Back to: Ginseng Herbs

Ginseng White Dry Herb Pack

Panax quinquefolius

$58.73

Size

Quantity

Learning with LaRee

The most noted effects of Ginseng are the slowing of the onset of both mental and physical fatigue when the body or mind is under great stress. Other uses for Ginseng are the treatment of diabetes, as a reproductive system tonic and healer, for its immunostimulant properties, the strengthening of liver function, protecting and strengthening the cardiovascular system, the protection of cells during radiation, and the rebuilding of damaged cells when the radiation treatment is finished.

In Chinese medical literature and lore, Ginseng is said to restore yang qualities and is often used in male tonics and medicines, and to restore female functions that are the result of too much yin. Translated (roughly) to western thought, this means to balance the male and female hormones. Ginseng is very effective in women whose estrogen levels are too high, putting them at risk for certain cancers, and more likely to suffer ill effects at menopause. Emotionally, following eastern medical philosophy, Ginseng balances the passive/aggressive, nurturing/providing (Fire and Water) aspects of our personalities.
©Copyright Butterfly Expressions ^LLC 2020

Which Ginseng should I choose?

Panax ginseng, also known as Korean or Chinese Ginseng, is the most widely used and extensively studied. Panax ginseng is considered to be the strongest medicinally. Four closely related species are also used medicinally. These are Panax quinquefolium (American Ginseng), Panax japonicum (Japanese Ginseng), Panax pseudo Ginseng (Himalayan Ginseng), and Panax trifolium (Warf Ginseng or Ground Nut). Of these, quinquefolius (or American Ginseng) seems to be the closest in chemical composition to the more expensive and more difficult to obtain Panax ginseng (Korean or Chinese Ginseng). Another variety, Siberian Ginseng, (which is not a true Ginseng at all) is discussed on the Expressions page as well as in my Herbal Remedies book.

Ginseng is processed in two forms: white and red. White is the dried root with the outer skin peeled off and is mostly made from the quinquefolius type of Panax ginseng. Red is the whole root that has been steamed. Obviously, steaming or removing the outer layer alters the final chemical composition of the end product. I do not know why the outer layer is removed or why the Ginseng is steamed. It would seem to me that leaving it alone would be best; I trust there is a reason.