There are three species of herbs known as ginseng; they are referred to as Oriental, American and Siberian ginsengs. The Siberian variety is not truly ginseng, but rather a distant cousin to the Oriental species. Oriental ginseng root, or Panax ginseng, is grown in China and Korea. The Chinese variety is white because the root is dried naturally. The Korean variety, or "red panax," is the most popular type and is red due to how the root is processed. American ginseng, or Panax quinquefolium, root is white or yellow.
History of Korean Ginseng
Korean ginseng has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The Chinese derived the name ginseng from two words that mean, "man plant," because of the roots likeness to human form. Ginseng was later given the Latin botanical name Panax, which is related to the Greek word "panacea," meaning "cure all," because of all the conditions that ginseng seemed to alleviate. Wild Korean ginseng is rare and expensive, so the vast majority of commercial red ginseng available on the market is cultivated on large farms in North Korea. Korean ginseng root is steamed for eight to 10 hours, turning it a reddish color, before being processed into tea, capsules or thin slices.
Properties of Korean Ginseng
Korean ginseng is similar in its use and properties to the Chinese variety, although considered more potent. According to "Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica," Korean ginseng regulates the yang energy in the body and can strongly boost "qi," or the life force. In Western terminology, Korean ginseng is used to increase physical and mental endurance, combat fatigue, boost energy levels, strengthen the immune system, enhance libido and normalize body functions. According to "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine," Korean ginseng has shown the ability to reduce cholesterol levels, normalize blood pressure in both hypertensive and hypotensive people, slow down memory loss in those with Alzheimer's disease and balance blood sugar levels within diabetics.
History of American Ginseng
Like their Asian counterparts, the indigenous peoples of the Americas used American ginseng for countless generations for many of the same afflictions. American ginseng was once quite plentiful in all mountainous regions of the United States, but over-harvesting has caused tight restrictions on who can dig for the wild root. Consequently, most American ginseng sold on the market is cultivated on large farms, especially in the state of Wisconsin. Like its Korean relative, American ginseng is relatively easy to grow and takes about five years for the root to reach harvesting maturity.
Properties of American Ginseng
The major difference between Korean ginseng and American ginseng is in potency, although there are some different uses. American ginseng has milder energy boosting effects, so it is more suitable for people of all ages and conditions. According to "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs," American ginseng has been found to aid menopausal women with hot flashes, normalize menstruation, reduce fevers and relieve dry coughing in smokers, in addition to boosting energy levels. Within Chinese traditional medicine, American ginseng is believed to work directly on the spleen and lungs, and has a greater impact on circulation more so than its Korean counterpart.
References
- "Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica"; Dan Bensky, et al; 2004
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
Member Comments