What Is Korean Ginseng?

Korean ginseng is one of only two true ginsengs (the other is American ginseng). Of all the plants called "ginseng," this is the one most prized by the Chinese. The root of the plant has been used as a healing herb for more than 7,000 years. In China, the ginseng root is called Jin-chen ("like a man") since the shape of the root sometimes resembles the human body. The plant is also referred to as Panax, Asian or Chinese ginseng.

This perennial has dark green, glossy, oval leaves on an upright, deep red stem. It grows to a height of approximately 23 to 28 inches. Interestingly, the stem shrinks as the plant grows. As the leaves die in the fall, they leave a scar and rings appear at the top of the root. You can estimate the age of the plant by counting the rings or scars. The plant bears small, inedible red berries.

This plant is rare in the wild so most ginseng is farm-grown. It has a small range of tolerance for soil conditions, sun and shade, and temperature. It takes five to seven years of growth before the roots are ready to harvest. This plant is so difficult to grow that commercial Korean ginseng farmers are often highly secretive about the tools and techniques they use. A single plant can live for more than 100 years.

The root is the only edible part of the Korean ginseng plant. It is peeled and steamed before drying to produce red ginseng and sun-dried to produce white ginseng. It is used in Thai and Korean dishes for its initial note of sweetness and its bitter aftertaste. It can be prepared as a beverage, either as a tea or as a decoction with the roots boiled in water. It is also available as an extract or tincture or in capsules containing pulverized root.

This plant contains ginsenosides and steroids. These phytochemicals are biologically active ingredients. They are also known as "adaptogens" because they can increase resistance to stress or have an invigorating effect on the body. Ginsenosides increase the vigor of neurotransmitters in the brain. The steroids naturally occurring in Korean ginseng are structurally similar to anabolic steroids.

Some ingredients in Korean ginseng affect the adrenal glands, reducing the body's chemical reaction to stress. Other ingredients stimulate the circulatory system, particularly in the brain, to improve memory and thought. Still other ingredients are thought to stimulate the immune system. This herb is also known to lower blood sugar levels. It has been used to treat impotence and reduced sexual drive and may have an estrogenic effect.

Korean ginseng is a powerful herb. It can interfere with blood clotting, blood pressure, diabetic treatments and the nervous system. It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation. Before consuming Korean ginseng, consult with a health care professional.