The Facts on Ginseng - Benefits and Risks - Avicenna Health

Ginseng is a quintessential Chinese herb, having been in use for over 4,500 years. Although most of us associate ginseng with China, there are several types of ginseng grown throughout the world, and several herbs marketed as ginseng are not true ginseng. True ginseng is in the Panax family. All types of ginseng are found naturally in the wild. However, today most oriental ginseng is cultivated.

Over 80,000 tons of ginseng are produced worldwide annually, and distributed to 35 countries around the world. Although Ginseng is an herb that is native to several continents, the herbs often have very different properties from one another. In other words, ginseng is often a catchall term for several species with varying properties.

Ginseng has been an important component of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, used to treat a wide variety of conditions and ills. It was also highly valued by Native Americans.

Species of ginseng 

Asian ginseng: Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is native to China and Korea, where it is an important medicinal herb used for many medical conditions. According to Chinese medicine practitioners, Asian ginseng, called Ren Shen, falls into the category of Herbs that Tonify the Qi (qi or chi is the vital force that guides a person’s physical and mental processes) used when the functional aspects of the body or an organ are weak. It is considered to be “hot” so care must be taken for those who are hot natured, but can be beneficial for those who are cold natured. Ren Shen has been widely harvested over the years and is nearly extinct in the wild. Although Oriental ginseng is available commercially, it is very expensive. It is also known as red ginseng, true ginseng or Asian ginseng.

American ginseng: A cousin to Asian ginseng, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is referred to as Xi Yang Shen in China, and is native to North America, particularly the Appalachian mountain region of the United States. American ginseng grows wild in forested areas and is also cultivated in Canada and the U.S. Traditional practitioners of Chinese medicine consider American ginseng to be mild and “cool.” It nourishes the Qi and Yin (the cooling system in the human body). Therefore, it is indicated for those who are warm natured or have hot flashes. Used by women during menopause, it has many functions and is often used as a calming tonic, and also will remove heat from the Lungs to treat cough.

Where Ren Shen is warm and nourishes and warms the Lung Qi, Spleen Qi, Kidney and Heart Qi, Xi Yang Shen can clear heat from the Lungs, nourishes the Yin of the Lung and Kidney, cooling it down to relieve hot flashes and anxiety. 

Note: Any time you want to nourish or tonify the Qi, it is important to include medicinals that move or invigorate the qi. If Qi is stagnant, nourishing Qi may exacerbate uncomfortable symptoms – like putting more water in the reservoir without opening the dam. This is why most Chinese herbs are used in formulas, including several herbs that work together for balance and best effect.  

Indian ginseng: Although Indian ginseng (Withania somnifera) is labeled and marketed as ginseng, it isn’t a member of the Panax family and, thus, isn’t a true ginseng. However, it is thought to have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Indian ginseng is also known as winter cherry or poison gooseberry.

Brazilian ginseng: Like Indian ginseng, Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata) isn’t a true ginseng. However, some herbal medicine practitioners believe it may have anti-cancer properties. It is marketed as suma, thought to restore sexual health and relieve stress.

Siberian ginseng: Eleuthero ginseng, this is another herb often marketed and used as ginseng, although it isn’t a member of the Panax family. It is considered to be a stress reliever and has mild stimulant properties. Siberian ginseng is acrid, bitter and warm, and tonifies the Spleen and Kidney qi. It is used for weak and sore low back and knees, fatigue and insomnia.  

San Qi, the Chinese name for what is called in English pseudoginseng or notoginseng root. This is not a true ginseng and falls into the category of “Herbs that Stop Bleeding” in Chinese medicine. Used for internal and external bleeding, it can stop bleeding without causing blood stasis. Therefore, it also stops pain, especially for traumatic injuries, swelling and pain due to falls and fractures, contusions and sprains. 

Why is there white and red ginseng?

The difference in colour comes down to how ginseng is treated. ‘White’ ginseng is naturally dried in the sun. ‘Red’ ginseng is steam heated between 100–110° for 2–3 hours. This treatment kills any potential pathogens on the plant’s roots. The downside is that it degrades some of the active components which are found in the outer layers of bark.

What are the Possible Health Benefits of Ginseng?

• Improves Mood and Reduces Stress

• Improves Brain Function • Anti-Inflammatory Properties

• Helps with Weight Loss

• Improves Lung Function

• Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

• Boosts Immune System