Monday, August 17, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section D · Page 17
Ginseng often lacks caffeine's quick kick
By Erin Thompson Special to the Kansan
The night slowly slips toward the morning. Eyes begin to droop as the words blur together.
A cup of coffee may be in order, but instead of reaching for coffee or a caffeine-loaded Mountain Dew, more students are beginning to reach for ginseng.
"I like to drink a little ginseng tea before studying for a little burst of energy," said Anna Hardy, Lea-wood junior.
But that ginseng lift may only be in their minds, local health professionals sav.
The Chinese traditionally believed ginseng alleviated fatigue, exhaustion, headaches, amnesia and the debilitating effects of old age. But whether ginseng medically works, or if it is based on myth, remains questionable.
"If you're stressed out and running on adrenaline, it regulates adrenaline. Or, if you can't get off your behind, it makes you feel better," he said.
"I don't know if it always works. It depends on people's conditions," said Andi Chang, medical doctor and owner of Chang Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic, 2500 W. Sixth St.
Ginseng, considered by many to be a healthy natural alternative to caffeine, does not act as a stimulant like caffeine does. Instead, it regulates the adrenal glands, said Hal Sears, a Community Mercantile retailer.
Others think ginseng is effective because of their faith in it.
"I think ginseng works, but it's more of a mental thing than anything," Hardy said. "I don't think it works any better or worse than caffeine. It's just different."
Ginseng is sold in many forms besides tea. At several local gas stations it is sold as a gum. At the Jayhawk Food Mart, 701 W. Ninth St., flavored ginseng is sold in vials.
"We sell the vials to a wide variety of people from little kids to middle-aged adults," said Kami Fisher, a clerk at the food mart.
"I think ginseng works, but it's more of a mental thing than anything. I don't think it works any better or worse than caffeine. It's just different."
Anna Hardy
Leawood junior
Jice Stop, 3514 Clinton Parkway and 812 Massachusetts St., offers ginseng as one of many nutrients available to add to its drinks.
"Most students use it as a stimulant to stay awake in class," said Carrie Gilliam, assistant manager at the Massachusetts Street Juice Stop.
But ginseng generally disappoints people accustomed to the instant loit provided by caffeine.
"I put it in my Juice Stop to give me more energy," said Jenn Silvers, Chantilly, Va., junior. "But I can't feel its effects as much as caffeine. I'm kind of a Coke-a-holic though."
Gilliam agreed. "When I do use ginseng, I can't tell any difference. Coffee always works better for me," she said.
Because ginseng is not a stimulant, it does not provide the instant jump start caffeine does.
"If you drink ginseng tea early in the morning, you won't feel it kick in right away because it isn't a stimulant," Sears said. "You'll feel the difference more in your downtime like late afternoon." Sears said
In China, ginseng generally is used as a tonic.
"The mythology is if you use a little everyday it'll make you live longer. ... It'll make you function better." Sears said.
Native Americans used ginseng as a medicinal plant for thousands of years before a French priest stumbled across it in Montreal in 1716. Soon traders, including John Jacob Astor and Daniel Boone, began sending American ginseng to China, where it was treasured for its subtle differences from Chinese ginseng.
American ginseng, or Panax Quinquefolius, differs from Eastern ginseng, Panax ginseng, in the
way it works. The Chinese believe that Panax ginseng is the yang, or hot, energizing ginseng, and should be used to bolster health and prevent disease during the colder seasons of fall and winter. American ginseng is considered yin, cool and rejuvenating and should be used more in hotter weather.
The differences in Eastern and Western cultures create differences in the way ginseng is used. In a society accustomed to getting their burgers in a few minutes, Americans expect something to happen the moment they take ginseng. The Chinese understand more about how ginseng works.
"In the East, it it's considered a long-life tonic," Sears said. "In America we take it and make speed out of it."
To provide the instant reaction Americans want. Ginseng usually is mixed into something with a lot of sugar. The effects of the sugar are felt immediately, but the ginseng won't kick in until later in the day, Sears said.
Too much ginseng once was thought to cause Ginseng Abuse Syndrome, which consists of elevated blood pressure, nervousness and insomnia. Researchers discovered many of those experiencing the symptoms also were using of large amounts of caffeine and up to 30 capsules of ginseng every day. The recommended ginseng dose is less than four capsules a day.
Watkins Memorial Health Center Pharmacy does not carry ginseng but not because of any medical reasons.
"We just don't have much of a need for it. It's not something we specifically don't carry. The demand for it just isn't there," said Bob Emerson, staff pharmacist.
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