Ginseng is a favorite ingredient in many health foods and beverages; you’ve probably seen it recently in your energy drinks and smoothies. The question is, does it really work, and why?

Bottles of ginsengEnergy and Alertness

Ginseng has long been touted as a natural energy booster, and with good reason. Multiple studies have found the herb effective in improving energy levels and alertness. These benefits have been linked to an effect that ginseng has on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is where hormones and metabolic chemicals are produced. By balancing out hormone and chemical processes throughout the body, the herb can help to:

  • Boost energy and stamina
  • Fight the effects of fatigue
  • Increase alertness
  • Improve memory and mental performance

Adaptogenic Qualities

The effects that ginseng has on hormonal balances are what make the plant a powerful adaptogen. This simply means that the herb can balance out hormone levels – increasing those that are too low and decreasing others that are too high. Since hormones control thousands of metabolic processes from energy to fertility, this virtue can have a remarkable effect on health and behavior.

One important result is the powerful impact that ginseng has on stress responses. By helping to balance and regulate the chemicals that provoke stress responses, the herb brings the body into a more balanced and relaxed state of wellness.

Other Health Benefits

Besides improvements in energy levels and stress responses, ginseng has also been shown to:

  • Improve general mood and cognitive function
  • Balance blood sugars
  • Fortify immunity
  • Help to maintain healthy body weight

You can look for ginseng in the form of a tincture, or drink it as an herbal tea. Golden Lotus Botanicals formulated a proprietary chai tea blend that includes all three strains of ginseng; American ginseng, Chinese panax ginseng, and Siberian ginseng. Browse other adaptogen-fortified teas in the Living Clean store, or find out more about anti-stress herbs:

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