Korean Red Ginseng

What is Ginseng?

Ginseng has been prized for thousands of years for it’s reputed anti-fatigue effects, to improve performance and stamina, and to improve concentration and reaction time in the elderly. Ginseng is not a drug. It’s a vitamin-mineral rich food that benefits men and women, the ill and the healthy.
There are three types of Ginseng:

• Asiatic Ginseng known as Panax Ginseng; it grows wild in the mountainous areas of Asia.
• North American Ginseng; it grows throughout Canada and the United States, particularly in northern regions.
• Russian Ginseng which is known as Siberian Ginseng. Although Siberian Ginseng is not Ginseng at all, it’s part of the same family.

What Part of the Plant is Used and Why?
Modern technology has been responsible for the identification and isolation of chemicals, called ginsenosides, in the Ginseng root which are responsible for its reported therapeutic effects. Depending on the species of Ginseng and other factors, its content of ginsenosides ranges from about 4 to 12%. Korean Red Ginseng has the highest levels. White Ginseng has the lowest levels because during the drying process enzymes in the roots break down these active ingredients. Ginsenoside content is used as a measure of Ginseng quality.
The Ginseng plant grows between 7 to 12 inches in the wild. It takes a full six years for the root to reach full maturity. The rootlets branch off and sometimes resemble the shape of the human body. The Chinese believed that the root’s shape was especially important, and a piece resembling a man was prized above all.
What Kind of Ginseng Should I Take?
Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng) promotes yang energy (male). It is very stimulating and disease resisting. You should take it if your metabolism tends to be cool.
American Ginseng is a yin tonic. It is used to balance metabolism and reduce stress. It is suitable for nervous conditions.
Siberian Ginseng is mildly stimulating and has good adaptogenic effects on blood, circulation and metabolism. It does not have the restorative strength of Korean Red Ginseng, but it does increase endurance and protect against stress.
What Makes Korean Red Ginseng Special?
Korean Red Ginseng is considered the most potent and stimulating of all the Ginsengs because it contains high levels of RG1 ginsenosides. There are two varieties: red and white. The best roots are steamed and preserved which turns them a dark, reddish color. White Ginseng roots have been peeled and sun dried. Korean roots are divided into three categories: 1) Heaven Grade 2) Earth Grade and 3) Good Grade. Heaven Grade is the highest quality and most expensive.
What are the active Constituents of Ginseng?
Ginsenosides are the critical factors in Ginseng’s effectiveness. Ginseng contains the minerals phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sulphur, manganese, silica and sodium. It is found to be rich in vitamins B1 and B2. Present also are the enzymes amylase and phenolase.
Ginseng is Called an “Adaptogen”. What Exactly is That?
Adaptogens have no harmful effects and work on a variety of conditions by normalizing any organism. So, for example, if you have high blood pressure, an adaptogenic substance will lower it. If you have low blood pressure, it will raise it. Researchers generally agree that Ginseng exerts its effects on what is called the pituitary, hypothalamus and adrenal axis. This term indicates the coordinated functions of these three glands in regulating metabolism, response and homeostasis. This set of interacting glands has been recognized for centuries by the Chinese as a functional unit influencing stress, aging and overall vitality.
Have There been Scientific Studies to Prove Ginseng Works?
Much of the scientific research in support of certain effects of Ginseng was carried out in the Orient. It was first mentioned as a superior herb in Chinese materia medica dating back 2,000 years. In 1962, Soviet pharmacologist I.I. Brekhman ran double-blind studies with thousands of Siberian factory workers which showed a significant reduction in sick days. Also, athletes who took Ginseng were able to significantly improve their times against athletes who took a placebo.
Russian studies on the effects of Ginseng on people suffering from a wide variety of diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, neuroses and rheumatic heart disease showed measurable improvements with few side effects. In a 1986 double-blind study of University students who took Ginseng or a placebo for 12 weeks, positive effects on those receiving Ginseng included attention, mental arithmetic, logical deduction, integrated sensory motor function and auditory reaction time. The students taking Ginseng also reported a greater sensation of well-being.
Is Ginseng Only for Men?
This is a fallacy. Ginseng is just as beneficial for women as it is for men. In combination with other herbs, Ginseng can be either a stimulant or a sedative, but will always be a tonic. It’s been said that since Ginseng is a “male” herb and promotes “male” characteristics, women shouldn’t take it.
A lack of energy may be characterized as being a lack of “yang” (according to Chinese medicine), but that does not mean a woman who takes Ginseng to build up her energy will acquire male characteristics. However, some women feel that American Ginseng is a more appropriate tonic for them, since it’s characteristics are more “yin” or female.
In a double-blind study of nurses who had switched from day to night duty, they rated themselves for competence, mood and general well-being and were also objectively tested for psycho physical performance and blood chemistry. The group administered Ginseng demonstrated higher scores in competence, mood parameters and performance when compared to those receiving a placebo.
Is Ginseng Safe to Take?
Ginseng has been proven to increase endurance and this can benefit most of us. According to Chinese medicine, Ginseng is a tonic which helps increase chi or energy. Some people may already have enough energy. American Ginseng, which has mild cooling properties, may be better for them. Korean Red Ginseng is very warm and tonifying.
Chinese doctors who prescribe Korean Ginseng for low energy generally recommend that patients limit their use of black tea and coffee since caffeine tears down the very systems within the body that Ginseng builds up.