Ginseng has long been used throughout history based on its beneficial properties, but did you know that there are varying species? The difference between Asian and American ginseng is worth mentioning, even though both significantly boost the health of those who use it. It is known as a normalizing agent, positively affecting numerous body systems at once.
Used for thousands of years throughout Korea, Asian ginseng differs from American ginseng, which originates from North America and was utilized for hundreds of years by native Americans. Both of these species yield medicinal properties and are still used in order to both treat and prevent various ailments. Although sharing the same name, Siberian ginseng isn’t botanically related to American and Asian ginseng.
With that being said, Siberian ginseng also produces health benefits. Across these three species, benefits are still being uncovered as research continues. So far, researchers have reported anticancer, cardioprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, and hormone-balancing properties
The Effects of Asian Ginseng
Panax Ginseng, commonly known as Asian ginseng, is also often referred to as Korean ginseng. More specifically, Korean red ginseng is said to contain higher concentrations of beneficial phytonutrients than Asian ginseng sourced from other locations. Offering numerous bioactive components, Asian ginseng contains ginsenosides, as well as vitamins, flavonoids, minerals, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans.
By consuming Asian ginseng, users are able to prevent and treat various health conditions, including poor immune function, poor cognitive functioning, reduced stamina, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, bronchitis, and more. In some studies, it has also been shown to act as a preventative measure against the development of breast, liver, lung, skin, and ovarian cancer.
In terms of Asian ginseng’s effects, there’s also evidence supporting the ways in which it benefits heart disease, infertility, diabetes, fever, headache, HIV, asthma, COPD, menopause, convulsions, vomiting, dizziness, and more.
Many are also benefiting from Asian ginseng tea, as this natural product promotes weight loss and enhance energy levels. Once again, this tea offers users high concentrations of ginsenosides, which are sourced from the root of this plant. These compounds support the body’s resistance to various forms of stress. It can also be used as a tonic, promoting positive well-being.
The Effects of American Ginseng
Both American and Asian ginseng share similar effects, both contributing to positive health. They both contain the same components are used for similar purposes, as recommended by naturopathic doctors. Both of these ginsengs are considered to be an adaptogen, naturally combatting the effects of various stressors. American ginseng is also known to be a diuretic and stimulant.
Taken orally, this supplement is known to help manage symptoms of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, anemia, erectile dysfunction, hangovers, ADHD, swine flu, AIDS, HIV, poor immune function, hypertension, and fatigue in relation to cancer.
Other significant effects and benefits include American ginseng’s ability to reduce signs of aging, prevent respiratory illness, improve menopause symptoms, stimulate low cognitive functioning, reduce one’s risk of breast cancer, atherosclerosis, blood clots, and more.
What About Siberian Ginseng?
As mentioned, Siberian ginseng is not the same as American and Asian ginseng. In fact, it’s not even a true form of ginseng at all. This supplement has received this name, based on the ways in which it influences the health of its users. This supplement is actually derived from a woody shrub which is native to China, Korea, Russia, and Japan.
Siberian ginseng offers numerous effects and properties, including antidiabetic, adaptogenic, cardioprotective, cognition-enhancing, and immunomodulatory. Commonly used to treat increasing stress levels, high blood pressure, arterial plaque, insomnia, heart disease, tuberculosis, and neurosis, this supplement offers a wide range of benefits. It is also being used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s, herpes, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
What Are the Side Effects Associated with Ginseng?
Before taking any new supplement, it’s important to understand the potential side effects involved. While focusing on healthy individuals, Asian, Siberian, and American ginsengs appear to cause minimal adverse effects. These ginsengs have been used as a food source by millions across the globe.
Suffering from related side effects is uncommon and adverse effects are experienced, they tend to be minor and short-lived. Since these supplements normalize health effects, they may not be suitable regarding certain medicinal agents. If you are currently taking any medications or herbs, interactions may result. This is why it’s important to discuss your options with a healthcare provider.
In general, it’s not recommended that you stack ginseng supplements with any herbs or medications which target symptoms of diabetes, clotting disorders, hypertension, cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. If you are taking any medications which alter immune function, you should also be cautious.
It’s important to note that although these ginsengs have been used for many years, their benefits and health claims are not proven within clinical trials. These supplements have been linked to a number of therapeutic uses and research will need to continue in order to either prove or disprove these experiences. In order to ensure that this supplement is right for you, seeking a professional opinion is strongly advised.
