Allergies Out of Control? Try Ginseng!
Anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies knows that the effects of conventional medications can be almost as bad as the symptoms they claim to alleviate.
So, it may be considered good news to discover that potential allergy relief is possible from an unexpected source – ginseng.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is well established as an herbal adaptogen that helps people feel physically and mentally energized, better able to focus on details, and in a positive state of mind overall. However, some of those same components in ginseng responsible for its beneficial adaptive and energizing effects may also help stop allergy symptoms from getting out of control.
While more research needs to be done for conclusive answers, this review found that ginseng shows great potential for those who live with allergies. It inhibits many of the actions in the body that lead to runny noses, itching, congestion, coughing, and other typical allergic reactions. Ginsenosides and other compounds in ginseng have been found to stop bronchial constriction, mast cell and eosinophil activation, and reduce a host of inflammatory markers associated with rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.
If you decide to add ginseng to your regimen to reduce allergic symptoms, consider finding a red ginseng supplement that has been grown without pesticides. Red ginseng simply refers to the process of traditionally steaming and drying the roots of the plant, which give them a characteristic reddish-brown color. Ideally, a ginseng supplement should deliver a concentration of noble ginsenosides, which are especially potent compounds from the plant and are considerably better absorbed than standard ginsenosides. The benefit of choosing red ginseng during allergy season is that along with fewer symptoms, you may notice a better sense of energy and well-being, too.
Abstract:
Han MJ, Kim DH. Effects of Red and Fermented Ginseng and Ginsenosides on Allergic Disorders. Biomolecules. 2020 Apr 20;10(4):634. doi: 10.3390/biom10040634. PMID: 32326081; PMCID: PMC7226199.
Both white ginseng (WG, dried root of Panax sp.) and red ginseng (RG, steamed and dried root of Panax sp.) are reported to exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects such as anticancer, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities. These ginsengs contain hydrophilic sugar-conjugated ginsenosides and polysaccharides as the bioactive constituents. When taken orally, their hydrophilic constituents are metabolized into hydrophobic ginsenosides compound K, Rh1, and Rh2 that are absorbable into the blood. These metabolites exhibit the pharmacological effects more strongly than hydrophilic parental constituents. To enforce these metabolites, fermented WG and RG are developed. Moreover, natural products including ginseng are frequently used for the treatment of allergic disorders. Therefore, this review introduces the current knowledge related to the effectiveness of ginseng on allergic disorders including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and pruritus. We discuss how ginseng, its constituents, and its metabolites regulate allergy-related immune responses. We also describe how ginseng controls allergic disorders.
