Symptoms

Who doesn’t experience periods of stress? Whether caused by increased demands at work, money worries, relationship woes, or something else entirely, stress can cause changes in appetite, gastrointestinal upset, headaches, impaired concentration, irritability, muscle tension, sleeplessness, and teeth-grinding.

How Ginseng Can Help

Several American and European studies have found that ginseng enhances the body’s ability to cope with stress. First, ginseng controls the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone, an adrenal steroid that increases in response to stress. Very simply put, the less of this steroid in the body, the weaker the body’s physical response to stress. Secondly, ginseng maintains steady levels of ascorbic acid in the adrenal gland. This is important because when the body is stressed, levels of ascorbic acid in the adrenal gland plummet. Both these actions help the body maintain a sense of physical calm.

Dosages

During periodic stressful times, enjoy 1 to 3 cups a day of ginseng tea. Ginseng can also be used as a daily supplement to help combat long-term stress. However, before taking ginseng, speak with your physician about whether the herb is for you. The dosage is one 200mg capsule twice a day; or 1/2 teaspoon of tincture twice a day. If taking ginseng for an extended period, plan on taking a one-week break from the herb every four or five weeks. This reduces the chance of possible hypertension, insomnia or restlessness that some health authorities believe can develop with long-term ginseng usage.