Ginseng actually designates several different plants. The ginsengs have been coined adaptogens because they help the body adapt in many ways. They regulate, normalize, and balance physical functions and increase resistance to disease. If you do physical labor or work out at the gym, or even if you're just a weekend warrior, the ginsengs can help you withstand physical extremes such as fatigue and help you adjust to cold or hot temperatures, or darkness or bright light. They also reduce accumulation of lactic acid, and thus diminish muscle stiffness and cramping.
Research shows that ginseng users do recover faster from strenuous exercise.
For example, the hypothalamus performs many functions. It helps alleviate stress and fatigue, and maintains blood pressure, blood sugar, water balance, body temperature, immunity and sexual functions. The pituitary controls thyroid, adrenal and sex hormone activity. Regulation of the hormone hydrocortisone means that the ginseng helps control metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, protein, fluids and inflammation. It also means adjusting pH levels and nerve and muscle responses.