Tiredness is a condition of the body that affects most people at some point in their lives. For some, tiredness can become a daily struggle and have extreme effects on their well being. Naturally your body will want to “sleep it off” but too much sleep can leave you feeling drowsy and interfere with your sleeping pattern.
Herbal remedies like Ginseng is a solution and a natural way of treating ailments and fatigue. Originally discovered and used for treatments in Asia and North America, ginseng became one of the most sought after herbal remedies in the world.
Studies have found that Ginseng is good for the immune system. It can help prevent common colds, lower blood sugar levels, and improve concentration and learning abilities. It can also be used to treat cancer, heart diseases, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, high blood pressure and the menopause. To avoid imitations you should look for the root’s main active ingredient called “ginsenosides.”
With all herbal remedies Ginseng has some possible side effects: nervousness, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, upset tummy, allergies and possible menstrual changes. If you suffer from diabetes or take anti-depressants it is important to speak to your doctor first. It is advised not to take this root on a long-term basis and not recommended for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
A Doctor named Zanini recommends the following: “There isn’t an appropriate dose. It depends on age, health status and other factors. I would feel most comfortable recommending it for individuals not taking other medications were potential interactions could occur, but I would not recommend ginseng to treat a disease.”
A great way to introduce Ginseng into your diet is by adding it to smoothies. The first smoothie bar that ever opened in my hometown was run by a few hippies and I remember it fondly. They created delicious smoothies with a variety of fruit and yoghurts combined with Ginseng. Summer is the time our bodies begin to crave more energy and there’s nothing better than treating ourselves to a smoothie packed full of nutrients. This Ginseng smoothie is the perfect summer recipe. Get creative with ingredients and alter this to suit your own taste buds!
Summer Ginseng Smoothie
Ingredients
1 cup Plain milk or soy milk
4 oz frozen fruit (any fruit of your choice, depending on your mood or what’s there is your fridge)
1 tsp of ginseng root powder
1 tbsp honey
½ tbsp vanilla extract or pods
Method
Mix all the ingredients in a blender and blend away to get the perfect cup of nutritious ginseng milk shake.
