My great grandmother and great grandfather lived till they were almost 100 yeas old. It wasn’t unusual those days. One could say that life was just easier back then, but that wouldn’t be true. Aside of lacking all the medical and technological advancements that simplify our lives today, our ancestors also faced famine, pandemic, and two global wars. So how come in the midst of all these hardships people managed to not only survive, but also stay healthier and live longer than we do? Perhaps, they knew something we don’t. So what was the longevity secret of our great-grandparents?
Three out of the top five countries with highest life expectancy are located in Asia. In China longevity has been long valued more than money. An ancient Chinese proverb says, “With money you can see a doctor, but not good health “This idea of preventive medicine dominates most cultures that rank high on the life expectancy scale. So how did our ancestors manage to stay in good health long before the doctors discovered antibiotics, steroids, antidepressants, and cancer therapies? They trusted nature, which sometimes offers remedies way more powerful than modern drugs.
The people of China, Korea, and America have equally trusted one of such wonders of nature, ginseng also referred to as the life-giving plant. Native Americans used ginseng root to treat a variety of medical conditions, including high fever, flu symptoms, headaches and even seizures. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng was used to increase strength, blood volume, and appetite. It has been prescribed for weakness, anemia and even impotence. For over a millennia people across the world believed that ginseng had the power to prevent serious illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, slow down the aging process, and enhance sexual performance and fertility. As medical science evolved over time, it proved our ancestors to be right.
Researchers have done multiple studies of ginseng and proved that it could be applied to a variety of pathological conditions and illnesses such as anorexia, insomnia, diabetes, impotence, hypodynamia, shortness of breath, palpitation, and hemorrhage. The plant can also contribute to memory improvement and prevention of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.