In this blog:
We take a look at one of the most studied natural herbal medicines in the world, Korean Red Ginseng. How is it used, why is it used, and what can it do for us?
[3-4 Min Read]
The History
There are perhaps few herbs as widely believed in and as prized as ginseng for its purported health effects. It is known to be rich in antioxidants and to support a well-functioning immunity system.
The use of ginseng is well-documented throughout Asian history. In particular, the Korean red ginseng - Korean ginseng that has been steamed and dried in heat or sunlight - is known to contain the most varieties of ginsenosides as compared to other ginseng species. Records of its use in ancient Korea date back to the early 1000s.
The Basics: What is Korean Red Ginseng?
Ginseng refers to 11 different varieties of a short, slow-growing plant with fleshy roots. The herb has a light-colored, forked-shaped root, a relatively long stalk, and green leaves in an oval shape.
While many herbs may not be special to most, some (like Korean red ginseng) have earned their place as being culturally significant. The red ginseng in Korea is different from the one thats more commonly found in the West due to the host of benefits and applications it has from growth to cultivation. Because of its status and appreciation, Korean red ginseng has been used for centuries and is still considered a natural remedy for boosting immunity and reducing stress.
The ginseng family is known for numerous active ingredients which make it one of the most highly sought-after superfoods. Within the ginseng family, Korean ginseng reigns as the most efficacious given its high levels of saponin and non-saponin ingredients not found in other types of ginsengs. Korean Red Ginseng has a wide variety of valuable saponins like Rb1 which can help maintain healthy liver and brain function. It also has a plentiful supply of non-saponin ingredients, including acidic polysaccharide, which has been shown to be helpful in controlling cholesterol levels.
The Science: Why is Korean Red Ginseng so Powerful?
Korean red ginseng is rich in healthy plant saponins, specifically called ginsenosides, which evolved to allow the plant to survive in harsh environments.
Ginseng saponins have been shown clinically to have a powerful adaptogenic effect, enabling human bodies to achieve homeostasis by bringing them back into balance and helping to fight stress on a cellular level. Although ginseng is not a drug, dozens of research papers indicate that Korean Red Ginseng and the healthy components found in Korean red ginseng protect the body against harmful viruses.
Korean Red Ginseng Anti-Allergic Properties
A 2013 study published in the Journal of Ginseng Research examined the effects of Korean red ginseng on allergy symptoms specifically, hay fever symptoms. Researchers have found that Korean red ginseng noticeably diminished inflammation within nasal passageways caused by allergies. The researchers believe that this was accomplished via Korean red ginsengs ability to reduce the histamine response to allergens.
Specifically, the 2013 study found that Korean red ginseng treatment diminished the allergic inflammation causing rhinitis the clinical term for a stuffed nose. In allergic rhinitis, allergic reactions cause inflammation in the nasal passageways, giving you a stuffy nose.
Next, well explore the top 3 benefits of ginseng for your health and wellness routine.
Key Benefit #1: Boosts Brain Power & Memory
One common use of Korean red ginseng is to improve focus and concentration. This is very helpful for people who need to be able to focus on one task at a time without being easily distracted. Another use of Korean red ginseng is to improve memory and brain function, which is particularly important for students and professionals who need to be able to remember what they have read and retain new medical or other types of information.
As we age, the level of certain chemicals in our brains, including serotonin, can decline. This can make it more difficult to concentrate and remember things and can make one more susceptible to feelings of stress and anxiety. Research has shown that Korean red ginseng has been shown to be very helpful to people who are looking to boost their memory, improve their concentration and focus, and reduce these feelings.
It can be particularly useful for students in all stages of their education as well as those who are looking to improve their memory for tasks and knowledge in their professional lives. Additionally, it can assist people who are looking to improve their everyday memory, such as remembering where they placed their keys or to complete objectives on their to-do lists. People who are looking to recall specific memories might also be interested in trying it.
Key Benefit #2: Reduces Stress & Improves Sleep Quality
Korean red ginseng can boost the level of serotonin in the brain, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. This allows people to feel more relaxed and be able to cope with stressful situations more easily. So, Korean red ginseng can help to reduce stress and anxiety which provides better sleep quality for people who have trouble sleeping or who have trouble relaxing enough to fall asleep. It can further benefit people who are looking to get more overall sleep, particularly when they are experiencing high levels of stress.
Key Benefit #3: Protects Against Chronic Diseases
Another useful effect of boosting serotonin levels is that it can increase memory retention. This may be especially beneficial to remember important details like what you read in this article! The other effects of Korean red ginseng are that it can protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancers. In doing so, it particularly helps older people as chronic diseases can accumulate with aging.
Other Major Benefits of using Red Ginseng:
Boosts Stamina
Ginseng relieves stress by boosting both mental vitality and physical energy, while allowing for bodily calm. It improves body constitutions, when individuals are tired or lack energy, fighting fatigue.
Supports Metabolism & the Cardiovascular System
Ginseng is said to improve specific metabolic functions, bodily growth, and normal repair by supporting blood formation, oxygenation, and regulating blood circulation. Good blood flow is belived to support an integrated system of key organs, resulting in internal synergy and wellbeing.
Calms the Nerves
Unlike plants which contain caffeine, ginseng is caffeine-free and does not contribute to stress. It is said to support the adrenal system and is noted to strengthen mental vitality while simultaneously calming the body, bringing it more into balance.
Supports Healthy Lung Functions
Ginseng has been known to be good for the lungs by helping to keep them strong as they interface with healthy blood circulation, resulting in good oxygenation for the body and easier breathing.
Supports the Spleen & Stomach
Ginseng may improve one's appetite and help with intestinal regularity by supporting healthy stomach and digestive tract functions. Ginseng has also been found to be beneficial for some diabetics (under supervision of one's physician, if prescribed drugs for this condition).
Detoxifies
Ginseng is believed to help the body naturally process and remove toxins by boosting the immune system. It is said to aid in cleansing the bowels and supports intestinal immune system functions.
Supports Healthy Aging
Korean ginseng promotes healthy skin, supports healthy blood flow within the skin, and supports healthy aging functions. Therefore, it is used in a variety of beauty products and is the hidden beauty secret of several well-known supermodels in both South Korea and the West.
Boosts Liver Health
Based on a 5-year clinical study, Korean ginseng extract was given to participants for a 12-week period, and they demonstrated a decrease of 15.67% in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) which increases with liver damage after the study.
Boosts your Pre-workout
Korean red ginseng is essentially an all-natural supplement. According to one study, acute Korean red ginseng intake helps anti-fatigue effects in recovery from repetitive anaerobic exercise. Additionally, according to another study, Korean red ginseng can improve cognitive performance, so when you want to improve your concentration, it is a good choice as nootropics.
Gets your Glow on
Korean red ginseng also improves skin health, so what you put into your body is just as important as what you take out of it. Korean red ginseng is believed to protect and improve the health of your skin by regulating excess sebum production and preventing oxidative damage. Korean red ginseng has also been shown to improve hair health byincreasing blood flow to the scalp. This can boost hair growth and enhance the quality of your hair, making it shinier and healthier.
Why It Matters
Ginseng is an herbal supplement that has been used for centuries in Asian culture and medicine.
It is often recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and has benefits for certain types of cancer.
Whats more, ginseng may strengthen the immune system, enhance brain function, reduce fatigue, and improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Ginseng can be consumed raw or lightly steamed as well as easily be added to your diet as a supplement in extract, capsule, or powder form.
Whether you want to improve a certain condition or simply give your health a boost, ginseng may be worth a try.
Sources:
Jang SH; Park J; Kim SH; Choi KM; Ko ES; Cha JD; Lee YR; Jang H; Jang YS; “Red Ginseng Powder Fermented with Probiotics Exerts Antidiabetic Effects in the Streptozotocin-Induced Mouse Diabetes Model.” Pharmaceutical Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27927080/.
Jung, Jieun, et al. “Fermentation of Red Ginseng Extract by the Probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum KCCM 11613p: Ginsenoside Conversion and Antioxidant Effects.” Journal of Ginseng Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6323145/.
Korea Ginseng Corp. “3 Key Health Benefits of Korean Red Ginseng for Travelers.” Korea Ginseng Corp, 21 Dec. 2022, https://kgcus.com/blogs/ginseng-101/whats-in-your-luggage-do-you-know-the-health-benefits-of-ginseng-while-traveling.
Korea Ginseng Corp. “Korean Red Ginseng and Allergies.” Korea Ginseng Corp, 21 Dec. 2022, https://kgcus.com/blogs/ginseng-101/korean-red-ginseng-and-allergies.
Korea Ginseng Corp. “Korean Red Ginseng for Boosting Libido and Treating Infertility in Men.” Korea Ginseng Corp, 21 Dec. 2022, https://kgcus.com/blogs/ginseng-101/korean-red-ginseng-for-boosting-libido-and-treating-infertility-in-men.
Korea Ginseng Corp. “Korean Red Ginseng: The Nootropics That Boosts Brain Power and Memory.” Korea Ginseng Corp, 21 Dec. 2022, https://kgcus.com/blogs/ginseng-101/korean-red-ginseng-the-nootropics-that-boosts-brain-power-and-memory.
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“Six Benefits of Korean Ginseng and Things to Look Out.” Yahoo! News, Yahoo!, https://news.yahoo.com/six-benefits-of-korean-ginseng-and-things-to-look-out-health-wellness-070918430.html.