Ginseng is the most famous of the thousands of Chinese herbs used. But Ginseng is the most misunderstood herb in Chinese Herbal Medicine.It is the most widely recognized plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Various forms of ginseng have been used in medicine for more than 5000 years. Several species grow around the world, and though some are preferred for specific benefits, all are considered to have similar properties as an effective general energizer. We will discuss the most popular ones.

Ginseng is a slow growing perennial herb (reaches about 2 feet tall) native to the mountainous area of north eastern China, Korea and far eastern regions of Russia. The older the root, the greater the concentration of ginsenosides, the active chemical compounds, thus the more potent the ginseng becomes. Ginseng roots can live longer than hundreds of years.

Ginseng has been cultivated extensively in China, Korea, and Japan, and Russia. Ginseng starts flowering in fourth year, and the roots take 4-6 years to reach maturity. Ginseng is a protected herb in China and Russia: exporting ginseng seeds is banned in China, and harvesting wild ginseng is illegal in Russia. Natural white ginseng is often steam- processed to produce “red ginseng” with different, higher medicinal potency.

It is used to reduce the effects of stress, improve performance, boost energy levels, enhance memory, and stimulate the immune system. Oriental medicine has deemed ginseng a necessary element in all their best prescriptions, and regards it as prevention and a cure. It is said to remove both mental and bodily fatigue, cure pulmonary complaints, dissolve tumors and reduce the effects of age.

Contrary to what most people have heard from so called experts and one the biggest misconceptions is that Ginseng is not a stimulant, it is classified as a adaptogenic herb and is a tonic, which we will discuss in this article.

Ginseng is native to China, Russia, North Korea, Japan, and some areas of North America. It was first cultivated in the United States in the late 1800’s. It is difficult to grow and takes 4-6 years to become mature enough to harvest. The roots are called Ren Shen(Jen Shen), in China meaning ‘like a man,’ in reference to their resemblance to the shape of the human body.

Native North Americans considered American Ginseng one of their most sacred herbs and add it to many herbal formulas to make them more potent. The roots can live for over 100 years.

Panax Ginseng found in China and one of the most popular types contains vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral Zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the defense system.

The main active ingredients of Panax ginseng are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called “ginsenosides”. These steroid-like ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that enable ginseng to balance and counter the effects of stress. The glycosides appear to act on the adrenal glands, helping to prevent adrenal hypertrophy and excess corticosteroid production in response to physical, chemical or biological stress.

Studies done in China showed that ginsenosides also increase protein synthesis and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Ginseng is used to restore memory, and enhance concentration and cognitive abilities, which may be impaired by improper blood supply to the brain.

Ginseng helps to maintain excellent body functions. Siberian ginseng has been shown to increase energy, stamina, and help the body resist viral infections and environmental toxins. Research has shown specific effects that support the central nervous system, liver function, lung function and circulatory system.

Animal studies have shown that ginseng extracts stimulate the production of interferons, increase natural killer cell activity, lower cholesterol and decrease triglyceride levels. Men have used the herb to improve sexual function and remedy impotence. Ginseng is believed to increase estrogen levels in women and is used to treat menopausal symptoms.

It is also used for diabetes, radiation and chemotherapy protection, colds, chest problems, to aid in sleep, and to stimulate the appetite.

Korean Red Ginseng is also known by the names Asian Ginseng, Asiatic Ginger, and Chinese Ginseng. Korean Red Ginseng is a deciduous perennial shrub whose fleshy root requires 4-6 years of cultivation to reach maturity. Korean Red Ginseng is now used as a natural preventive, restorative remedy and valued for its adaptogenic properties.

Korean Red Ginseng is considered most suitable for males and for older people. Used for centuries in China, Korean Red Ginseng was believed to be and anti-aging herb. By equalizing the system levels in the body, Korean Red Ginseng has been used to lower cholesterol, balance the metabolism, increase energy levels, and stimulate the immune system.

Korean White Ginseng is an adaptogen having yang properties and an arousing and stimulating metabolic effect on the central nervous system, brain, head, and blood vessels. It may benefit blood sugar levels, histamine levels, inflammation, stress levels, mental and physical abilities, impotency, anemia, artery hardening, depression, diabetes, ulcers, edema, immune and lung function, appetite, libido and may offer protection against radiation exposure and easement of cocaine withdrawal.

Korean Ginseng both red and white have warmer properties than Chinese Panax Ginseng thus should not be consumed regularly in hot weather like in summertime.  Winter months are the nest time to take Korean Ginseng. Panax on the other hand can be taken all year round if you wish.

North American White Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) is believed to give a cooling effect to the body.This cooling, energy giving, endurance enhancing factor is believed to be the most beneficial for our fast paced, stressful world.

Siberian ginseng is a distinct plant with different active chemical components. Prized for its ability to restore vigor, increase longevity, enhance overall health, and stimulate both a healthy appetite and a good memory, it is widely used in Russia to help the body adapt to stressful conditions and to enhance productivity.

Benefits
• reduce the effects of stress
• boost energy levels
• assists with mental and body fatigue

All the ginseng we discussed is available either in it’s raw form or prepared to be consumed as tea. Some companies both in China and in the United States have prepared the ginseng in pill form for easy consumption.

One other popular way to take ginseng and it also was Bruce Lee’s favorite was the liquid extract. The Ginseng extract he liked so much was and still to this day packaged in small 10cc vials, that you drink with a tiny straw. Another of Bruce Lee’s favorite supplements was ginseng and royal jelly( The food of the queen bee) combined together in a liquid extract.

Whichever method is best for you give it a try and see how amazing you will feel from this misunderstood herb. Just pick the type of ginseng that best suits your needs and you will not be sorry.