Understanding the healing properties of ginseng
And how you know it’s the real deal
Kombucha, smoothies, and supplements all tout the power of ginseng but how do you know if it’s addition to your meals and drinks is real or a fraud?
Traditionally, true ginseng has been used to:
- Increase stamina
- Improve memory
- Strengthen immune system function
- Manage stress
- Reduce anxiety
- Improve insulin resistance
However, with little regulation over the labeling of herbs, many herbs with similar properties and uses are often falsely called ginseng.
Why would I worry about getting real ginseng?
True ginseng is very slow growing and and it’s root holds medicinal properties. Due to it’s high demand and slow growth, ginseng supply is being depleted faster than it is being replenished. Today, most ginseng on the market is likely cultivated in a greenhouse. The roots take years to mature, making the cost of real ginseng well over $300 per pound of roots.
This means that if you buy a product that “contains ginseng,” you have to ask yourself if it is the real thing. Supplement quality is a huge problem within the industry, and fraudulent products are common. Ginseng may be a health panacea, but buyer beware you often getting what you pay for.
What are the most common types of ginseng?
American Ginseng, (Panax quinquefolius) which grows primarily in eastern North America
Asian Ginseng, (Panax ginseng) also called Chinese or Korean ginseng, grows in Asia.
The trick of finding authentic ginseng is to look at what it is called and where it is manufactured. American Ginseng should be sourced and manufactured in North America rather than Asia. If you want to get even granular with sourcing, remember that most American Ginseng (90%) comes from farms located in Wisconsin. If you feel like you are getting a deal on unit costs, there is a large chance you are not purchasing an authentic product.
What herbs are incorrectly called ginseng?
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), often referred to as Siberian ginseng, is in the same plant family but a different genus, so it technically is not ginseng. It is illegal to market it as ginseng in the United States because this has been done.
Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera), in the nightshade family, is often called Indian ginseng because of its similar properties. It is a very common traditional herb in Ayurvedic medicine.
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis), has similar benefits specific to women’s health, hence is sometimes called women’s ginseng and has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii), is often referred to as Peruvian ginseng, being used traditionally in South America as a food as well as medicinal panacea.
While these herbs have healing properties of their own, they are not ginseng per se. The good news? They act as a great substitute in your wellness routines with no questions of authenticity.
