Both wild and cultivated ginseng dry naturally to a white color. The term "red ginseng" refers to the product of roots that underwent a more complicated processing. These dark reddish-brown ginseng roots produce a different tonic effect than the white grades, even though the plants may come from the same ginseng species. The highest grades of red Korean ginseng rival the potency of the best wild Korean roots, says Ron Teeguarden, author of "Chinese Tonic Herbs."
Steaming
Ginseng producers in both China and Korea use steam curing to transform high-quality white roots into the more potent red ginseng. In China, farmers grow ginseng for six years before harvesting and steaming the roots. After steaming, the roots cure in date sugar and turn reddish-brown. Korean roots steamed and preserved by similar methods turn a darker color. Traditional healers believe that red Chinese ginseng controls anger, reduces blood pressure, treats headaches and dampens sexual passion. Red Korean ginseng acts in different ways, quickly stimulating sexual desire and will, according to Ron Teeguarden.
Active Compounds
Chinese medicine teaches that ginseng strengthens the body's internal organs, treating conditions over the long term by improving overall health. Chemicals in ginseng interact in complex ways and affect many different parts of the body. Chinese researchers developed the term "ginsenosides" to describe the unusual active compounds in ginseng. Ginseng contains over 20 different ginsenosides. Ginsenoside pairs create balanced opposing effects. For example, ginsenoside pairs stimulate and depress nervous activity and both raise and lower blood pressure. Individual ginsenosides stimulate the brain or mimic the effect of sexual hormones such as testosterone. The processing that turns ginseng red alters that internal chemical balance by decreasing some compounds in the ginsenoside pairs and increasing the potency of others.
Effects of Steaming
Researchers at the University of Chicago tested the red ginseng processing system on American ginseng and observed its effect on 12 important ginsenosides. Roots underwent steam treatment at a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for periods ranging from 30 minutes to four hours. Over half of the ginsenosides tested decreased in potency. Five of the active compounds studied showed increased effects, including one with known anti-cancer properties, according to Chong-Zhi Wang of the Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research. Red ginseng extract also showed a stronger anticancer effect than did an extract of white ginseng.
Cautions
Because ginseng contains so many potent natural compounds, you could experience health problems if you overuse ginseng or mix it with the wrong herbs or medicines. Ginseng tonics often contain several different types of ginseng, and each species of the plant demonstrates slightly different medical effects. Potential problems include higher blood pressure, difficulty sleeping and nosebleeds. If you're diabetic, either red or white ginseng could interfere with your medication, since ginseng can lower blood sugar. If you combine ginseng with coffee or other caffeinated drinks, you risk intensifying the caffeine's effects. Before taking ginseng for any health problem, talk with your doctor.
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