Korean ginseng has, in recent years attracted quite a bit of attention for its highly oxidizing properties, and has even become popular as the latest "miracle drug" and displays significant medicinal properties. Korean ginseng is also sometimes known as Chinese Ginseng, Red Korean Ginseng, Asiatic Ginseng, Shen Tsao and Ren Shen. Traditionally, Korean Ginseng was mainly used to ensure sexual potency and to guard the overall health of the individual.

Description of the Plant:

The Korean ginseng plant grows up to a height of 60 to 80 cm. The root is fleshy and is the part of the plant that is used in culinary preparations. Although the ginseng root tastes sweet at first, it soon takes on a bitter aftertaste. The leaves of the ginseng plant are oval and dark green in color. The stem of the Korean ginseng plant stands vertical and is a deep red color. The plant also yields small red berries.

Korean ginseng root is slender and long and its shape could often resemble the human body. This is probably why it has been christened Jin-chen in China, which means "like a man."

Useful Parts of Korean Ginseng:

Only the root of the ginseng plant is used for consumption. Korean ginseng is available in the market as powder, cut and dried roots, liquid, extracts or even whole root.

Properties of Korean Ginseng:

Korean ginseng both relaxes and stimulates the nervous system and also encourages hormone secretion. It improves stamina, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels and also improves the body's resistance to disease.

Korean Ginseng contains about 18 different saponins, called ginsenosides (also called panaxosides). They are glycosides of oleanolic acid, pectin, 20-S-protopanaxdiol, free sugar, ginseng polysaccharides, nicotinic acid, vitamins B1, B2, B12, pantothenic acid, choline, biotin, minerals, fats and polyacetylenes.

The root of Korean ginseng is what contains all the medicinal properties that this herb has been hailed for. The root is knobby and a light tan color.

The plant can be recognized quite easily by its leaves. They grow in a circular pattern around the upright stem. The flowers of the Korean ginseng plant are yellowish green and they bloom in the center of the plant.

Medicinal Uses:

Korean Ginseng has acquired a reputation as a solution for all ailments, and not without reason. Consistent consumption of Korean ginseng helps in regulating the immune system. And because the immune system is strengthened it helps keep several diseases at bay like the flu, cold, cough and even diseases as dire as cancer.

Safety and Precaution:

Consumption of Korean ginseng is extremely beneficial for health. But there are prescribed dosages for consuming it, and in excess, may lead to some side effects, although the detrimental effects have not yet been scientifically documented. Ginseng powder is sometimes available mixed with other herb extracts, reducing the efficacy of the herb and causing unwanted side effects. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to buy ginseng products from a reputed company and consult with a doctor if it is to be taken alongside any other form of medication.