There are several diverse remedies for common cold symptoms. Some of them have been proven effective in clinical trials of men with a cold and some are remedies which have multiple uses, including decongestants and antihistamines. Herbal remedies are increasingly common. This report concentrates on ginseng common cold treatments, with information on different forms of ginseng, their historic uses and scientific research regarding their effectiveness.
How many Ginseng?
Panax ginseng, American ginseng, Siberian ginseng, female ginseng, Indian ginseng, Peruvian ginseng (Maca) and sometimes simply “ginseng” may be listed as a component in any variety of health supplements. All these were used in traditional medicine in the states where they grow. Panax is a phrase that applies to a number of unique kinds of ginseng, including the Korean, Chinese, American and Canadian plants. It’s typically the roots of the plants which are used for medicinal purposes, but for some states the leaf is dried and steeped for tea.
The ginseng common cold remedies offered in department, drug and health food stores may comprise any kind of the plant. It’s critical to read the ingredients label to determine exactly which plant is included. Some of those over the counter remedies for common cold may list a proprietary mix or plant phenols, but if it’s unclear that plants are used, it’s wise to avoid them. Natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe. Some medicinal herbs are known to interact with other prescription and over the counter medications and unwanted side effects may occur. An herbalist can advise you about side effects and drug interactions, even if your doctor is unsure.
A Medicinal herb?
Native Americans used ginseng for a variety of medicinal purposes. The foliage has been dried and steeped in a tea to treat coughs, build the blood, boost energy and memory, in addition to a sexual stimulant. The root was chewed and eaten raw as a digestive aid, to encourage prostrate health and to retard cancer growth. The root was boiled and used in tea to alleviate menstrual cramps and fight the effects of radiation poisoning on the system. In the book by Mary Summer Rain which compiles the understanding of the Native American healer, No Eyes, numerous herbal remedies for common cold are cited, but ginseng isn’t one of them, although its other uses are cited. Ginseng common cold remedies might have been used by other Native American healers or if a cough has been present.
Scientists and some producers of ginseng common cold treatments try to isolate the active ingredients, known as polysaccharides, eleutherosides or gensenosides based upon the plant used. Other producers crush the roots or the entire plant, purify and encapsulate the powder. Others use alcohol to produce a concentrated form of the powder and so increase the potency. The wild form of the plant is thought to contain more gensenosides compared to cultivated types, but heavy harvesting has endangered wild growth of the plant and it’s getting increasingly difficult to discover.
Siberian ginseng common viral and cold preventatives are offered by some health supplement companies due to their usefulness as an immune system stimulant. Siberian ginseng isn’t a kind of panax ginseng; the active elements are called eleutherosides, rather than gensenosides as is the case with panax varieties. The scientific name is Eleutherococcus senticosus. Panax ginseng can cause undesirable side effects, such as anxiety, excitability, increased blood pressure and heart palpitations. Siberian ginseng isn’t considered to cause those effects.
Conclusion
Scientific studies have shown it can stabilize both blood glucose and blood pressure levels. As with any herb, it’s very important to follow the manufacturers instructions, since both effectiveness and safety have been assessed for these dosages.
