NATURAMEDICIN HERBARIUM · Panax ginseng
Asian ginseng
The story of a famous root begins beneath the leaves.
Photographs tend to show the root, sometimes branched into an almost human shape. Ginseng itself, however, is a green perennial herb. It comes from East Asia, and its root has a long tradition of use. How do white and red ginseng differ — and why does “Siberian ginseng” belong elsewhere?
DISCOVER THE PLANT
More than the root in the photograph
Ginseng belongs to the aralia family. Above ground, it produces leaves made up of several leaflets, small flowers and red fruit. It is associated mainly with Korea, north-eastern China and neighbouring regions. When buying the material, the name that matters is Panax ginseng; the general term ginseng may also refer to other plants.
Vitality and realistic expectations
Ginseng supports vitality and helps reduce fatigue. It also supports immune system function and the body's natural defences.
Research on fatigue has produced varied results. Support for vitality should therefore not be taken as a promise of an immediate boost or a guarantee of what you will feel.
PROCESSING
White and red ginseng: the same species, a different process
White ginseng is made by drying the root. Red ginseng is first steamed and then dried. Processing also changes the proportions of some compounds. Colour alone therefore does not indicate a larger amount of extract or guarantee a stronger effect.
CONSTITUENTS
Ginsenosides and names that can confuse
Characteristic compounds include ginsenosides, sometimes called panaxosides. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is another species in the same genus. “Siberian ginseng”, or eleuthero, belongs to a different genus altogether. Research on one specific ginseng extract therefore does not tell us about all these materials or about an entire combined formula.
BEFORE USE
Even a familiar herb deserves attention
Ginseng may cause insomnia and affect blood sugar levels or blood clotting. If you have diabetes or an autoimmune condition, or take medication, discuss using it with your doctor or pharmacist. The safety of long-term use is less well established than that of short-term use.
NATURAMEDICIN
Asian ginseng in INETHAN
INETHAN contains an extract of Asian ginseng root. Discover the purpose of the complete formula, its ingredients and recommended use.
A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Follow the recommendations and warnings for the specific product.