Also called Korean ginseng (or Asian ginseng), this truly wonderful plant has been used for hundreds of years in Asia and now the Western hemisphere is catching up and has started to use it widely.
Korean ginseng is a perennial plant (a plant that lives more than two years) that grows in the mountains in Eastern Asia. It grows well in the moist, shaded mountainsides of Korea, China, and Russia. The plant grows to a height of 2 feet or taller and has dark green leaves with red berry clusters. The root’s outer appearance is wrinkled and creased and the taste is considered slightly sweet with a bitter after taste.
Panax comes from the Greek words, loosely translated as “all-healing.” The English translation for ginseng (rénshen in Chinese) is “man-root.” The literal English translation for the term Panax ginseng is “all-healing man root.”
It’s important not to confuse Korean ginseng with other types of ginseng, including Chinese ginseng, Siberian and American ginseng, or Pseudoginseng (panax notoginseng), each of which provides its own specific therapeutic effects on the body.
Panax ginseng contains a variety of active components called ‘Ginsenosides’, which are steroid-like saponins that are unique to the Ginseng species – well over 100 Ginsenosides were discovered to date.
The most used part of the plant is by far the root. The seeds are also used, but do not have as much of a Ginsenoside content, relative to the roots; they tend to be a subpar supplemental option.
For the most part, the unique properties of Panax ginseng are related to the Ginsenoside content (which is, for the most part, unique; Gynostemma Pentaphyllum and American Ginseng share many of the Ginsenosides); the polysaccharides in the root itself may have some unique properties, with most other compounds being unremarkable.
Because this plant has so many benefits and it is used in treating so many conditions (“all-healing” right?), I will try to summarize here the top 10 benefits of this truly amazing plant:
Enhances Strength, Endurance, and Energy
One of the most well-known health benefits of ginseng is that it boosts energy. The herb has been employed to enhance stamina and strength for hundreds of years. Korean ginseng is beneficial for healthy individuals who intend to boost their physical performance as well as those coping up with any disease-based fatigue. The boosts in mental energy offered by ginseng are smooth, quite unlike that given by coffee. It would not make you crash or jittery. The herbal medicine has been found to lower fatigue and boost energy in patients of cancer. Ginseng is also a useful herbal remedy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The herb has been useful equally in cases of unexplained chronic fatigue.
Slows Down Aging
Korean ginseng (Asian ginseng grown in Korea and then steamed and dried) comprises anti-aging substances like antioxidants and insulin-like substances that are not available in any other kind of ginseng. It also helps supply blood flow to the internal organs, through capillaries which normally shrink as we age, allowing for better bodily performance and organ health. It is a potent anti-inflammatory plant.
Combats Viral Infections
Research shows that ginseng may possess the potential to play the role of an “adaptogen”. Ginseng prolongs life by fighting Pseudomonas aeruginosa and viral infections. Research has continuously supported the protective role of ginseng against anticancer drugs and treatments, and its ability to counter chemotherapy’s side effects. It also works synergistically with vaccinations as a immunostimulant.
Lowers Stress
Ginseng is employed to both relax and stimulate the nervous system. The herb boosts capillary circulation in brain and reduces stress effects. Although ginsengs come in several types in the world, however, Asian ginseng or Korean ginseng leads in terms of medicinal effects and ingredients. Korean ginseng comprises about 100 different ginsenosides whereas the other types contain about 8–9.
Reduces Cholesterol and Blood Sugar; Stimulates the Immune System
The regulating effects of Panax ginseng on the immune system have been studied in western herbal medicine to find potential effectiveness in protecting against colds, flu, and a few forms of cancer. Korean ginseng has been found to reduce blood levels of cholesterol and sugar in clinical studies. Hence, the herb may help in the treatment of high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Asian ginseng has been shown to improve pancreatic cell function, boost insulin production and enhance the uptake of blood sugar in tissues. However, other potential uses of ginseng are not defined. In separate studies of humans and laboratory animals, Panax ginseng created a relaxing effect upon muscles in lungs. This resulted in airway expansion, which may help relieve the symptoms of asthma and other conditions of lungs that are results of constricted airways.
Improves Mental Performance and Memory
Ginseng serves as a brain protector and booster. The herbal medicine can boost your mental performance and concentration ability. Since it is an antioxidant, the herb protects vulnerable brain cells from free radical damage. Moreover, it prevents memory loss and safeguards against mental decline related to age. Having Panax ginseng root for 12 weeks regularly can boost mental performance of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Korean ginseng also boosts memory in case of stroke patients. When Ginkgo biloba and ginseng are combined in a brain supplement, a synergistic effect is created, thereby enhancing short-term memory as well as minimizing ADHD symptoms.
Boosts Mental Well-Being and Mood
Korean ginseng results in a relaxed yet alert state of mind, quite similar to what you experience after drinking green tea. The benefits of ginseng often reported by study participants are: better energy and enhanced overall well-being, better sleep, better sex life, and enhanced personal satisfaction. The herb finds its use in treatment of both depression and anxiety.
Protects from Cancer
This herb consists of anti-tumor properties and offers protection against some types of cancer like stomach, ovarian, pancreatic, liver, and lung cancers. Smokers taking ginseng have a lower risk of the usual cancers related to smoking compared to the smokers not taking it. Ginseng also offers better outcomes for patients with breast cancer, like better life quality and improved rates of survival. The herb offers cancer patients increased energy as well as stimulates their appetite.
Helps in Kicking the Habit
Panax ginseng is helpful (pre- or post-) for lowering the depression and anxiety that occurs during withdrawal from different addictive substances, from nicotine to morphine. It is also an effective herbal remedy for hangover caused by drinking alcohol too much.
Improves Sexual Function
For a long time, ginseng has been used to improve sexual function and libido in men as well as women. In traditional medicine of China, the herb is considered as an aphrodisiac and is employed for restoring sexual function in men (it appears to have 5-alpha reductase inhibitory potential, and may cause a backlog of testosterone via inhibition of its conversion to DHT). Korean red ginseng has been especially helpful for men with erectile dysfunction. Women can benefit from the herb for unwanted menopause symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and low libido. Key to the usefulness of ginseng as a sexual health support herb is its ability to combat stress, help promote healthy blood circulation (in men and women), and its contribution to bodily stamina.
Safety and Potential Side Effects
According to research, ginseng appears to be safe and should not produce any serious adverse effects.
- However, people taking diabetes medications should monitor their blood sugar levels closely when using ginseng to ensure these levels do not go too low.
- Additionally, ginseng may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs (warfarin).
- If combined with long-term use of caffeine, it could lead to hypertension.
- Note that due to the lack of safety studies, ginseng is not recommended for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Enhances clinical outcomes of didanosine, lamivudine, zidovudine, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, influenza vaccine and paclitaxel.
- Lastly, there is evidence suggesting that the extended use of ginseng could decrease its effectiveness in the body.
To maximize its benefits, you should take ginseng in 2–3-week cycles with a one or two week break in between
Always buy ginseng from a well-respected company. Some ruthless manufacturers might sell adulterated ginseng or include less than advertised on the bottle.
Korean ginseng is loaded with benefits for your mind and body. You can reap the benefits of this extraordinary herb and feel the improvement in your overall health if you decide to give it a try.