Ginseng have long been used as a remedy for various diseases - mainly in Eastern medicine. Today it is very popular all over the world. Because it makes supplements Food additives - basic classification , Cosmetic products, it is added to food and drinks, and take nothing.

Some believe that the age of the plants is important. In 1976, China was to find the root of ginseng, who was 400 years old; According to some sources, it was sold for 10,000 dollars per ounce (28 grams) and was quickly sold out.

Interestingly, for example, in Western medicine, it is used as a stimulant that increases activity, and in traditional Chinese medicine Traditional Chinese medicine and treatment for problem skin   it is considered a sedative. Generally, in Chinese medicine, it is used in larger doses than the west.

Representatives of traditional medicine dealing with the study of the properties of ginseng, have not yet come to unambiguous conclusions about its usefulness.

How effective is Ginseng?

The efficacy of the drug can be evaluated on the basis of scientific data on such a scale: effective, probably effective, probably ineffective, inefficient and there is insufficient evidence of effectiveness.

Ginseng is probably effective for:

• Thinking and memory. Ginseng helps improve abstract thinking ability for computing the reaction rate and healthy middle-aged people. It also helps to improve memory in people aged 28-66 years.
• Diabetes. There is scientific evidence that ginseng lowers blood sugar Blood sugar - one of the main indicators of human health   in patients with Type II diabetes.
• Impotence in men (erectile dysfunction). Regular use of Ginseng improves sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction
• Premature ejaculation. For the treatment of this disorder suitable oral intake of ginseng, and the use of various ointments, which include a plant.

Possibly ineffective for:

• Improve the quality of performances of athletes
• Improve mood
• The sharp increase in body temperature associated with menopause. Oral supplementation with ginseng does not work at hot flashes, but it can be used to deal with other menopausal symptoms - such as fatigue, insomnia and depression

There is sufficient evidence for the efficacy of ginseng in treating diseases such as:

• Breast cancer. Studies conducted in China indicate that the use of ginseng state of breast cancer patients can improve. However, because cancer patients often take prescription medication tamikosfen, it is impossible to determine from what it improves their condition.
• Respiratory tract infections (bronchitis). There is evidence that treatment of bronchitis Bronchitis - protection if the body has malfunctioned   antibiotics and ginseng is more effective than treatment with antibiotics alone.
• The common cold. There is no evidence that ginseng helps prevent colds, but it can be an effective means to prevent it.
• Flu
• Cancer. Some researchers say that regular use of ginseng can prevent cancer of the stomach, lung, liver, ovarian, and skin. As for the development and prevention of cancer affects a huge number of factors, it is difficult to say what exactly is the function performs ginseng.
• Depression
• Anemia
• Fluid retention in the body
• Inflammation of the stomach and other problems with the digestive system
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Fever

Side effects

The most common side effect of ginseng is insomnia. Less commonly it causes chest pain, menstrual disorders, chest pain, increased heart rate, increase or decrease in blood pressure, loss of appetite, diarrhea, itching, rash, dizziness, mood swings, vaginal bleeding. Some scientists believe that the effects of ginseng in part similar to the action of hormones and prolonged use can be harmful. Anyone who is going to take ginseng, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.

Thyme or thyme - a perennial shrub of the family yasnotkovyh with woody prostrate or ascending stems, erect or climbing herbaceous branches and whole, small leaves arranged oppositely. Thyme grows in the temperate zone of Europe, Asia and North Africa, the rocky wastelands and forests of evergreen shrubs. Land of the thyme, used in folk medicine and cooking, collected during the flowering period (June - August), because at this time, the concentration of essential oils, bitter tannins and other substances contained in thyme, reaches a maximum.

The name thyme is derived from the Greek word «thymon», which means "strength." In ancient Greece fragrant thyme was used as incense (incense) during the sacrifices and sacred rites. The ancient Romans took baths thyme to maintain the vigor and treatment of melancholia, and add it to the dish with cheese and alcohol to give a special flavor. The inhabitants of ancient Egypt used thyme for embalming oil and thyme herb recommended for the treatment of leprosy and stroke. In the Middle Ages knights ladies gave a sprig of thyme, to inspire them to great deeds in battle. Legend has it that thyme is one of the ingredients of the magic staff, which can be seen drinking the magical creatures, fairies and spirits. It is believed that the scent of thyme promotes the renewal of energy and therefore helps to overcome shyness How to win your shyness? , Timidity enhances volitional beginning. In addition, thyme has aphrodisiac properties Aphrodisiacs - cause desire where necessary That is, it stimulates sexual arousal.

Thyme - one of the most fragrant, comfortable and beautiful plants that can be grown in the garden. Thyme is unpretentious, grows on stony and rocky soil and loves the sun. In addition, the thyme is very useful shrub - its aroma repels harmful insects spoil the other garden plants and garden. To improve the growth of thyme is recommended to cut its branches after flowering and cut faded flowers.

The use of thyme in cooking and cosmetics

Most often used for culinary purposes thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Lemon thyme (T. x citriodorus), and in traditional medicine widely used as thyme, thyme Spanish (T. zygis) and creeping thyme (T. serpyllum).

Fresh or dried thyme leaves and flowering tops are widely used to add flavor to soups, stews, baked or sauteed vegetables, casseroles and custard. Thyme has a pungent smell, somewhat resembling the smell of camphor, and retains the flavor by slow cooking. Thyme is also used in marinades (especially for pickling olives).

Thyme essential oil can be used not only in cooking, but also in the cosmetic industry and is added as a perfume in the soap, toothpaste, perfume products. Thyme oil is used in aromatherapy to relieve pain and lift mood. Baths with essential oils of thyme shown to reduce joint pain.

The use of traditional medicine

There are more than 350 varieties of thyme, which are quite similar to each other in appearance and content of nutrients. All of them have medicinal properties. The main active ingredient of thyme - essential oil (thyme in it contains about 1%), rich in thymol, an antioxidant Antioxidants: the truth about the notorious benefits It is having a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial action. Thyme essential oil is a part elixirs for mouth rinses to treat inflammations of the mouth and throat infections, as well as cough syrup Cough syrup - how to choose the best? .

Due to the high content of essential oils of Thyme has expectorant (terpenoids) and antispasmodic (flavonoids) action, which makes it indispensable in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Thyme has a beneficial effect on the lungs, bronchi, gastrointestinal tract. In addition to the essential oil, thyme contains organic acids and tannins, providing its powerful analgesic properties. Thyme also has a relaxing effect. It is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, neuroses, insomnia, in the prevention of diseases of the male, as a fortifying agent.

The concentrated broth thyme reduce hair loss, a decoction stops vomiting, eliminates bad breath, lotions help with insect bites, essential oils and dried plants disinfect the air in enclosed spaces. Thyme prepared broths, extracts, tinctures, oils, powders from the dried leaves and seeds, as well as using fresh plants for the treatment of skin diseases, wounds, reduce edema. As the range of applications is wide enough thyme, there are some restrictions of use. In diseases of the kidneys, liver, heart, thyroid, pregnancy before use of thyme is recommended to consult a doctor. In addition, the essential oil of thyme may irritate the skin and mucous membranes, as well as allergic reactions.