ginseng

[jjf2003]

What is ginseng supposed to do and is there any evidence that it 'works'?

[craig_edward]

I'm pretty sure that ginseng contains an oestrogen and is taken by ladies after the menopause as a natural form of HRT. This should be done under the guidance of a physician, as HRT can have several nasty side effects and recent research has cast doubts on it use to prevent cardiovascular disease in this group of people.

[jjf2003]

Thanks, craig, but as I'm a bloke I don't think I need worry there :-)

[darth vader]

It is said to have many healing and beneficial properties but two that spring to mind are to promote longevity and sexual appetite - see the Chinese population for evidence. (personally i don't bother cos it's like drinking balsa wood-flavoured hot water yeuk!)

[darth vader]

ps like most herbal remedies and medicines there is rarely any real evidence, just opinion