In ancient Chinese books, you can find the following saying: "The king of forest animals is a tiger, the king of sea animals is a dragon, and the king of forest plants is ginseng." Ginseng root enjoys great renown as an all-powerful remedy. And there are probably more legends and traditions about it than any other plant in the world.
Ginseng root - "man-root"
Ginseng root is said to have already been used 3000 years ago. And it appeared on Earth like this: lightning somehow struck a stream. The water dried up, and in the place where it landed, a plant appeared that absorbed the power of heavenly fire. Therefore, ginseng is sometimes denoted by the Chinese characters “gin-dan-shen”, which means “lightning root”.
It got many names given to it in the East: “Gift of the gods”, “Miracle of nature”, “Salt of the earth”, “Spirit of the earth”, “Divine grass”, “100 strengths” and many others. But most often it is called the “root of life”. Ginseng root - literally "man-root" (zhen - man, shen - root). This name was given for the striking resemblance of the ginseng root to the human figure.
The benefits of ginseng
Ginseng has amazing healing properties, which have been known to people for a long time. But today, with the development of science, we can also understand the reason for its amazing effect on the human body – the plant’s incredible composition. Saponins and organic germanium, which the “root of life” is rich in, not only saturate our body with the components it needs at the cellular level, but also improve the quality of biochemical reactions in every cell.
Regular consumption of ginseng reduces harmful metabolic by-products, including free radicals (which, as we know, are the main threat for body cells), normalizes metabolism in the endocrine glands and in neurons, and restores the regulatory functions of the nervous and endocrine systems. That is, it ensures the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of all organs and systems of the human body. Only the human body?
Ginseng for dogs
For many health problems, the effectiveness of ginseng is comparable to medicines. At the same time, it has no side effects, is not toxic, and does not carry the risk of overdose. In other words, it is safe for the bodies of both humans and animals.
Most often, ginseng root is used as a restorative and tonifying agent which can stimulate the body’s activity and vigor. It is also an excellent immunoregulator, and an effective antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent.
Such a variety of indications for the use of ginseng is a result of its unique composition. Penetrating into the body, its useful components (saponins, organic germanium, peptides, alkaloids, polysaccharides, essential oils, etc.) cleanse blood vessels and organs from the inside, thereby providing a beneficial multi-purpose therapeutic effect.
Ginseng ginsenosides are able to stimulate the production of serotonin in dogs, i.e., they act as an adaptogen, increasing stamina and resistance to stress. Recent studies have shown that the antioxidant and protective properties of ginseng are associated with increased nitric oxide synthesis in the endothelium of the lungs, heart, and kidneys. Long-term use of ginseng extract is safe and reduces susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion injury of the heart muscle.
However, all its possibilities are yet to been fully studied. Research continues, scientists are conducting experiments to explain certain properties of this natural phenomenon. But we can already safely say that modern medicine recognizes the incredible value of ginseng and calls it the "king of Chinese medicinal plants."
