Ginseng root (人参) Nutrition facts, Medicinal properties and Health benefits

Selection and storage

Raw, fresh rhizomes can only be available near the vicinity of growers during harvesting times. In the overseas markets, dry roots in vacuum packs, and powder can readily be found all around the year. White ginseng (Bái cān-白参) is produced by drying the just harvested root in the sun, while the red ginseng (hongs hen or Korean red ginseng) is steamed after harvest and then sun-dried.

In supermarkets, pharmacies, and specialist Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) Stores, one may come across different kinds of ginseng products like tea, honey, drinks, candy, jelly, etc. Read the total ginsenosides content in the products before using these products.

At home, dried ginseng root can be stored for several months and preserved inside a dry jar, kept in a cool place away from sunlight and humidity. Its powder can be stored inside the refrigerator for a couple of months.

Preparation and serving methods

Processed ginseng seldom requires any cleaning. Cut a small piece of the root (not more than 3 grams of dry weight at a time) and steep in a glass of hot water for about 2 minutes and drink.

Here are some serving tips:

• Fresh root is steeped in hot water and mixed with honey and herbs enjoyed as a refreshing tea.

• In Korea, the herb root is also used in the preparation of the famous summer recipe samgye-tang (ginseng-chicken-soup). It is usually served with kimchi and ginseng-wine (insamju).

• The root extraction found a unique place in the food industry in the preparation of beverages, candies, gums, spicy snacks, candies, etc.

True facts about Ginseng

• Ginseng and its products chiefly influence metabolic functions like digestion, circulation, and the central nervous system in the human body.

• Ginseng should be viewed as an adaptive and restorative tonic. It is not a substitute for regular therapeutic medications for specific diseases.

• The constituents in the root ginseng have structural and functional similarities to natural steroids. They affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and the immune system, which could account for many of its reputed actions.

• There are no well-documented studies to support its claim as an aphrodisiac agent.

• The rhizome contains vitamins and minerals. However, in the dosage amounts, the herb rhizome barely covers the daily requirements of vitamins and minerals and therefore does not have much health impact.

Safety profile

• Ginseng when taken in controlled doses for a short period of time has beneficial effects. Toxicity to glycosides occurs when consumed in larger amounts for prolonged periods. Some of the common symptoms of overdosage are rising blood pressure, lack of sleep (insomnia), anxiety, neuroses, etc.

• It is also known to potentiate the toxicity of anti-coagulant drug warfarin, resulting in severe bleeding episodes. It impairs blood glucose levels in patients on anti-hypoglycemic drugs and insulin.

• Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid it. (Medical disclaimer).

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