In a huge amount of countries, the demand for ginseng because of its health advantages is massive as people worldwide realize the plant extract has impressive natural abilities to protect the body. Due to its therapeutic role against illness, disease, and disorders, we have become fans of this superior herbal remedy.
Ginseng is known to have positive and beneficial effects on the body, particularly the central nervous system (CNS). Its ability to improve cognitive behaviors as well as having a positive impact on neurological disorders and memory means that many of us can take advantage of ginseng, and it’s hugely popular for this good reason.
In this article, we cover just one of the benefits of this superb natural supplement – cognition improvement.
Active Ginseng Components for Cognition
The active components in ginseng include the following and show real potential in helping to treat and protect the body from cognitive disorders:
- Compound K and Gintonin
- Ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, Re, Rg1, Rg2, Rg3, Rh1, Rh2, Rh3, PF11, and NTR1
These active constituents play an important role and have been shown to work in both cellular and animal models. Studies have tested ginseng and related it to positive therapeutic activity when it comes to protecting against cognitive impairment. What this means in brief terms is that, when taken regularly, ginseng can give a small yet impressive boost to concentration and focus – perfect for those of us whose bodies are under stress due to modern-day living.
How Else Can Ginseng Help?
Studies have shown that, as well as using ginseng for cognition and brain function, it also has a positive impact on:
- Blood pressure
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Energy levels and fatigue
- Mood
It can help to protect the central nervous system and the body from damage caused by free radicals thanks to the active components we mentioned earlier. Free radicals can cause a chemical imbalance in the body called oxidation and adding a natural supplement, such as ginseng, to your daily diet provides the body with the antioxidant it needs without having to rely on one-off medicinal treatments. Ginseng can also work well with long-term medicines although it’s worth checking with your GP about any prescriptions that may not combine well with natural herb supplements.
How Long Should I Take Ginseng?
Studies have shown that ginseng isn’t quite your ‘treat me now’ go-to, it’s actually a supplement that should be taken long term. When taken orally, whether it’s through a tincture (or liquid) or as a capsule, for a period of six months it has been proven to help with cognitive issues. People tested have included Korean subjects with MCI (mild cognitive impairments) and it’s been recorded that those patients’ visual memory improved somewhat over time. As well as those at risk of MCI, subjects with oncoming Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) also showed positive outcomes after taking ginseng for a period of six months or more as it slightly slowed down some negative effects of the disorder.
In summary, ginseng and its ability to provide stress relief and reduce pressure to the body means that this ‘wonder herb’ is in high demand for obvious reasons. While it isn’t used as a treatment it is the preferred choice of those looking to protect the body and slow down cognitive impairments further in life.