Focus on Ginseng
Introduction to Ginseng
Panax ginseng is one of the several types of ginseng commonly used in herbal medicine. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The herb has a light-colored, forked-shaped root, a relatively long stalk, and green leaves in an oval shape. It grows in the mountains of East Asia and is most commonly used in cuisines and medicines of China and Korea. Ginseng’s health benefits come from the ginsenoside and gintonin compounds in the herb. It is typically used for its effects on mood, cognition, and immunity.
Varieties of Ginseng
There are several varieties of ginseng, including Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) and American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius), which contain the ginsenosides or panaxosides. Studies have found that the different types of ginseng have different benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, American ginseng is considered less stimulating and works as a relaxing agent, whereas the Asian variety has an invigorating effect. Various other plants, such as Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) are mistaken for ginseng. Instead of containing ginsenosides these contain eleutherosides, which are thought by some to boost the immune system and increase muscle strength. However, the true ginseng plants are those that belong to the Panax genus.
Types of Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng is marketed in 3 ways; fresh ginseng, white ginseng, and red ginseng. Fresh ginseng is the raw ginseng product, which is of limited availability. White ginseng has been peeled and air-dried, but not heated. When the ginseng is air-dried in the sun it may lose some of the beneficial enzymes in the root. Red ginseng is steamed at a boiling temperature of 100°C and then dried. A herbal brew is often used to marinate the root which makes it very brittle. Red ginseng is more common than white ginseng.
The difference in ginseng colour depends on how ginseng is treated. White ginseng is naturally dried in the sun, whereas Red ginseng is steam heated between 100–110° for 2–3 hours. This treatment kills any potential pathogens on the plant’s roots, but unfortunately it also degrades some of the active components which are found in the outer layers of bark.
Benefits of Ginseng
Ginseng contains two significant compounds: ginsenosides and gintonin. These complement one another to provide health benefits.
- Increased energy - Ginseng may help stimulate physical and mental activity in people who feel weak and tired.
- Sharper cognition function - Ginseng could reduce oxidative stress, which could lead to enhancement in the cognitive function and thinking processes. It can also improve arithmetic skills and reaction time.
- Anti-inflammatory effects – The active components of ginseng target pathways in the immune system that could reduce inflammation.
- Treatment of erectile dysfunction - Men may take ginseng to treat erectile dysfunction and improve sexual function.
- Flu prevention - Taking Panax ginseng extract by mouth appears to reduce the risk of getting a cold or the flu. But it doesn't seem to reduce flu symptoms or the length of the illness.
- Lowers blood sugar - Ginseng may help to lower blood sugar and help treat diabetes as ginsenosides may affect insulin production in the pancreas.
How to add Ginseng to your diet
Ginseng root can be consumed in many ways. It can be eaten raw or you can lightly steam it to soften it. It can also be stewed in water to make a tea. To do this, just add hot water to freshly sliced ginseng and let it sit for several minutes. You can also get ginseng as a dietary supplement in the form of dried herbs, powder, or capsules.
The amount of ginseng you should take depends on the condition you want to improve. Overall, daily doses of 1–2 g of raw ginseng root or 200–400 mg of extract are suggested. It’s best to start with lower doses and increase over time.
Ginseng Supplements
More research is needed to confirm ginseng’s benefit as a supplement. Ginseng products can vary in their quality and potential medicinal properties. A person should check the ingredients of any ginseng product before purchase, as some may contain a negligible amount of ginseng.
Considerations when consuming Ginseng
Although ginseng is generally safe to consume, people have reported the following side effects:
- Headaches
- Sleep problems
- Digestive problems
- Changes to blood pressure and blood sugar
- Diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Severe skin reaction
- Women may also experience swollen breasts and vaginal bleeding.
It is recommended to only take Panax ginseng for up to 6 months, as it could be unsafe when taken for more than 6 months.
Interactions:
People may experience a moderate interaction when using ginseng with a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The herb can also increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, such as warfarin or aspirin. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking ginseng with heart medications.
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D-Mannose FAQ
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D-mannose is commonly discussed in relation to urinary health, particularly by people who experience recurring urinary discomfort or infections.
It is typically used as a supplement that may support urinary tract health, not as a treatment for an active infection.
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D-mannose is thought to interact with certain types of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, which are commonly associated with urinary tract infections.
It may help reduce the ability of these bacteria to attach to the lining of the urinary tract, allowing them to be flushed out through normal urination.
This is a proposed mechanism and does not apply to all types of urinary issues.
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Some people choose to take D-mannose daily, particularly when managing ongoing or recurring urinary issues.
However, there is no single standard approach, and usage can vary depending on the product and individual circumstances.
If you are considering regular use, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for you.
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D-mannose is generally considered well tolerated for most people when taken as directed. Some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort, particularly at higher intakes.
If you are pregnant, recovering from surgery, managing a health condition, or taking medication, it’s best to speak to your GP or healthcare professional before use.
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No — D-mannose is not a replacement for antibiotics or medical treatment.
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it’s important to speak to a GP, as antibiotics may be required.
D-mannose is typically discussed as a self-care option, not a treatment.
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The NHS includes D-mannose as one of several options that people may consider if they experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
It is generally described as a self-care approach rather than a medical treatment, and evidence is still considered limited.
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D-mannose is commonly available in both tablet and powder form.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
- Tablets are more convenient and easier to take on the go
The best option often depends on personal preference and what fits most easily into your routine.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
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There is no single agreed dose for D-mannose.
Different products provide different guidance, and some are designed to be taken in smaller amounts throughout the day rather than all at once.
It’s best to follow the instructions on the product you are using and speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
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Recurring urinary tract infections can happen for a variety of reasons, including anatomy, hormonal changes, life stage, sexual activity, and individual susceptibility.
In many cases, there isn’t a single clear cause.
If you experience frequent UTIs, speaking to your GP can help identify any patterns, possible triggers, and appropriate ways to manage them.
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If you are experiencing symptoms such as:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
It’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
In many cases, you do not always need to wait for a GP appointment. According to NHS guidance:
- A pharmacist can often provide advice and, in some cases, treatment for uncomplicated UTIs
- If you cannot access your GP, you can also use NHS 111 for urgent advice, either online or by phone
You should seek more urgent advice if:
- Symptoms are new, severe, or getting worse
- You have a high or very low temperature, or feel shivery
- You have pain in your lower back or sides
- You notice blood in your urine
- Symptoms are not improving within a couple of days
If you experience recurrent urinary issues, it can also be helpful to speak to your GP about patterns, possible triggers, and whether there are any preventative or supportive approaches that may be appropriate for you. You may also wish to ask whether options like D-mannose are suitable within your overall care.
While most urinary tract infections are straightforward to treat, they can occasionally lead to more serious complications if left unmanaged. In some cases, UTIs can develop into more serious infections, including sepsis, particularly if the infection spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream
This is one of the reasons why it’s important not to ignore ongoing or recurring symptoms, and to seek medical advice where needed.
For more information, you can also visit the NHS guidance here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
D-mannose is not a substitute for medical care or prescribed treatment.
- Burning or pain when urinating
