Nowadays, ginseng is widely used as an energy booster. There are two types of ginseng that offer this benefit: Panax red ginseng, found in northeastern China and Korea; and Panax Quinquefolium, otherwise known as American ginseng. A third type of "ginseng," Siberian ginseng (Acanthopanax Gracilistylus), isn’t really ginseng at all, but a closely-related plant that is not typically used in the same way Chinese, Korean, or American ginseng is.
In traditional Chinese medicine ginseng is considered the king of herbs. It is not usually taken with other remedies or herbs. And because it is a tonic, it is highly recommended that you not take ginseng when you have a flu, a cold, or any other type of infection.
Chinese ginseng
Chinese Ginseng (Renshen) is yang in nature. It tonifies the lungs and spleen, nourishes vital fluids, builds stamina and strength, and rejuvenates the glandular secretions (hormones) of the endocrine system. In addition, it improves vision and hearing, normalizes high blood sugar content, moderately reduces high blood pressure, raises low blood pressure, combats fatigue and protects against most types of stress.
Panax red ginseng is stronger in its qi boosting effect than American ginseng. Panax red ginseng tonifies the yang in your body, and is thus suitable for people who have very low energy, cold hands and feet, lack of sexual drive, and poor memory. Due to its strong qi boosting effect, panax red ginseng is not recommended for those who have high blood pressure or heart conditions.
DAAN carries the following Chinese ginseng:
- Chinese Red Panax Ginseng Extract
- DAAN’s Panax Red Ginseng Root (large)
- Panax Red Ginseng Slices
- Ren Shen Feng Wong Jiang (Hsiang Yang Brand)
- Song Shu Pai Pine Brand’s Panax Ginseng Extract
Korean ginseng
Korean ginseng is similar in its use and properties to Chinese ginseng. It is used primary to tonify energy and in treating prolapse. It is warmer in effect and can restore yang more effectively.
DAAN carries the following Korean ginseng:
American ginseng
American Ginseng is a species of ginseng that grows wild in North America. In the 18th century, wild ginseng was discovered in North America, and was called, not surprisingly, "American ginseng." Since then, many ginseng farms have sprouted up, though it is still possible to find wild American ginseng. The state of Wisconsin is the capital of American ginseng. (DAAN gets its American ginseng from Wisconsin.)
American ginseng is used as a energy booster and to improve circulation as well as strengthen the immune system. It works on the spleens and lungs. The spleen assimilates external energy and transforms it into internal energy. The lungs govern the body’s physiological energy and distributes around the body. Even if you are not ill, ginseng can help increase your vitality, improve your energy level and promote general good health.
The major difference between panax red ginseng and American ginseng is its potency. American ginseng has a milder qi boosting effect and so is suitable for people of all ages and conditions. American ginseng is mainly used for clearing the body’s inner heat and tonifying the qi. Our bodies accumulate inner heat when we consume too much fried or spicy foods, don’t get enough sleep, or during the hot summer months. American ginseng is good for gently boosting your energy level and for helping to overcome the irritability that comes from lack of sleep, or to help the acne resulting from too much fried foods.
DAAN carries the following American ginseng:
- DAAN’s American Ginseng Capsules
- DAAN’s American Ginseng Powder (4 oz.)
- DAAN’s American Ginseng Powder (2 oz.)
- DAAN’s Dried American Ginseng Roots (4 oz.)
- DAAN’s Pure American Ginseng Tea
How to take ginseng
Ginseng can be taken in capsule form, in tea, or dried slices. Many Chinese families steep the roots to make a delicious and fortifying soup base.
