Ginseng has long enjoyed popularity as a healing plant. For centuries now, ginseng served as a stimulant, a healthy remedy for a variety of ailments, an aphrodisiac and pain reliever. Emperors were known to take it in an effort to prolong their lives and gain vigor, virility and energy. Ginseng is taken in a variety of ways: straight up as an extract, as tea and as capsules.

Now, are you wondering what the fuss is all about? Well, let’s talk about some of the health benefits ginseng can give you:

Adaptogen. It is taken as an adaptogen, since it is able to regulate the body’s functions, adjusting based on what an individual needs. Ginseng can lower blood pressure or increase it, depending on the person’s current blood pressure level.

Immune System Booster. Ginseng supports the immune system and helps it function in the best way it could. Thus, you become less prone to disease and infection. Your body also can recover more quickly from sickness.

Tonic. Tired and lethargic? Do you want to boost your energy level as well as your concentration? Ginseng can help you as it is able to maintain and even enhance the functions of your lungs, liver and nervous system, as well as increase the flow of blood to the brain and body. Drinking ginseng will help relieve you of any stress you feel, and you will feel energized and your mind is more alert and responsive.

Treat Diabetes. Experience has also shown ginseng’s effectiveness in treating diabetes, particularly type II diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels.

Treatment for sexual dysfunction. For those suffering with erectile dysfunctions and menopause-related sexual issues, ginseng is believed to alleviate the symptoms. It does this by helping the body produce more sex hormones, so desire and the ability to act on it is improved. Ginseng also increases the estrogen in women, so that it is also useful in treating the symptoms of menopause.

Other uses. As if this list were not long enough, people have also found applications for ginseng with regards to pains and aches (backaches, headaches, pain brought about by menstruation and childbirth), weight loss, insomnia and colds. People are also known to take ginseng to protect them from the negative effects of chemotherapy and radiation.