Sometimes I wonder what the detour I took in my life when I graduated from ELTE with a degree in Chinese studies was good for. It was one of the most exhilarating and fun times of my life, but for a long time I believed that the knowledge I had gained there was only good enough to get my second language exam and thus no longer stand in the way of my major.
But then, from time to time, memories do surface that I can use in my chosen profession. Today's post is born from such a memory, welcome!
The first written records of ginseng can be found in the Shen Tsao-Ching, the most prestigious herbal book in Eastern medicine. The book was compiled by the mythological emperor and sage Sen Nang. We learn from it that ginseng was believed to imbue all parts of the body with power because of its resemblance to the human form. The main purpose of its use, however, was to deepen wisdom and ensure longevity. it was also used to treat weakness, depression, impotence, arthritis, forgetfulness, senile dementia and to increase sexual interest and activity. Its usefulness has made it so popular throughout Asia that it has slowly become an unobtainable commodity, and more and more people are taking advantage of it. Traders sold other, very similar roots as ginseng, and this problem still persists today.)
When buying ginseng, make sure that the ginseng you choose is not processed, that it is made from six-year-old roots, and that it has a slightly spicy aroma and a sweet taste. It is available in many forms on the shelves, including root powder, tea, capsules, tablets, creams, etc.
Consumption of half a teaspoon of the root powder or equivalent is recommended daily, some experts suggest taking it as a course of treatment, others even continuously. The name ginseng is the collective name for three different plants, Korean-Chinese, American and Syberian ginseng, the latter of which is not really ginseng but contains similar substances.
I think it is important to stress that it is also good for endometriosis, because all chronic diseases weaken the immune system. What happens to the immune system in endometriosis was discussed recently on Endoblog.As a reminder, it is constantly spinning and looking for the enemy that is causing the trouble, but it can't find it, because endometriosis is very similar to healthy endometrial tissue. Enenk's tired, overworked immune system could do with a boost, and ginseng is a good way to do this.
Another advantage is its ability to reduce inflammatory processes in the body, which is also useful in endometriosis. It reduces anxiety, calms nervousness.
It speeds up blood formation and can also be used against anaemia. However, if you have high blood pressure, sleep problems or blood clotting disorders, you should not consume ginseng.
Cheers!
Nóra Árvai psychologist, perinatal consultant, specialist writer, nutritionist.
Get your endometriosis diet on track so it's not a hassle!
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