Ginseng has been around for centuries. The root of this herb is considered a "kingly remedy," according to "The Book of Ginseng," and has many species that are native to different continents. Each type has its own purported healing properties, and care should be taken when deciding if this herb can be beneficial for you. Always check with your primary care physician before beginning any new supplement or herb.
Ren Shen or Panax ginseng
Also called "true ginseng," Panax gets its latin name from the term pancea, meaning cure-all, which is what the Chinese believe the herb to be. In Traditional Chinese medicine texts the herb is known as Ren Shen. "The Book of Ginseng" discusses how ginseng once was mostly reserved for the emporer and his household, and later was revered by more common people, who would often ration it carefully. TCM.Health-info.org lists Ren Shen's main use as being a qi, or energy, tonic. It is widely used for overall or severe qi deficiency, which can manifest as fatigue, low stamina, or poor mental function. Ren Shen can also improve spleen and lung functions, according to the site, helping with asthma as well as digestive concerns such as diarrhea. This herb is contraindicated with signs of heat or excess qi, or energy. Note that one of the attributes by which Chinese medicine classifies remedies is their "temperature." It is also strongly recommended to refrain from eating turnips or drinking tea while taking Ren Shen.
Gao Li Shen or Korean Ginseng
The book "Chinese Natural Cures" lists Korean ginseng as being warmer than Panax, and is frequently used to improve energy and blood in order to help sexual function. The book also states that this herb is generally less effective for improving overall and organ-specific qi deficiency. Acupuncture.com does not recommend this herb when "yin" is deficient, which means when there are not enough fluids and coolness in the body, i.e. too much heat.
Xi Yang Shen or American Ginseng
According to "Chinese Natural Cures," the American ginseng has a cooler quality to it, and acts on the heart, lungs, and kidneys. The book lists its uses as being mostly for cough, thirst, and alcoholism. Acupuncture.com states that out of the three ginsengs, American ginseng is the least effective in increasing energy, and is mostly used as a "yin" tonic, helping to replenish fluids and cool the body. Acupuncture.com lists the following contrindications for all ginsengs: "If you have headaches, palpitations, insomnia, pregnant, hysteric, manic or schizophrenic do not take ginseng. If you have very high blood pressure, with you systolic number over 180 mmHg, or are hypertensive, do not take Panax ginseng."
Siberian Ginseng
Although it has acquired ginseng in its name, Eleutherococcus senticosus is not a true ginseng, according to Dr. Andrew Weil's book "Natural Health, Natural Medicine." Although it is used as an adaptogen, which he describes as a substance that promotes adaptation to environmental stress, it is not a stimulant or sexual enhancer.
Ways to Take Ginseng
"The Book of Ginseng" discusses how Chinese have long coveted this herb, taking the roots home and boiling them in pots made specifically for ginseng. They also made tinctures, depositing the root in alcohol and allowing it to slowly leach out its therapeutic essences. Acupuncture.com states that now it is often ground up into a powder form and can be taken as capsules as well. The site discusses its safety, saying "ginseng is generally considered safe, although there are some rare possible side effects, especially at higher doses, including a faster heart rate, nausea, headaches, trouble sleeping, and restlessness."
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