Ginseng

What are the Benefits of Panax Ginseng?

Ginseng, a prized longevity tonic in traditional eastern medicine, has been used in herbalism and in the kitchen for time immemorial. This root is beloved throughout China, Korea, Japan, and beyond and is a staple in teas, tinctures, and capsules. It’s also a key ingredient in many Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas. It’s generally added to restore energy and boost overall vitality, especially for those who are run down or feeling weak.

In modern herbalism, it's recognized as an "adaptogen" that aids the body in adapting to stress, sharpening cognitive function, increasing physical stamina, and boosting overall vitality. Ginseng also contains notable phytochemicals called ginsenosides, exclusive to the Panax genus. Research suggests these compounds play a crucial role in helping the body adapt to stress and offer neuroprotective benefits, which means it helps the body protect the central nervous system.*

Folklore & Historical Use of Panax Ginseng 

In etymology, the sound gin stands for the word “man,” and seng essential means “essence.” In folklore, ginseng is seen as the essence of the earth in human form. The earliest known mention of ginseng as medicine was over 2,000 years ago in the "Shennong Bencaojing" (Divine Husbandman's Classic of Materia Medica), one of the oldest and most influential texts in Chinese medicine. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ginseng is known to have a warming effect on the body and is used to tonify Qi (vital energy). Its slightly bitter taste is believed to help clear dampness and stagnation from the body. Along with its medicinal uses, ginseng is also a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes and culinary specialties, like samgye-tang (ginseng chicken soup), insam-ju (ginseng liquor), ginseng jujube tea, ginseng stir-fry with vegetables, and more.

Botanical Description & Habitat 

Ginseng’s human-shaped root is somewhat easy to identify when unprocessed in the marketplace, but when cultivated or in the wild, you can recognize it by its compound leaf structure. Typically, three to five leaflets come from a central stem, and in late summer and early fall, the plant will produce a small cluster of red berries. 

Native to Asia, this prized herb is predominantly cultivated in Korea, China, and Japan, where it holds significant commercial and medicinal value. However, ginseng can be grown worldwide in suitable climates and soil conditions, especially in temperate climates with well-drained, loamy, and fertile soil. Historically, this plant has been overharvested, which is why it’s so important to cultivate it. Good things take time, and this root can take a few years to mature, which drives up the cost and the need for patience when growing it.