Ginseng

The name ginseng applies to various herbs that have been used medicinally for many centuries. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is one of several types of true ginseng; another is American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). American ginseng is used for stress, to boost the immune system, and as a general tonic and stimulant. American ginseng contains chemicals called ginsenosides that seem to affect insulin levels in the body and lower blood sugar. Other chemicals in ginseng, polysaccharides, might affect the immune system.

Ginseng has been examined for use in anxiety and fatigue, and is considered as part of complementary and alternative medicine interventions in cognitive impairment. Not all types of ginseng have the same chemical contents, and so, not necessarily the same effectiveness.