Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

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Other names for ginseng

Panax Ginseng (Asian or Korean Ginseng)
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Red Ginseng
American Ginseng
ginseng (American)
ginseng (Asian)
ginseng (Chinese)
ginseng (Korean)
Ginseng (unspecified)
Ginseng, American
Ginseng, Oriental
Ginseng, Panax
Ginseng, Siberian
Oriental Ginseng
Panax Ginseng
panax ginseng
panax ginseng root
Panax Notoginseng
Panax Pseudoginseng
San-Qi Ginseng
Siberian ginseng

Synopsis of ginseng

Ginseng refers to the roots of several species in the Panax genus, most notably Panax ginseng (Asian or Korean ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng). These revered herbs are known as adaptogens, helping the body resist physical, emotional, and environmental stress. Long prized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western herbalism, ginseng is used to enhance energy, strengthen immunity, improve mental clarity, and support longevity.

Key active compounds:

  • Ginsenosides (saponins) – the primary bioactive components responsible for immune modulation, energy enhancement, and neuroprotective effects
  • Polysaccharides – support immune function and gut health
  • Peptides, flavonoids, and volatile oils – contribute to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions

Health benefits and uses:

  • Boosts energy and physical endurance, reducing fatigue
  • Improves mental performance, focus, and mood
  • Supports immune system regulation, useful for both low and overactive immunity
  • Enhances stress resilience and hormonal balance, particularly through adrenal support
  • Improves sexual function and libido, particularly in men
  • May support blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular health

Different types:

  • Panax ginseng (Asian/Korean) – warming and stimulating; ideal for those with fatigue, low energy, or cold constitutions
  • Panax quinquefolius (American) – cooling and moistening; better for stress-related burnout or yin deficiency
  • Red ginseng – steamed and dried, more stimulating than white ginseng
  • Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) – not a true ginseng but used similarly as an adaptogen

Forms of use:

  • Capsules, powders, or tablets
  • Tinctures or decoctions
  • Standardized extracts for specific ginsenoside concentrations

Historical Use:
Ginseng has been used for over 2,000 years in TCM, where it is classified as a qi tonic—a herb that tonifies primal energy, nourishes the spleen, strengthens the lungs, and calms the spirit. Traditionally reserved for the weak, elderly, or convalescent, it was also used by warriors and scholars for stamina and focus.

In North American Indigenous medicine, American ginseng was similarly used for weakness, fevers, and digestive or respiratory issues.

Today, ginseng is one of the most studied and widely used adaptogenic herbs, featured in energy formulas, immune blends, stress support products, and men’s health supplements. Its dual ability to revitalize and restore balance makes it a cornerstone in natural health practices worldwide.

Ginseng is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Traditional)
Addictions (coffee, caffeine) (Traditional)
Addictions (drugs) (Scientific)
Addictions (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing) (Scientific)
Adrenal Fatigue (Traditional)
Afterbirth Pain (Traditional)
Allergies (respiratory) (Traditional)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Amenorrhea (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Anorexia (Traditional)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Anxiety Disorders (Traditional)
Apathy (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arteriosclerosis (Traditional)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Asthma (Traditional)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Scientific)
Attention Deficit Disorder (Scientific)
Body Building (Scientific)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Scientific)
Concentration (poor) (Scientific)
Congestive Heart Failure (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Emphysema (Traditional)
Endurance (lack of) (Scientific)
Energy (lack of) (Scientific)
Erectile Dysfunction (Scientific)
Exercise (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Traditional)
Free Radical Damage (Scientific)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Traditional)
Hangover (Scientific)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Scientific)
Premature Ejaculation (Traditional)
Sex Drive (low) (Scientific)

ginseng is used to support these body systems

Adrenal Cortex (Scientific)
Adrenal Glands (Traditional)
Adrenal Medulla (Traditional)
Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Scientific)
Bronchials (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Cortisol (Scientific)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Dopamine (Scientific)
Estrogen (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Hair (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Male Reproductive System (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Pancreas Head (Traditional)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
Pituitary (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Solar Plexus (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Testes (Traditional)
Testosterone (Scientific)
Thymus (Traditional)
Uterus (Traditional)