Red ginseng is a preparation of Korean ginseng that involves steaming and drying the unpeeled root of the plant. Both the red and regular Korean ginseng varieties are common components of Traditional Chinese Medicine and have been used medicinally to improve stamina and concentration. For best results, consult a doctor about the potential benefits and drawbacks of Korean ginseng for your body.
Definition
Korean ginseng, also called Panax ginseng, has been used traditionally to prevent or treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, immune deficiencies, cystic fibrosis, anemia, diabetes, gastritis and some cancers. Both red and regular Korean ginsengs are considered adaptogens, meaning that they play a nourishing role in alleviating stress and fatigue. According to MedlinePlus, ginseng has been used medicinally for over two thousand years, and is used regularly by approximately six million Americans.
Red Ginseng
Red ginseng is a type of Korean ginseng that is made during an extensive steaming and drying process that can take up to six years to complete. A study published in the “International Journal of Impotence Research” linked the consumption of red ginseng to significantly enhanced sexual performance in men. The study, which observed the sexual habits of 90 men, found increases in penile rigidity and girth, libido and patient satisfaction in people who consumed red ginseng. Symptoms of erectile dysfunction also improved twice as much as those who took only a placebo.
Benefits and Comparisons
Despite their similarities, red ginseng and traditional Korean ginseng may offer some benefits for specific conditions. In addition to improving sexual performance in men, red ginseng may relieve some of the symptoms attributed to menopause, according to the University of Maryland Medical Clinic. Both regular and red Korean ginseng have been linked to improvements in thinking, memory, arithmetic skills, and mental reaction times in healthy individuals. Also, Korean ginseng has been linked to lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes but findings have been mixed. While both herbs are considered generally beneficial, red ginseng may be more appropriate with individuals suffering from erectile dysfunction and menopause symptoms.
Safety Concerns
Talk to your doctor before making either red or standard Korean ginseng a regular part of your diet. While generally considered healthy, Korean ginseng may contradict or interact with some medications, such as morphine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, anticoagulants and some diabetes medications.
References
- MedlinePlus; Ginseng, Panax; Aug. 11, 2011
- The University of Maryland Medical Center; Asian Ginseng; Steven Ehrlich; March 22, 2009
- “International Journal of Impotence Research”; Clinical Efficacy Of Korean Red Ginseng For Erectile Dysfunction; HK Choi, et al.; September 1995
- Ginseng Informations; Red Ginseng: Basic Facts, Benefits and Risks; 2011
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