Asian Ginseng - Uses of Ginseng
By Robin Brain
Asian ginseng is perhaps the most widely recognized of the plants used in traditional medicine and plays a
major role in the herbal health market. It has been used for more than two thousand years. At least six species
and varieties of Panax have been used in traditional medicine. It is a popular ingredient in herbal teas and
cosmetics. It is promoted for its antistress effects.
Ginseng's dried root is medicinal. It contains triterpenoid saponins called ginsenosides that appear to be the
active ingredients responsible for the plant's immunomodulatory effects. Ginsenosides seem to increase
natural-killer cell activity, stimulate interferon production, accelerate nuclear RNA synthesis, and increase motor activity.
The ginsenosides have been found to protect against stress ulcers, to decrease blood glucose level, to increase high-density
lipoprotein level, and to affect central nervous system activity by acting as a de pressant, anticonvulsant, analgesic, and antipsychotic.
Ginseng is available as powdered root, tablets, capsules, and tea. Common trade names include Centrum Ginseng, Chikusetsu
Ginseng, Gin-Action, Ginsai, Ginsana, Ginseng Manchurian, Ginseng Power Max 004X G-Sana, Ginseng Up, Gin Zip, Herbal Sure Chinese
Red Ginseng, Herbal Sure Korean Ginseng, Korean White Ginseng, Lynae Ginse-Cool, Power Herb Korean Ginseng, Premium Blend
Korean Ginseng Extract, Sanchi Ginseng, The Ginseng Solution, Time Release Korean Ginseng Power, and Zhuzishen.
Reported uses
Asian ginseng is used to manage fatigue and lack of concentration, and to treat atherosclerosis, bleeding disorders, colitis, diabetes,
depression, and cancer. It's also used to help recover health and strength after sickness or weakness.
Administration
Powdered root: For a healthy patient, 0.5 to 1.0 g of the root may be taken by mouth, every day, in 2 divided doses for 15 to 20 days. The
morning dose is usually taken 1 to 2 hours before breakfast; the evening dose, 2 hours after dinner. If a second course of therapy is
desired, patient must wait at least 2 weeks before starting ginseng again. For an elderly or sick patient, 0.4 to 0.8 g of the root by mouth
every day taken continuously
Solid extracts in tablets and capsules: Dosage is 100 to 300 mg by mouth three times a day
Tea: Dosage is 1 cup every day, up to three times a day, for 3 to 4 weeks. The tea is prepared by steeping 3 g (1 teaspoon) of the herb
in a cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
By Robin Brain
Asian ginseng is perhaps the most widely recognized of the plants used in traditional medicine and plays a
major role in the herbal health market. It has been used for more than two thousand years. At least six species
and varieties of Panax have been used in traditional medicine. It is a popular ingredient in herbal teas and
cosmetics. It is promoted for its antistress effects.
Ginseng's dried root is medicinal. It contains triterpenoid saponins called ginsenosides that appear to be the
active ingredients responsible for the plant's immunomodulatory effects. Ginsenosides seem to increase
natural-killer cell activity, stimulate interferon production, accelerate nuclear RNA synthesis, and increase motor activity.
The ginsenosides have been found to protect against stress ulcers, to decrease blood glucose level, to increase high-density
lipoprotein level, and to affect central nervous system activity by acting as a de pressant, anticonvulsant, analgesic, and antipsychotic.
Ginseng is available as powdered root, tablets, capsules, and tea. Common trade names include Centrum Ginseng, Chikusetsu
Ginseng, Gin-Action, Ginsai, Ginsana, Ginseng Manchurian, Ginseng Power Max 004X G-Sana, Ginseng Up, Gin Zip, Herbal Sure Chinese
Red Ginseng, Herbal Sure Korean Ginseng, Korean White Ginseng, Lynae Ginse-Cool, Power Herb Korean Ginseng, Premium Blend
Korean Ginseng Extract, Sanchi Ginseng, The Ginseng Solution, Time Release Korean Ginseng Power, and Zhuzishen.
Reported uses
Asian ginseng is used to manage fatigue and lack of concentration, and to treat atherosclerosis, bleeding disorders, colitis, diabetes,
depression, and cancer. It's also used to help recover health and strength after sickness or weakness.
Administration
Powdered root: For a healthy patient, 0.5 to 1.0 g of the root may be taken by mouth, every day, in 2 divided doses for 15 to 20 days. The
morning dose is usually taken 1 to 2 hours before breakfast; the evening dose, 2 hours after dinner. If a second course of therapy is
desired, patient must wait at least 2 weeks before starting ginseng again. For an elderly or sick patient, 0.4 to 0.8 g of the root by mouth
every day taken continuously
Solid extracts in tablets and capsules: Dosage is 100 to 300 mg by mouth three times a day
Tea: Dosage is 1 cup every day, up to three times a day, for 3 to 4 weeks. The tea is prepared by steeping 3 g (1 teaspoon) of the herb
in a cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
| Professional Edition Volume 2 Issue 3 March 18, 2008 |
Newsletter for Acupuncture Practitioners sponsored by Ashi Research |
Doctors Evaluate Toad Venom as Potential Cancer Cure
M.D. Anderson Scientists See Possibilities in Ancient Chinese Remedy
By STEPHANIE SY
SHANGHAI, March 10, 2008
It's the stuff of fairy tales and folk medicine: using toad venom for cures. But backed by a U.S. government
grant, Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in
Houston, has traveled 7,000 miles to Shanghai to test whether the traditional Chinese medicine can fight some
of the deadliest cancers.
"I think it is very important that the world, as a whole, is starting to expand and look at indigenous medicines," Cohen said.
That's because Western medicine has not been effective against devastating diseases such as lung, liver and pancreatic cancer. In
China, patients routinely receive a blend of Western and Chinese therapies, such as acupuncture. Medicine that's extracted from toad skin
may seem a little strange to Americans, but it has been accepted for centuries as a cancer treatment in China.
Until now, however, toad venom hasn't been put under the microscope of a Western clinical trial. ABC News spoke with Shanghai trial
participant Zhang Jingyi, who was going into his monthly CT scan. He has stage IV pancreatic cancer, painful and deadly. On average,
fewer than 5 percent of patients live longer than five years beyond diagnosis.
"A few people at my factory died from this cancer," Zhang said. "I know what kind of disease this is."
His doctors prescribed toad venom to attack the tumor. They say they've seen it work before.
"There is research showing it induces apoptosis, which is spontaneous cell death, and there is research showing there is a decrease
in the proliferation of cancer cells," Cohen said.
After four months of chemotherapy and toad venom, Zhang has reason to hope — his latest scan shows a significant, 15 percent
reduction of his tumor.
"I am Chinese, so I trust Chinese medicine," Zhang said. But he credits both Chinese and Western wisdom for taking away his aching
pain and fatigue.
It will take years to prove toad venom's effectiveness, but Cohen hopes someday ancient Chinese remedies will help patients back
home, too.
M.D. Anderson Scientists See Possibilities in Ancient Chinese Remedy
By STEPHANIE SY
SHANGHAI, March 10, 2008
It's the stuff of fairy tales and folk medicine: using toad venom for cures. But backed by a U.S. government
grant, Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in
Houston, has traveled 7,000 miles to Shanghai to test whether the traditional Chinese medicine can fight some
of the deadliest cancers.
"I think it is very important that the world, as a whole, is starting to expand and look at indigenous medicines," Cohen said.
That's because Western medicine has not been effective against devastating diseases such as lung, liver and pancreatic cancer. In
China, patients routinely receive a blend of Western and Chinese therapies, such as acupuncture. Medicine that's extracted from toad skin
may seem a little strange to Americans, but it has been accepted for centuries as a cancer treatment in China.
Until now, however, toad venom hasn't been put under the microscope of a Western clinical trial. ABC News spoke with Shanghai trial
participant Zhang Jingyi, who was going into his monthly CT scan. He has stage IV pancreatic cancer, painful and deadly. On average,
fewer than 5 percent of patients live longer than five years beyond diagnosis.
"A few people at my factory died from this cancer," Zhang said. "I know what kind of disease this is."
His doctors prescribed toad venom to attack the tumor. They say they've seen it work before.
"There is research showing it induces apoptosis, which is spontaneous cell death, and there is research showing there is a decrease
in the proliferation of cancer cells," Cohen said.
After four months of chemotherapy and toad venom, Zhang has reason to hope — his latest scan shows a significant, 15 percent
reduction of his tumor.
"I am Chinese, so I trust Chinese medicine," Zhang said. But he credits both Chinese and Western wisdom for taking away his aching
pain and fatigue.
It will take years to prove toad venom's effectiveness, but Cohen hopes someday ancient Chinese remedies will help patients back
home, too.
| Ashi Pain Relief Products New Solution for Practitioners! Click here to order |
CONTENTS
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Effective Herbal Remedies For Alleviating Tendinitis
By Vanessa A. Doctor
Tendinitis, or tendonitis, is a painful condition which refers to the inflammation of the tendons. Tendons
basically, are the fibrous structures or tissue that attaches the bones to muscles. Classifying tendonitis is varies
depending upon the part of the body that is affected, either in around the shoulders, elbows, wrists and heels.
The risk of physical injuries can also be easily sustained in the tendons of the heels and in those of the
shoulder, especially in cases when any form of physical exertion is carried out involving strain to the tendons
present in both places. A feeling of tenderness and soreness due to tissue swelling is common in the areas
where the tendons have become affected and painful sensations due to the inflammation is always present in such areas.
What Age Group Does It Affect Most
Generally, tendinitis occurs in middle to older age men or women, when the tendons can become more prone to injuries ,but it also
occurs in younger individuals, when exercises are undertaken too vigorously or the tasks are performed repetitively.
This painful condition is most often diagnosed by evaluating major factors in the patient's history that may indicate muscular overuse.
This ailment will often develop when a person suddenly increases his or her level of activity without properly getting adequate training or
body conditioning. This occurs frequently in occupational and recreational settings. Aside from evaluating factors in the patient's history that
are likely to lead to this condition, a doctor may utilize many physical examination procedures.
Most tendons are located near the surface of the skin and therefore can be easily touched, felt or pressed in order to make a diagnosis,
mostly manual therapy practitioners who have exceptionally-developed palpation skills. Pressure placed directly on these tendons is likely
to cause discomfort. Lastly, the manual therapy practitioner could also ask the patient to contract the muscle attached to the tendon, usually
against resistance, to verify if this maneuver causes pain.
Potent Herbal Mixtures For Alleviating Tendinitis
There are a number of herbal mixtures and topical preparations that are commonly utilized to treat tendinitis. These herbs are known to
possess anti-inflammatory properties and will help heal the torn tendon fibers. If the condition is chronic one, burning a small amount of
mugwort near the skin may hasten the healing process.
Some oral herbal ingredients or supplements may also be helpful in creating an optimal healing environment for the tendon and
address any related concerns. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and experts may also perform a unique form of acupressure
massage called tui-na. Below are some potent herbal ingredients which are helpful in alleviating this painful condition.
- Fenugreek
The grounded seeds of the fenugreek and milk are a good combination, as the inflammation in the affected area would be reduced
and relieved through the anti-inflammatory properties of the fenugreek herb.
- Curcumin
The turmeric herb, curcumin, also is noted to possess potent pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties, and its extract can also be
utilized as a herbal topical ointment.
- Individuals who suffer from this painful condition should also regularly consume fresh vegetables and fruits, flax seed meal, flax seed oil,
deep water fish, fresh water and organically raised food.
Usually, this painful swelling of the tendons would naturally heal if the activity that provokes it is reduced or stopped. There are many
types of treatments that can help speed up the healing process. Some tendonitis concerns may last for longer periods, because they are
not afforded the proper treatment periods before a person goes back to a more vigorous activity level.
If this condition persists and is generally unresponsive to non-surgical treatment methods, the afflicted part of the tendon may need to
be removed through surgery, and a type of surgery is also performed to remove the buildup of calcium levels that come with persistent
tendonitis.
Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company
By Vanessa A. Doctor
Tendinitis, or tendonitis, is a painful condition which refers to the inflammation of the tendons. Tendons
basically, are the fibrous structures or tissue that attaches the bones to muscles. Classifying tendonitis is varies
depending upon the part of the body that is affected, either in around the shoulders, elbows, wrists and heels.
The risk of physical injuries can also be easily sustained in the tendons of the heels and in those of the
shoulder, especially in cases when any form of physical exertion is carried out involving strain to the tendons
present in both places. A feeling of tenderness and soreness due to tissue swelling is common in the areas
where the tendons have become affected and painful sensations due to the inflammation is always present in such areas.
What Age Group Does It Affect Most
Generally, tendinitis occurs in middle to older age men or women, when the tendons can become more prone to injuries ,but it also
occurs in younger individuals, when exercises are undertaken too vigorously or the tasks are performed repetitively.
This painful condition is most often diagnosed by evaluating major factors in the patient's history that may indicate muscular overuse.
This ailment will often develop when a person suddenly increases his or her level of activity without properly getting adequate training or
body conditioning. This occurs frequently in occupational and recreational settings. Aside from evaluating factors in the patient's history that
are likely to lead to this condition, a doctor may utilize many physical examination procedures.
Most tendons are located near the surface of the skin and therefore can be easily touched, felt or pressed in order to make a diagnosis,
mostly manual therapy practitioners who have exceptionally-developed palpation skills. Pressure placed directly on these tendons is likely
to cause discomfort. Lastly, the manual therapy practitioner could also ask the patient to contract the muscle attached to the tendon, usually
against resistance, to verify if this maneuver causes pain.
Potent Herbal Mixtures For Alleviating Tendinitis
There are a number of herbal mixtures and topical preparations that are commonly utilized to treat tendinitis. These herbs are known to
possess anti-inflammatory properties and will help heal the torn tendon fibers. If the condition is chronic one, burning a small amount of
mugwort near the skin may hasten the healing process.
Some oral herbal ingredients or supplements may also be helpful in creating an optimal healing environment for the tendon and
address any related concerns. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and experts may also perform a unique form of acupressure
massage called tui-na. Below are some potent herbal ingredients which are helpful in alleviating this painful condition.
- Fenugreek
The grounded seeds of the fenugreek and milk are a good combination, as the inflammation in the affected area would be reduced
and relieved through the anti-inflammatory properties of the fenugreek herb.
- Curcumin
The turmeric herb, curcumin, also is noted to possess potent pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties, and its extract can also be
utilized as a herbal topical ointment.
- Individuals who suffer from this painful condition should also regularly consume fresh vegetables and fruits, flax seed meal, flax seed oil,
deep water fish, fresh water and organically raised food.
Usually, this painful swelling of the tendons would naturally heal if the activity that provokes it is reduced or stopped. There are many
types of treatments that can help speed up the healing process. Some tendonitis concerns may last for longer periods, because they are
not afforded the proper treatment periods before a person goes back to a more vigorous activity level.
If this condition persists and is generally unresponsive to non-surgical treatment methods, the afflicted part of the tendon may need to
be removed through surgery, and a type of surgery is also performed to remove the buildup of calcium levels that come with persistent
tendonitis.
Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company
Stress, Disease and Acupuncture
by Dan Schalm R.Ac, R.TCMP
Yes, most people will say that they feel very calm and relaxed after an acupuncture treatment. During a treatment, it is not uncommon
for a patient to feel as if they are releasing negative energy from their body. Interestingly, this release is often coupled with increased
stamina and feelings of creativity.
Does herbal medicine help?
Chinese herbs have long been known to help with anxiety and depression. Because they are natural, they are much safer than Western
pharmaceuticals.
How does acupuncture relieve stress?
Acupuncture is primarily concerned with regulating the vital force, the body energy or 'Qi'. It has a number of beneficial physiological
effects -- Acupuncture creates a relaxation response in the body with decreased heart rate, lowered BP, immune system modulation,
increased energy and wound tissue regeneration. It has been shown to produce a calming or tranquilizing action that is of particular
interest to people in states of stress.
Modern research has shown that needling certain points can activate complex chemical responses within the body. These include
increased white blood cell production and the release of neurotransmitters such as beta-endorphin, met-enkephalin, serotonin,
adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) hormone and Substance P. These chemicals are vital in reducing and offsetting the buildup of cortisol, as well
as resetting the neuro-chemical balance in the brain.
What does this mean for me?
Acupuncture can relieve feelings of anxiety and depression, which may be serious handicaps for people trying to cope with difficult
domestic, social and work related problems. It can give a person a feeling of well-being and self-confidence. It can be an effective
substitute for sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and antidepressant drugs. Acupuncture is used in many cases not only as an alternative to these
drugs but also to treat side effects and dependence. Some patients come for acupuncture treatment specifically to come off their
antidepressants, though it's advised that this is done with the involvement of their physician. There is considerable evidence that
acupuncture could substantially reduce the consumption of drugs such as Prozac.
Acupuncture can provide a safe and effective tool for stress. Of course, life situations leading up to stress can only be changed by the
individual seeking treatment. Furthermore, the most important factor in decreasing the damage caused by stress seems to be how we
interpret life situations. Do we see life in general as a stressful place, or treat the bustle of life as an adventure? Our body will react
according to our belief about the environment surrounding it. Acupuncture can, however, open a refreshing window of opportunity. As the
heavy feelings of stress are relieved, a person feels more confidence in their ability to cope with unpleasant aspects of their life situation
and make necessary changes ... either to the situation or their perceptions of it. Meditation, Qi Gong, counselling and spiritual practice can
be very beneficial to enhance this process.
Daniel Schalm is a registered practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine in British Columbia. He has taught clinical safety and TCM theory
to students in Victoria, BC, as well as operating a practice in that city. Presently, Daniel has relocated to Parksville, BC where he and his wife
operate the Columbia Beach B&B He also runs Design Menu Web Solutions (a web design and SEO company) and is the creator and
webmaster of Meridianman Men's Holistic Health.
by Dan Schalm R.Ac, R.TCMP
- Doctors and health scientists are recently learning the mechanisms that prove emotional stress has a profound
influence on the prognosis and causes of disease. Emotional well being, it turns out, is closely connected to human
physiology, and when our thoughts and emotions become uncomfortable the body responds by releasing stress
hormones, such as cortisol, that negatively affects our complicated homeostatic balance. In this way it weakens our
immune system, changes our sleep patterns, leads to heart disease, damages endocrine health and chemically
changes the wiring of the brain reducing our ability to think clearly and problem-solve. Hypertension, cardio-
pulmonary disease, gastrointestinal disorders, immune system problems, even cancer has been linked to this
pathological process. All because of stressful emotions.
Yes, most people will say that they feel very calm and relaxed after an acupuncture treatment. During a treatment, it is not uncommon
for a patient to feel as if they are releasing negative energy from their body. Interestingly, this release is often coupled with increased
stamina and feelings of creativity.
Does herbal medicine help?
Chinese herbs have long been known to help with anxiety and depression. Because they are natural, they are much safer than Western
pharmaceuticals.
How does acupuncture relieve stress?
Acupuncture is primarily concerned with regulating the vital force, the body energy or 'Qi'. It has a number of beneficial physiological
effects -- Acupuncture creates a relaxation response in the body with decreased heart rate, lowered BP, immune system modulation,
increased energy and wound tissue regeneration. It has been shown to produce a calming or tranquilizing action that is of particular
interest to people in states of stress.
Modern research has shown that needling certain points can activate complex chemical responses within the body. These include
increased white blood cell production and the release of neurotransmitters such as beta-endorphin, met-enkephalin, serotonin,
adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) hormone and Substance P. These chemicals are vital in reducing and offsetting the buildup of cortisol, as well
as resetting the neuro-chemical balance in the brain.
What does this mean for me?
Acupuncture can relieve feelings of anxiety and depression, which may be serious handicaps for people trying to cope with difficult
domestic, social and work related problems. It can give a person a feeling of well-being and self-confidence. It can be an effective
substitute for sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and antidepressant drugs. Acupuncture is used in many cases not only as an alternative to these
drugs but also to treat side effects and dependence. Some patients come for acupuncture treatment specifically to come off their
antidepressants, though it's advised that this is done with the involvement of their physician. There is considerable evidence that
acupuncture could substantially reduce the consumption of drugs such as Prozac.
Acupuncture can provide a safe and effective tool for stress. Of course, life situations leading up to stress can only be changed by the
individual seeking treatment. Furthermore, the most important factor in decreasing the damage caused by stress seems to be how we
interpret life situations. Do we see life in general as a stressful place, or treat the bustle of life as an adventure? Our body will react
according to our belief about the environment surrounding it. Acupuncture can, however, open a refreshing window of opportunity. As the
heavy feelings of stress are relieved, a person feels more confidence in their ability to cope with unpleasant aspects of their life situation
and make necessary changes ... either to the situation or their perceptions of it. Meditation, Qi Gong, counselling and spiritual practice can
be very beneficial to enhance this process.
Daniel Schalm is a registered practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine in British Columbia. He has taught clinical safety and TCM theory
to students in Victoria, BC, as well as operating a practice in that city. Presently, Daniel has relocated to Parksville, BC where he and his wife
operate the Columbia Beach B&B He also runs Design Menu Web Solutions (a web design and SEO company) and is the creator and
webmaster of Meridianman Men's Holistic Health.
This is a free service for posting educational events related to Chinese medicine . Contact tcm@ashi-resarch.com for the service.
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