The unexpected truth about the "miracle drug" that Vietnamese people consider more nutritious than ginseng
Perennial ginseng roots do not have the panacea effect as many people believe. In addition, because they contain a lot of saponin (a substance that can break down red blood cells), they should not be used in high doses, as they can cause intoxication, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea.
According to experts, ginseng roots are highly valued for their health benefits and disease treatment.
According to research by Professor Ngo Ung Long (Military Medical Academy), ginseng roots contain a lot of saponins like ginseng, vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and 20 amino acids necessary for the body. According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Huong (Ho Chi Minh City Ginseng and Medicinal Herbs Center), ginseng roots can increase physical strength, stimulate brain activity, relieve anxiety and fatigue, fight oxidation, protect the liver, and stimulate immunity.
In the roots of ginseng, there are many saponins that have effects similar to ginseng, many vitamins B1. However, because the saponin component is abundant in ginseng roots, this substance can break red blood cells. Therefore, it should be noted that when using ginseng, it should not be used in high doses, which will cause intoxication and accompanied by a feeling of fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In addition, perennial ginseng roots do not have the effect of curing all diseases as many people speculate, the best time to use is when the plant is 5 to 10 years old. Because, according to the natural principle, plants that are too old may no longer be good because the substances in the roots have aged and no longer provide adequate nutrients.
Because the saponin component is abundant in ginseng roots, this substance has hemolytic properties that will break red blood cells, so it should only be used when necessary and must be used in the correct dose and in the correct way. This plant also contains alkaloids, which when used in large amounts will lead to dizziness.
Therefore, when using ginseng as medicine, you should only use the correct dosage (For example: Each time, use only 10-20g of dried, roasted ginseng root, which is enough).
Here are some tips from traditional medicine doctors:
- Do not use high doses of ginseng root, because it will cause drug intoxication and fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. In particular, when using ginseng root, you must use plants that are 3-5 years old or older.
- People with liver disease should not use ginseng.
- Pregnant women should not use it either.
- Patients should consult a doctor before using ginseng.
