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.