Ginseng

Ginseng is one of the oldest herbs in continuous use. It has been used in Asia for thousands of years and has many health benefits.

Shady Plant

Ginseng grows naturally in Asia and North America, but Asian ginseng is the most researched. It takes about 5 years from planting until ginseng is ready to harvest. The thick twisted root contains many beneficial compounds and is the valuable part of the plant. Commercially, it is usually grown under large shade structures, as natively, it grows on the forest floor. Canada, the US, Korea, and China are the big commercial growing countries.

Ginseng Varieties

Red, White, & Ginseng

There are three main ginseng types: Asian (Panax ginseng), American (Panax quinquefolius), and Siberian (an entirely different plant). Its name, Panax, means “cure-all” in Latin. The name reflects its wide range of health benefits. Red and white ginseng are both varieties of Asian ginseng that are processed differently. White ginseng is the natural root, while red ginseng is steamed and dried, potentially enhancing its potency. Also, white ginseng is usually 4—5 years old, whereas red ginseng is often 6 years old. North American ginseng is not as widely studied for its health benefits as Asian ginseng but has many similar compounds.

Ginseng Uses

Food & Drink

Many Asian cultures use ginseng in food. Whole ginseng root is often available in stores. It can be sliced and boiled and added to soup. Red Ginseng is sometimes available at specialty stores precut into slices as it is hard, as cutting into thin slices is difficult. These red ginseng slices can also be used to make tea. The hot water extracts the medicinal properties from the root. Ginseng has an earthy and bitter flavour, but American ginseng tends to be less bitter. Adding honey will make it easier to eat until you are used to the flavour.

Medicinal Uses

Ginseng Leader

In the Orient, ginseng is considered the most valuable medicine. Its value comes from its ability to restore balance to a diseased body. It adapts to what the body needs. Its wide-ranging effects are likely due to its at least 38 medicinal compounds. For over 1,500 years, Korea (Hanguk) has been a leader in ginseng research. The Korean Ginseng Society has 1,000+ members exploring ginseng’s health benefits, including its use in cancer treatment.

Immune Boosting

Ginseng affects many parts of the immune system. It speeds up the workers that surround infections and the killer cells that kill viruses and bacteria. Well-known natural cold and flu products use ginseng extracts. Ginseng also tends to reduce inflammation and even seems to strengthen the effect of vaccines.

Managing Blood Sugar

While not the best herb for managing blood sugar, ginseng does help to lower blood sugar and increase insulin effects in diabetics and non-diabetics. It may help lower HbA1c levels for diabetics and may reduce some harmful complications of diabetes. The best herb for blood sugar is berberine. See Spring 2023 Panacea for more on berberine.

Improve Energy & Mood

Ginseng can improve energy levels and mood. It encourages a feeling of calmness, which is related to its other effects on clear thinking.

Bedroom Performance

Korean red ginseng has been shown to slightly improve bedroom performance for both men and women. It enhances physical performance and increases satisfaction.

Speeding Up the Mind

One of the biggest benefits of ginseng is its positive effect on mental processes. It helps improve focus and attention. It also enhances memory performance and reaction speed. It has also been used with Alzheimer’s patients to improve and maintain mental abilities. Because of its mental stimulating effects, ginseng may cause problems sleeping.

Dose

A dose of ginseng as small as 50 mg a day has some benefits, but to get the entire mind and mood benefits, take 400 mg once a day. That dose refers to a ginseng extract. Aim for at least a 5% extract (5% ginsenosides). For raw ginseng root, which is not an extract, aim for 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day. If you buy ginseng tablets, use a reputable brand, as some lower-cost brands use less potent or less pure forms of ginseng.

Broad Benefits

Ginseng has broad health benefits, including some not listed in this article. If you could use a little immune boost or a pick-me-up in mood, energy, or mental sharpness, think ginseng. Root your health in ginseng to help you adapt to life’s challenges.