herbs - Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

What is it?

Korean Ginseng is also referred to as Asian ginseng or Chinese ginseng. It is a small perennial plant that originally grew in the damp woodlands of northern China, Manchuria and Korea. It has been used for thousands of years and is now widely cultivated and is the most popular ginseng available. The mature root is used in herbal medicine.  

Action

Korean Ginseng contains many compounds including polysaccharides, panaxans, vitamins, gums, oils and resins, but it is ginsenosides that have the most potent and understood actions in the body. Korean Ginseng has numerous actions and is said to be both sedative and stimulant and therefore an excellent balancing or adaptogenic herb. It has balancing effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, energy, stress, mood immune function and libido. 

Uses

Our experts recommend Korean ginseng for the following disorders:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Infertility
• Tired all the time (TATT)

Other information

Korean Ginseng is used for men’s sexual health and enhancing libido. Herbalists recommend it for boosting immune function, fighting against stress and as a general tonic. It is also used by athletes to increase energy levels, and to improve overall performance. It can be taken with Siberian Ginseng to boost immune function before having the flu-vaccine to reduce its side effects.

Korean Ginseng is normally available in tablets, capsules, tincture, or as a liquid tonic. Best take in cycles of 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off. Sometimes if needed it can be taken in cycles of 6 weeks on, 4 weeks off.

Cautions

• Generally, there are no side effects using Korean Ginseng, although It is best not to take it too late in the day or drink too many caffeinated beverages as it may stop you from sleeping or cause hyper-excitability.



• Korean Ginseng should not be taken by anyone with High blood pressure, or during pregnancy or when breast-feeding.



• Please consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Korean Ginseng if you are already taking the blood thinning medication, warfarin or the platelet inhibiting drug, ticlopidine.



• When this article was written there were no other well-known negative drug interactions with Korean ginseng.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.