Ginseng is a root long valued in Asian medicine and recently incorporated into many alternative American medical practices. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains, "The name 'ginseng' is used to refer to both American, or Panax quinquefolius, and Asian or Korean ginseng, or Panax ginseng, which belong to the species Panax and have a somewhat similar chemical makeup." Knowing the value and importance of red ginseng, which is typically derived from the Asian or Korean ginseng category, requires a general knowledge of ginseng as a whole.
History
"For more than 2,000 years, the roots of this slow-growing plant have been valued in Chinese medicine," says the Mayo Clinic. While it was once commonly harvested from the wild, it is now, more often than not, cultivated. It is grown all over the world, though it is most commonly found in the form of Asian and American ginseng.
Types
While Asian and American ginseng are the most common, there is also Siberian ginseng, which is a distant relative of the Asian and American varieties. Regarding forms, there is "[w]hite ginseng--dried, peeled--or red ginseng--unpeeled root, steamed before drying," says the University of Maryland. Ginseng is available fresh, in water, in water-and-alcohol, and in powder or capsule form.
Identification
Red ginseng implies a separate species in the Panax ginseng--Korean or Asian ginseng--family but actually the name is derived from the appearance of the root after it has been peeled and specially preserved. RedGinseng.com explains, "The plant itself has bright green rounded leaves and produces greenish-yellow flowers that ripen into two or three small round red berries."
Effects
Ginseng has been claimed to aid in relieving the symptoms of various heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even cancer and hepatitis. That said, University of Maryland notes, "Ginseng is sometimes called an 'adaptogen,' an herb that helps the body deal with various kinds of stress, although there is no scientific evidence of adaptogens."
Precautions
Ginseng is subject to allergies with symptoms including itchiness, a rash, and shortness of breath. The Mayo Clinic explains, "Ginseng has been well tolerated by most people in scientific studies when used at recommended doses, and serious side effects appear to be rare." Be sure to consult your physician before you begin taking any new medicines or herbs, regardless of form, including ginseng.
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