The most famous of all the adaptogens - and the plant Brekhman did his first long-term studies with - is ginseng. There are three different varieties of ginseng: Panax ginseng is the most prized and most expensive It is grown either in China (the best) or Korea and is known as ren shen. By choice I would always go for this one if you can possibly afford it. Buy it as dried and powdered root in capsules, as a extract, a tincture, or as the root itself either whole or sliced which you can then chew. Ginseng’s potency depends a lot on where it is grown, how it is cultivated, stored and prepared. Be sure you have a good quality supply. My favorite way of taking ginseng is as a tea. You will need to take it for several weeks to gain the full benefit of its strengthening, balancing and restorative powers.

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Ginseng Tea I use a good brand of granulated ginseng which has been carefully processed to preserve its power yet made to dissolve in hot water (see Resources). I put two packets to each cup and drink it three or four times a day during periods of heavy stress or when I have allowed myself to become chronically tired. Make your own tea by putting 1 teaspoon of the dried root into a pan with a cup of water. Bring it to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and drink. Caution: Ginseng can sometimes cause insomnia, and if you have cardiovascular disease it is best used under the direction of a good health-care practitioner. Do not take it if you are pregnant, and don’t give it to children as some of the ginsenosides are chemically similar to some steroidal hormones that might possibly have an effect on a child’s growth or development.

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The classic definition of a herb is a non-woody plant which dies down to its roots each winter. This definition is far too limiting. It was probably made up by 19th Century European botanists who had never seen the rainforest in which, of course there is no winter to die back in. Neither had they ever heard of woody trees and shrubs such as hawthorn and ginko and elder which are some of the best selling herbs on the market these days. I define a herb as a medicinal plant. It can come from any climate and be a leaf, a bark, a flower or a root. It can be home-grown or wild, a weed, a spice, a plant which is used for its healing or culinary or beautifying properties. Once you discover the power of herbs it is easy to become so enthusiastic about them you go overboard trying to use them for everything. It is not wise to take lots of different plants all at the same time. Or you might start to think that since a small amount of something is good for you, taking twice or three times that amount will be even better. It isn’t. If you want safe and sane herbal help here are a few guidelines to follow: Herbs occasionally interact with conventional drugs. Be sure to tell your doctor that you intend to try a herbal remedy. If you want to use herbs to treat a serious medical condition, find yourself a good medical herbalist to work with. Don’t do it yourself. Take no more than recommended dosages of a herb or combination. If you notice any adverse reaction, stop right away. Use only the very best herbs whether they be fresh, dried, teas, tinctures, extracts, or capsules. Give plants enough time to work. Many herbs, such as St John’s Wort and Wild Yam, are slow to build beneficial effects on the body. Look to six weeks for results.   Herbs This Week Archives

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