Panax quinquefolius ginseng, also known as Canadian ginseng, is an adaptogenic root that Indigenous cultures and traditional Chinese medicine have historically used for its holistic health benefits, including the treatment of a wide range of digestive disorders and raising Chi.
Today, Canadian ginseng is equally valued for its properties and ability to help promote vitality.
Vitality isn’t just about having physical energy; it’s about a thriving state of being. This means the body is strong, the mind is clear, and emotions are steady. To reach and maintain this state, the body needs to be good at managing stress and keeping its natural functions in top shape.
Enter adaptogens, nature’s helpers. These natural substances support the body’s ability to adjust to various stresses, from a busy day to environmental shifts. They help the body find its natural rhythm and return to a feeling of calm and balance.
Ontario-grown ginseng is widely used because it may also positively affect several aspects related to our overall vitality, including energy levels, cognitive function, and how we manage stress and anxiety.
Why is Canadian Ginseng Effective?
One of the key factors contributing to ginseng’s effectiveness in promoting well-being is its high ginsenoside content. These ginsenosides are the active compounds responsible for the many health benefits of ginseng, including increased vitality.
In fact, Canadian ginseng has a unique ginsenoside profile that’s more potent and effective than other varieties.
Additionally, ginseng’s antioxidant properties can help protect the body from age-related damage and decline, promoting longevity and vitality.
How Does Canadian Ginseng Enhance Your Vitality?
Ginseng for Stress and Anxiety
Ginseng is an adaptogen. This means that the root helps the body adapt to stress. It may even promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety, thereby contributing to a greater sense of well-being.
- Ginseng can also stimulate your GABA receptors (nerve cells that receive the chemical messages that help to inhibit or reduce nerve impulses), which induces a calming effect on brain function and the body.
Ginseng for Antioxidants
Our bodies naturally produce “free radicals” from everyday activities and things like pollution. If we have too many free radicals, they can cause stress and damage to our cells, which can affect our health over time. The antioxidants in Canadian ginseng help neutralize these harmful free radicals and protect the cells from damage. This protective action is key to maintaining overall well-being and lasting vitality.
Ginseng for Energy and Physical Stamina
Canadian ginseng is also widely used to promote a stronger sense of stamina and greater energy levels, central factors to our vitality.
- A 2000 study found that consuming Panax quinquefolius ginseng before or during a meal may help lower and control blood sugar, which has a positive effect on mood and energy levels.
Ginseng for Cognitive Function
Ginseng may also improve cognitive function, including memory, focus, and attention. It may also help to protect the brain from age-related decline.
- A 2001 study found that Panax quinquefolius compounds, specifically Rb1 and Rg1, help brain cells grow and protect them from certain types of damage, which might explain why they’ve been thought to boost thinking skills.
- Extract HT-1001 from Canadian ginseng may help prevent the common memory issues caused by medications like scopolamine (often used for motion sickness or before surgery), likely by improving how your brain handles a key memory chemical.
- An open study found that a combination herbal product of American ginseng and Ginkgo biloba extract (AD-FX) may improve ADHD symptoms in children, warranting further research.
- Lastly, a study, published in 2015, found that ginseng improved memory performance in middle-aged adults.
At the Ontario Ginseng Growers Association (OGGA), we’re passionate about educating consumers about high-quality, North American ginseng. Visit our website to learn more about this amazing plant, including recipe ideas for adding ginseng into your daily routine, or reach out to learn more about how you can get involved.
