Health Benefits of Korean Ginseng

If you are looking for a natural way to help increase your energy, support your immune system and improve your mental sharpness, you will want to look at Korean ginseng.

Korean ginseng is a perennial herb that has been used for thousands of years as a natural antidote for various illnesses. The only part of it that possesses health-giving qualities is its root. The older the root, the more potent it is.

There are many kinds of ginseng but the best and most effective of all is Korean or Panax ginseng. Korean ginseng grows well in China, Korea, and Russia and its roots are available in powdered, cut and dried and liquid forms at health stores around the world.

Korean ginseng is considered to be an “adaptogen.” An adaptogen is a substance that can increase resistance to stress of any kind, either mental or physical and can invigorate the user in a non-specific way.

The root must be at least six years old to be effective. The older the root, the better it is for improving your health. Also, the price is directly related to the age of the root. The older the root, the more it costs per ounce. Wild roots are very rare and command a great price.

In addition to being an adaptogen, Korean ginseng also contains various phytochemicals (plant nutrients) such as:

Ginsenosides

Ginsenosides are phytochemicals that have steroid-like qualities. Ginsenosides promote brain activity and prevent excessive production of corticosteroids which help ward of stress.

Korean Ginseng Panaxans

Korean ginseng contains plant steroids called Panaxans which have the same structure as anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are naturally found in your body and are usually taken in supplement form by athletes and bodybuilders to strengthen and build muscles.

Other phytochemicals found in Korean ginseng are saponins, vanillic acid, and salicylates.

Korean Ginseng Health Benefits

Now that you have a basic understanding of what Korean ginseng is, how can it help you improve your overall health? First, let’s start with the name to start the understanding of what ginseng does for our bodies.

Physically, the shape of the root of the Korean ginseng appears very much like the form of a man, thus the Chinese name given to it is “Jin Chen” which literally means, “like a man.” Proponents of traditional Chinese medicine believe the form and function of the Korean ginseng root are so linked that the root’s resemblance to the human body indicates its health-giving benefits.

To say the appearance of the root is what provides the health benefits would be ridiculous. However, these early beliefs started the use of ginseng to treat ailments, and through the results, people experienced highlighted the health benefits of it.

Digestive Health

Korean ginseng is used to support healthy stomach function. It can be used to help reduce the effects of diarrhea, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion*.

Nervous System

The ginsenosides found in the root enhance memory and improve cognitive abilities, making it useful in the treatment of poor concentration, sluggish mental function, poor memory, insomnia and anxiety. This form of ginseng is incorporated in some multivitamins because of its ability to counter the effects of stress on the body*.

Immune System

Korean ginseng helps to support a healthy immune system. It supports healthy lung function making it ideal for those who suffer from asthma, chronic cough, dyspnea and sweating for no reason. It can also increase your resistance against sicknesses such as the common cold and flu*.

Additional Health Benefits

It is also being used to lessen the effects of postmenopausal symptoms in women, as well as diabetes, migraine, infections, and radiation and chemotherapy protection. Research has shown the ginsenosides found in the leaves and stems of Korean ginseng exhibit anti-hyperglycemic effects making it good support for those who have diabetes. Korean ginseng also promotes wellness by improving sleep quality and stimulating appetite.

Side Effects

Due to its strong potent action, Korean ginseng is not recommended for use among those suffering from high blood pressure. While the side effects of Korean ginseng are relatively mild compared to those of pharmaceutical drugs we always recommend for you to seek the proper advice of a naturopath or health professional before taking strong herbs if you have any existing conditions.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products listed on Engineered Lifestyles are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please read our full product disclaimer here.