Stimulating and invigorating plants have the power to fight physical and intellectual fatigue but also to boost the immune defences. This is the case with ginger and ginseng, true roots of energy.
Ginger in case of loss of tone
It is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, especially since it is suitable for all “doshas” (energy temperaments). Often used as a spice (one of the first to be imported along the Mediterranean basin), ginger was renowned in the Middle Ages for its aphrodisiac effects, which explained its success… and its price!
- Ginger is particularly effective in case of loss of tone. Indeed, it stimulates and strengthens the body and this is what mainly makes its reputation.
- Anti-inflammatory and antiviral, it relieves fever and fights against flu and allergies.
- It also relieves pain related to migraines, menstruation and various gastric disorders.
- It stimulates appetite and prevents vomiting during pregnancy (or motion sickness).
- Finally, it has about forty antioxidants. There is the presence of essential oil, starch, many vitamins (B1, B2, B3, C) and minerals (manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron) which have the effect of energizing the body .
Precautions for use
It is not recommended to consume ginger before an operation because its anticoagulant properties. It is not expressly contraindicated for pregnant women, but they are advised not to consume it for too long a period. The only contraindications of ginger concern certain drugs with which it can interact because of its anticoagulant properties. It is therefore necessary to take medical advice, especially in the event of problems with gallstones, heart, diabetes or diseases related to the blood.
Ginseng in case of physical and mental exhaustion
In general, we use the roots ginsengolder than 4 years in herbal medicine. Ginseng is one of the plants known as “adaptogens”, that is to say that it helps the body to respond to the aggressions and imbalances to which it is subjected, whether internal (infections) or external ( stress).
It is often said that it is one of the so-called “G tonic” plants, such as ginger, guarana, gentian, known to boost our shape.
- Ginseng roots contain triterpene saponins, ginsenosides, of which there are at least a dozen varieties. The complex effects of these substances (which seem to vary according to the state of the person who takes them) act against stress, but also as a tonic in the event of physical and/or intellectual fatigue and to help convalescents to regain form.
- In vitro tests on cell cultures and in animals have shown that ginseng stimulates certain immune cells (lymphocytes) and induces them to produce interferons, in other words substances capable of neutralizing certain viruses.
- In addition, it seems able to increase the level of cortisol in the blood (the hormone that allows us to react to stress) and to inhibit the action of prolactin (a hormone that decreases sexual desire in men ). To date, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes as “clinically established” the use of ginseng to improve physical and mental abilities during fatigue, exhaustion, concentration disorders and in convalescents.
Precautions for use
People with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease should refrain from taking any product containing ginseng without medical advice. In addition, people who suffer from insomnia, nervous disorders or obesity should use ginseng with caution. The use of this plant is not recommended by the WHO for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
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