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What is Ginseng Root?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Ginseng root is the fleshy root of any plant of the Panax genus, commonly known as ginseng. The roots of Panax ginseng, or Asian ginseng, and Panax quinquefolius, or American ginseng, contain ginsenosides, which may have beneficial properties including increased energy and adaptability to stress. However, ginsenosides are very complex and not fully understood by modern science, which does not support the claims of herbalists regarding ginseng root. Ginseng root is available in many forms without a prescription, but it is important to consult a doctor before beginning any herbal supplement regime.

Ginseng root has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Panax ginseng is used to increase Yang energy in the body, while Panax quinquefolius is used to increase Yin energy and eliminate excess Yang energy. Yin and Yang are opposite and complementary principles that should remain balanced in the body according to TCM.

Ginseng root has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands or years.
Ginseng root has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands or years.

Both Asian and American ginseng root may be used raw, but Panax ginseng may also be prepared in a number of ways. In addition to the raw form, Panax ginseng may be air-dried in the sun to produce white ginseng, or steam-cured with the peel on to produce red ginseng. White ginseng may be further processed with very high-temperature steam to create sun ginseng. Red ginseng is traditionally indicated for increased energy and sexual function, particularly for men suffering from erectile dysfunction.

Ginseng root is often used to make ginseng tea.
Ginseng root is often used to make ginseng tea.

Modern herbalists refer to ginsenosides as adaptogens, meaning that they promote the body's ability to cope with stress, fatigue, and anxiety. Ginseng root is taken orally and is usually dried. It may be taken in capsule form or boiled as an infusion. Ginseng root may cause side effects including insomnia, headache, nausea, diarrhea, nosebleed, pain in the breast, and changes in blood pressure. It may also have adverse interactions with other drugs and supplements, so it is important to consult one's physician or pharmacist before taking ginseng if one is already taking medications or herbal supplements.

Nosebleeds can be a side effect of ginseng root.
Nosebleeds can be a side effect of ginseng root.

It is also important to be aware of a number of products marketed as ginseng that do not belong to the Panax genus, and so do not contain ginsenosides, though they may have similar compounds. Some of these herbs are marketed as Alaskan ginseng, Brazilian ginseng, Female ginseng, Indian ginseng, Peruvian ginseng, Prince ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and Southern ginseng. These herbs all have different properties and uses than true ginseng of the Panax genus, so it is important not to confuse them with each other.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a TheHealthBoard editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

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Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a TheHealthBoard editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

bear78

@donasmrs-- I take a 400mg Korean ginseng root supplement. It's great but I can't take it daily or in the evening because it gives me insomnia. I usually take it a few times a week, early in the morning so that the effects wear out by night-time.

My husband takes ginseng root too but he doesn't experience any of these problems. So if you're sensitive to stimulants, then try a small dose of ginseng root while starting out.

fify

@donasmrs-- I recommend Chinese or Korean red ginseng root. I think it's the best type of ginseng and it definitely works. The form you want to take the root in is up to you. It's available as capsules, as tea, as drinks and instant mixes. Every brand's ginseng root tends to taste a little bit different though. So you might have to try a few different ones to see which one you like best.

I personally like red ginseng root tea but there is one brand that I like the best. If you're planning on taking a capsule, then the flavor is not going to matter. You should just pay attention to the source of the ginseng root and its freshness.

donasmrs

I'm thinking about buying a ginseng root supplement for energy. Does anyone here use ginseng root? In what form do you take it? What type would you recommend?

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    • Ginseng root has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands or years.
      By: Uros Petrovic
      Ginseng root has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands or years.
    • Ginseng root is often used to make ginseng tea.
      By: thongsee
      Ginseng root is often used to make ginseng tea.
    • Nosebleeds can be a side effect of ginseng root.
      By: Michael Schütze
      Nosebleeds can be a side effect of ginseng root.
    • Different from the common ginseng root, female ginseng is actually dong quai, which comes from the roots of the angelica sinensis plant.
      By: uckyo
      Different from the common ginseng root, female ginseng is actually dong quai, which comes from the roots of the angelica sinensis plant.
    • Ginseng root can cause side effects like insomnia.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Ginseng root can cause side effects like insomnia.
    • Red ginseng is said to provide increased energy and sexual function.
      By: Boggy
      Red ginseng is said to provide increased energy and sexual function.
    • It's important to consult a pharmacist before taking ginseng root in case it interacts with other medications or supplements.
      By: Deklofenak
      It's important to consult a pharmacist before taking ginseng root in case it interacts with other medications or supplements.
    • Side effects of ginseng root may include breast pain.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Side effects of ginseng root may include breast pain.