American ginseng, Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng… How to distinguish them?
Asian ginseng, called in Latin Panax ginseng, is one of the main plants of traditional Chinese medicine. Its name, Panax, means panacea, in other words a universal remedy. The ginseng root has been used for more than 2,000 years in Asian medicine as a general tonic, to improve immune defenses and as a sexual stimulant.
Ginseng is an adaptogenic plant, meaning that it strengthens the body as a whole and helps it fight illnesses or the physical or psychological “stress” that can weaken it.
Ginseng, originating from Asia and North America
The ginseng root was so prized in the 17th century that it nearly disappeared from the wild. It was a century later, in the early 1700s, that a Jesuit discovered a wild ginseng root on Canadian soil. Then very well known in Asia, its consumption was popularized in America and Europe. The Asians later managed to cultivate it, which allowed it to be marketed on a larger scale. Today, the Chinese and Koreans are its main producers, followed by the United States and Canada.
American or Asian ginseng?
It is very difficult to distinguish the two types of ginseng: the Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) has a peduncle longer than its petiole, which is not the case for American ginseng. The Latin name of the American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, comes from the fact that it has five leaflets, which helps the botanist distinguish it from its American cousin.
Ginseng is also distinguished by its color: the white ginseng is the root that has simply been cleaned and dried. The red ginseng has been steamed before being packaged, which is often the case for Korean ginseng.
Asian ginseng, like American ginseng, are roots that take quite a long time to grow (about six years on average): this helps explain the often rather high price of ginseng. Their rarity in the wild means that a wild Asian or American ginseng root can fetch astronomical prices. If someone offers it to you at a market during a trip to China, be wary!
Other plants bear the name ginseng, although they are not from the same family: this is the case of Siberian ginseng or Russian ginseng, which is actually another name for eleuthero (eleutherococcus), and Peruvian ginseng, which is another name for maca, a superfood. The Japanese ginseng (ginseng japonicus), however, is a “true” ginseng, of the same family as Asian ginseng, but it contains fewer active compounds than Korean or Chinese ginseng.
Siberian ginseng or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus)
What is called Siberian ginseng or Russian ginseng is therefore not true ginseng: it is the nickname for eleuthero (eleutherococcus), a root from the Araliaceae family. It is also used in Chinese medicine for the health of elderly people.
Also read Eleutherococcus, Siberian ginseng
Like ginseng, it is a plant known as an adaptogen, which increases the body’s resistance to stresses that can weaken it. It is therefore good for stimulating the immune defenses. The World Health Organization recognizes the effectiveness of Siberian ginseng as “a tonic capable of increasing mental and physical capacities during periods of fatigue and during convalescence“. It is also effective in treating osteoarthritis and as a diuretic.
The properties of Asian ginseng and American ginseng
Both types of ginseng have relatively similar properties: they help tone the body, they act against fatigue—both physical and mental—and they make you more vigorous.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Asian ginseng is rather a hot food, meaning that it nourishes Yang energy, whereas American ginseng is cooler and therefore feeds Yin energy more. In fact, American ginseng would be more soothing than its Asian cousin.
Both types of ginseng are therefore used in traditional Chinese medicine. American ginseng is notably used to reduce fever or to soothe coughs associated with certain lung diseases. It is also energizing, but has a calming effect on the nervous system.
“True ginseng” or “false ginseng”?
Some so-called pseudo-experts claim that the only “true” ginseng is Asian ginseng or Panax ginseng, the king of remedies. It would be more effective and more powerful than its American cousin. But that is not entirely accurate: American ginseng and Asian ginseng are both “true” ginsengs, and simply do not have exactly the same properties for the same ailments. That is why it is better to consult a specialist who will tell you which root to prefer based on your symptoms.
How to choose the right ginseng
Depending on its quality, age and origin, the ginseng root is more or less rich in active compounds, saponins and ginsenosides. It is preferable to choose a ginseng rich in ginsenosides, which will be more effective and more invigorating. A good (and genuine) ginseng has a ginsenoside content between 10 and 15 mg per gram of product (10 to 15% ginsenosides).
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The younger a ginseng is harvested, the less concentrated it will be in active compounds. Preferably choose a ginseng that is at least five to six years old, more expensive but more concentrated. In general, if ginseng is harvested younger, manufacturers do not indicate its age… So look out for this information, which is a sign of quality.
You can also choose your ginseng based on its packaging. The most practical and easiest to dose is ginseng in capsules. It is also available as a dry extract, in powder, but also as a paste made from fresh root to mix into a drink. The fresh root is less commonly found, whole or grated.
Each type of ginseng is adapted to your body and its minor ailments. However, if you are looking for a good general tonic, it is Korean red ginseng that is most sought after. It is preferably purchased from an herbalist, at health food stores, or on reliable websites.
Choose organic ginseng to ensure that the product does not contain residues of pesticides or chemical fertilizers that are toxic to the body. Indeed, ginseng cultivation, which requires a lot of moisture, may involve chemicals sometimes even banned in Europe: to guarantee its safety for health and the environment, look for the organic label on products.
