Ginseng is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It’s often used to treat fatigue, stress, and diabetes—but does it have benefits for your dog?
What Is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a plant native to China and Korea. It grows in the wild as well as in gardens, and its roots are dried and sold as a supplement. The two most common types of ginseng are Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Both types are considered adaptogens—a class of herbs that help the body adapt to stressors like exercise or illness by balancing hormones like cortisol.
How Is Ginseng Good for Dogs?
The beneficial effects of ginseng on human health are well documented—but what about our canine companions? According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition Research, ginseng may help dogs with cancer live longer than those who don’t get treatment. Other studies show that ginseng can help improve cognitive function in older dogs with dementia-like symptoms caused by a brain tumor or other diseases such as liver disease or kidney failure.