SINGAPORE: Ginseng, valued for its nourishing properties, has been a common fixture in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the past 2,000 years.

Researchers have also found that the humble root contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

How and why exactly is this TCM staple beneficial to health?

Ms Seah Ai Wei, TCM physician with Raffles Chinese Medicine, explained that ginseng is commonly prescribed to patients to build up their immunity.

"Ginseng can help boost resistance to stress, improve stamina as well as one's mental and physical well-being," Ms Seah said.

Ginsenosides, the root's active component, also helps to restore qi — what TCM physicians term the vital energy circulating within the body.

Ms Seah said: "When the qi in certain organs like the lungs or stomach is weak, breathing problems and poor digestion can occur because the person's immune system is low."

Ginseng is thus given to patients to restore their body's energy imbalance.

Dietitian Grace Quek of Excellence Healthcare agrees that ginseng can be beneficial.

She said: "The Ginsenosides found in the ginseng root contain anti-inflammatory properties and efficacy has also been established in its benefits for chronic fatigue syndrome."

But the root shouldn't be taken indiscriminately. According to Ms Nehal Kamdar, dietician at Raffles Hospital, ginseng can interact with other medications such as warfarin and phenelzine adversely.

"Overdosing on ginseng can also cause gastrointestinal problems, insomnia and hypertension," she said.

Symptoms of a ginseng overdose may include diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.

Ms Seah thus cautions against supplementing one's diet with too much of the root. "Boiling ginseng slices in soup once a week is fine, but taking ginseng supplements on a daily basis is too much and not beneficial for the body."

Her advice is to consult a TCM physician, who is better able to prescribe the right amount and type of ginseng most suited to the condition of your body, as ginseng comes in both warm and cool varieties.

Ms So Hwee Mei, dietitian at the Dietetics Department of the National University Hospital, explained: "Not all ginseng is heaty. Korean ginseng is the heatiest of the lot, while Chinese ginseng is also heaty, but to a lesser extent. American ginseng on the other hand, has more cooling and relaxing properties."

Taking the wrong type of ginseng — trying to correct a deficiency in yang energy with a ginseng that restores yin energy — can also have side effects such as an energy imbalance.

Therefore, physicians have to understand the patients' ailments before prescribing the appropriate ginseng.

Dang Shen is recommended for supplementing vital energy and blood. TCM physicians prescribe it for patients with stomach, spleen and lung problems, and those with a deficiency in energy, fluid and blood.

Tai Zi Shen supplements both energy and body fluid.

Xi Yang Shen or American ginseng helps the lungs and kidneys, and is suitable for those with a deficiency in yang energy.

Hong Shen or Korean ginseng is nourishing for one's yang energy.

Ways to prepare and eat ginseng

Brew slices in soup with pork, chicken or fish.

Place a few thin slices in hot water to make ginseng tea.

Grind the ginseng into a powder, to be swallowed as a capsule.

Double-boil slices over a small fire for a few hours.

Chew on ginseng slices slowly before swallowing. - TODAY/fa