Ginseng is believed to have the ability to replenish vital energy, so many people consider it to be a good supplement and take it regularly. However, ginseng is not suitable for everyone.
The Efficacy and Function of Ginseng
The main function of ginseng is to replenish qi (vital energy). It is more suitable for middle-aged and elderly people who are physically weak, as well as those who have just recovered from a serious illness or have a chronic illness.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng should be used with caution in cases of excessive qi, body heat, difficulty in urination and defecation, and symptoms of excessive heat caused by dryness and heat, such as dry throat, dry mouth, and nosebleeds.
It should not be taken in cases of yin deficiency and yang excess, bone steaming and tidal heat, excessive phlegm due to lung heat, and excessive liver yang. It should also be used with caution in children and pregnant women.
Suitable Population for Different Types of Ginseng
Ginseng can be divided into wild ginseng and cultivated ginseng. Wild ginseng is known as mountain ginseng, while cultivated ginseng is known as garden ginseng. In general, the former is considered superior, but it is now very rare.
There are commonly seen fresh sun-dried ginseng and red ginseng, both of which are processed from cultivated ginseng. Fresh sun-dried ginseng is dried naturally or by artificial means and is usually yellowish-white in color. Red ginseng is dried after steaming and is typically reddish-brown or brownish-yellow in color.
Fresh sun-dried ginseng: It has a neutral nature and can replenish qi, generate body fluids, nourish yin, and clear deficient fire. It is suitable for those with yin deficiency and excessive fire, physical weakness, shortness of breath, cold limbs, chronic illness, neurasthenia, insomnia with vivid dreams, poor appetite, lumbago, asthenic chronic nephritis, myocarditis, coronary heart disease, etc.
Red ginseng: It has a warm and tonifying nature with a strong warming and drying effect. It is suitable for those with yang deficiency, such as pale complexion, cold body, listlessness, lumbago or lower abdominal pain, white and slippery tongue coating.
American ginseng: It is produced in the United States, Canada, and other countries, and is now also cultivated domestically. Its medicinal properties are cooler compared to fresh sun-dried ginseng and are particularly suitable for cases of deficient lung yin with cough and shortness of breath, and dryness and fluid injury of the stomach, such as dry throat and thirst.
Korean ginseng: It is produced in North Korea and has similar usage to red ginseng. Korean ginseng has the effects of replenishing vital energy, nourishing and strengthening the body, generating body fluids, quelling restlessness, and improving intelligence. It is suitable for those with palpitations and insomnia, physical weakness, heart failure, and cardiogenic shock.
Underground ginseng: It is cultivated to resemble wild ginseng and can be compared to wild ginseng of the same age. It does not have a warming and drying nature and has the effects of replenishing vital energy. It is considered a top-quality ginseng.
How to Select Ginseng
Color
Good fresh sun-dried ginseng is usually yellowish-white in color with obvious and coarse wrinkles on the surface. It has a cylindrical shape with two "legs" at the bottom.
Good red ginseng has a reddish-brown or brownish-yellow color, is glossy, and has a lighter color on the upper part. Sometimes, a light yellow outer skin can be seen.
Texture
The cross-section of good fresh sun-dried ginseng is yellowish-white with grain patterns that resemble the outward opening of a chrysanthemum. Small brownish-red resin ducts can be seen in the skin.
The cross-section of red ginseng is reddish-brown in color, with a firm and slightly leathery texture and clear grain patterns.
Shape
The main root of good ginseng should be thick and elongated, with bifurcation at the lower end. There are generally two thin branch roots that resemble the shape of the Chinese character "人" (ren).
Dryness
Ginseng should be dry and unable to bend or break. It should even make a sound when dropped on the ground or struck with a hard object.
If it is soft when squeezed and bends easily, it indicates loose central growth and a short growth period. If it is red ginseng, it may also be mixed with sugar.
Taste
Good ginseng has a fragrant smell and a bitter taste followed by sweetness. Fresh sun-dried ginseng has a scent similar to soil, while red ginseng should not have a sweet taste.
The Most Effective Way to Consume Ginseng
The recommended dosage of ginseng is 3-9 grams per serving, and it is best to gradually increase the dosage. Excessive consumption can be harmful.
It is best to take ginseng on an empty stomach. Steaming is the preferred method, as it maintains a constant temperature, allowing the maximum dissolution of the active ingredients of ginseng and reducing the loss of its efficacy.
The method is to put ginseng slices in a bowl, fill it with water, and steam for 2 hours.
There are also other methods of consuming ginseng:
Chewing ginseng slices: Take 1-2 slices each time, 2-3 times a day.
Grinding and swallowing: Swallow with warm water.
Brewing and drinking as tea: Take 5-10 slices of ginseng and brew with hot water. It can be brewed multiple times, and the remaining residue should be consumed.
Soaking in alcohol: Take 10-20 grams of ginseng and soak in an appropriate amount of white wine. It can be consumed after two weeks.
Precautions After Taking Ginseng
After taking ginseng, avoid eating radishes, seafood, and drinking tea.
If there are any discomforting symptoms after consumption, it is not advisable to continue taking ginseng. It is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
