Ginseng is highly beneficial in various needs; you have all read about it.
But what is ginseng?
Ginseng is a plant, and its forked shape roots are what the hue and cry are about. It is a rather potent herb with various medicinal benefits. Multiples types of ginseng plants are known today.
From providing relief in muscle ailments, the dried ginseng roots have come a long way and are being used for various purposes now. It is most commonly cultivated in Asian countries. Ginseng has the power to bring about transformation in your overall health and wellbeing.
Types of Ginseng
Various types of ginseng available around you are:
1) American Ginseng
American Ginseng usually grows in the North American region. American ginseng is known to provide benefits in the neurocognitive functioning if it is consumed regularly. Its anti-cancer properties are most strong as compared to other ginseng varieties. American Ginseng is known to be beneficial in the maintenance of cardiovascular health. It is also known for its soothing and calming effect on the soul.
2) Asian Ginseng
Korean Ginseng is also called Asian Ginseng and Red Ginseng. It is linked with the production of energy and increment in physical stamina. The Asian Ginseng helps in improving your immunity and, thus, boosts your bodies self – defense capabilities. Asian Ginseng is a natural and effective remedy for erectile dysfunction.
Though Asian and American ginseng does resemble a lot but Asian Ginseng, if notice firmly, is much darker than the American Ginseng in its color. Due to its immense benefits, it is also often referred to as the “King of Ginsengs.”
3) Siberian Ginseng
The Siberian Ginseng has always been used for its immune-boosting qualities. It also helps in improving cognitive strength. The energy release of Siberian Ginseng is so prominent that it can reduce the fatigue levels of cancer patients too.
The Siberian Ginseng has a wrinkled and stringy texture and is generally brown. Its roots are usually twisted and appear woody.
4) Indian Ginseng
Indian Ginseng is more popularly and widely known as Ashwagandha, which has been a popular part of the ayurvedic line of medicine. It is considered the right variety or species of the Ginseng as such.
Ashwagandha is known to boost the immune system of your body and also is highly rich in its anti-oxidant content, which further is beneficial in protecting you from various chronic illnesses and also helps you maintain soft and younger-looking skin.
5) Brazilian Ginseng
It is not a true ginseng but, has been known and introduced as one to capitalize and mint out the popularity associated with the name. It helps in providing energy and dealing with tiredness. Consumption of Brazilian Ginseng helps in increasing and maintaining sexual desires.
6) Oriental Ginseng
One of the oldest known varieties of Ginseng which have been a part of the Chinese medicine culture from over a thousand years. These help in relieving you from the feeling of stress and helps you combat anxiety.
7) Female Ginseng
This Ginseng is especially popular in Japan, Korea, and China among women. Female Ginseng is known to help in maintaining hormonal balance. It is also often used on the skin as a toner and is one of the most widely used herbs in China.
Apart from the above mention varieties, the two broad categories to classify types of Ginseng are:
- Wild Ginseng
The ginseng variety, which grows on its own in the wild, is known as wild ginseng. It is now getting depleted due to its immense popularity as people are readily plucking and uprooting the wild ginseng for its benefits. The new ones will take years to reach maturity.
- Cultivated Ginseng
Cultivated ginseng is planted by humans in mountainous regions. It is thus, much less expensive than wild Ginseng though it also grows in the same environment and has almost the same benefits too.
Also, two famous processed ginsengs often heard of are
- White Ginseng
The ginseng, which is peeled after picking and then dried before finally being sold, is called white ginseng. It has a water content of only about 12% or less.
- Red Ginseng
The red ginseng is that ginseng which is first picked and then peeled, steamed at about the boiling temperature of the water, and finally sundried. This process makes it extremely brittle.
Origin of Ginseng
Ginseng has immense benefits, as can be figured out by reading about all its types. But, did you know that this wonder root came to be known almost 5000 years ago? Yeah, you read that right 5,000 years.
It was earlier discovered as an edible root, but, soon, its health benefits got noticed, and its strength-giving and powers to heal and calm the human body were noted and finally around the third century.
And China started to barter the wild ginseng in return for its Chinese Silk and Chinese Medicines from Korea. Korea then began to cultivate ginseng commercially. It was considered as a specific medicine, not for all diseases and illnesses but specific to chronic diseases.
Not only this, but many other stories are also linked to the origin of this revered plant called Ginseng. Like people even say that the leaves of the ginseng plant used to glow, it is also believed that priests in Korea used to purify themselves for weeks before going out to hunt for ginseng plants.
Conclusion
This plant, no doubt, is not just any herb, but God’s unique gift to mankind for providing them relief from the ever-growing stress of the society today. You can indeed include it as a herb in your daily delicacies or consume it as a medicine to enjoy the never-ending benefits of this herb.
Lastly, make sure you are not allergic to the plant and also do not overdose yourself with it as all good things do come with a limitation, and so does ginseng. It is beneficial only until it is consumed in the right quantity to benefit your overall health and body.