin slices and soak in 50-60 degree white liquor, consuming as desired.6(6) Cooking with food. Ginseng often has a certain bitterness when consumed; however, cooking it with lean meat, chicken, or fish can eliminate the bitterness and provide nourishment.