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Ginseng has been used in natural medicine for centuries. You'll often find it boasted on those crazily named energy drinks.But before ginseng graced the side of a goofy energy can, it was busy bolstering the health of the convalescent, treating erectile dysfunction and Hepatitus C, the symptoms of menopause, keeping blood pressure down, improving mental and physical awareness, and contributing to a person's feeling of overall well-being. What a wonderful root.

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have identified immunosupressive and anti-inflammation properties in ginseng.

Allen Lau who led the team of researchers at the University of Hong Kong:
The anti-inflammatory role of ginseng may be due to the combined effects of these ginsenosides, targeting different levels of immunological activity, and so contributing to the diverse actions of ginseng in humans. Further studies will be needed to examine the potential beneficial effects of ginsenosides in the management of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases in humans.
Ginseng can be ingested as a root in its pure form. It can be taken as a vitamin, via liquids and topically in creams and lotions but just because it grows naturally doesn't mean you can go on a ginseng bender. Diabetics should be very careful with ginseng. Side effects include gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and disrupted sleep.

Those side effects are minor when compared to the health risks of other anti-inflammatory medications. Anti-inflammation medications often contain steroids and/or other problematic chemicals. Overuse of naproxen and ibuprofen, for example, can up your risk of dementia.

Beyond the risk chemical additives in over the counter medications pose to our bodies, there is also the damage these drugs cause the environment. Medications have been found to pollute our water supplies and are sold in bulky, hard to recycle, packaging. Ginseng, on the other hand, is usually sold without packaging. It doesn't pollute our water. You can even grow ginseng yourself. It doesn't get much greener than that.