Finer Points
Thoughts and information for continued hope and health

February 2006

Quote of the month

"Cherish the love you receive above all. It will survive long after your good health has vanished."

What makes me crazy?

Every Valentine's Day some local or network new team does a story on aphrodisiacs. Invariably, Ginseng is named as the king of them all.

Without fail, I begin running through the house, jumping up and down, flailing my arms and ranting and raving. Believe me, this does not help my Valentine's Day celebrations...or my husband's.

I bet you hear a little bit now and then about how Ginseng is good for this thing or that and how that guy down the street couldn't even get out of bed until he went down the street to the health food store (how did he manage that?) - and bought some Ginseng recommended by the guy behind the counter.

These "self-prescribed" stories make me shiver because although Ginseng Root (Radix Ginseng) (the Chinese call it "Ren Shen" - "man root") is the most popular herb in the Chinese Medical Pharmacy, most people in this country don't really know how it is used.

What can it really do?

Ginseng, in short, strengthens weakness. It lessens burnout. It counteracts long-term fatigue.

Ginseng is not a stimulant and does not contain caffeine. We say that it is "adaptogenic" - that it fills the void. It gives you what you need.

It can be used for vascular collapse (post-surgical fatigue) as well as perimenopausal brain fog and fatigue (male and female). It is flexible, it is an old standard, it is precious and expensive - but it is not for everybody.

There are several different types of Ginseng available in this country: Siberian, red/Korean ginseng and American Ginseng. American Ginseng is actually very "yin" in nature - and is appropriate for most Americans. It is grown in Wisconsin - and is fabulous stuff.

Here's a story: years ago, after my father-in-law's abdominal aneurysm, he was pale, cold, depressed and short of breath. He also had a grey complexion, had cold extremities, extreme lethargy and profuse spontaneous sweating.

In addition, he had lost his sense of humor. There was a family discussion as to whether this was really a loss...

I prescribed Ginseng as part of a Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula. Ginseng was the major or "king" herb in the formula. Within two days after beginning the formula his color had improved. By the third day his appetite had improved, he was telling jokes again and had more energy.

By the fourth day he was on the phone with his tennis pro scheduling another lesson...

In a patient with my father-in-law's symptoms...according to the classic Chinese Medicine textbooks, there would also be impotence issues. At the time, I admit I did not ask him if this was a problem. However, in this particular case, if he did have such issues, then the Ginseng would have corrected this.

--and that's how it got to have an aphrodesiac reputation.

Technically, Ginseng increases protein synthesis and nucleic acid production within cells, thus increasing metabolism. In cardiac patients, it's been found to reduce catecholamine-induced arrhythmias and dilates coronary arteries, brain blood vessels and (optical) retinal vessels.

Basically, Ginseng is good for the heart. It is good for love - and I suppose it can be an aphrodesiac in that way...

However, Ginseng is forbidden if you do NOT have weakness and physical exhaustion.

If you are a guy in your twenties or thirties (or younger!) and just want to increase your physical prowess, please be forewarned: using Ginseng indiscriminately can cause headaches and high blood pressure!

If you are recovering from surgery - or have just given birth - put Ginseng in chicken soup, simmer long and low, and then drink the soup.

Ginseng is not remotely dangerous as long as it is taken by the people for whom it is appropriate. There are many, many aphrodisiacs in the Chinese Pharmacy - but you need to consult your local, trained and experienced herbalist - like me - to recommend something for your particular constitution.

These herbs can help you to love long and well - with your whole heart. They perhaps will not help your sense of humor but they may help your Valentine's Day.

And as for mine: that's too personal.

Shame on you.