The Benefits of the Ginseng Root

The word ginseng comes from the Chinese rénshēn, which means “Man Root.” It is so named because the root is shaped like a man. The ginseng plant bears five leaflets and bright red berries. Its tiny flowers are either pale yellow or green, and bloom in early summer. However, only the root has any medicinal value. Ginseng grows mainly in east Asia and parts of America. The taste can be sweet yet slightly bitter.

The ginseng root is both yin and yang. The plant itself mainly grows up in the mountains (nearest to heaven), which gives it yang properties. But the root thrives in the deepest forests in moist, cool soil, which also makes it yin. That is why it’s called “yang within yin.” The root is considered an “adaptogen,” because it can adapt itself to treat imbalances accordingly.

The Chinese used the ginseng root for thousands of years for its health benefits. Native Americans recognized its values as well. The root can boost energy levels, relieve stress, and fight off a cold. It can also reduce the risk of a heart attack by regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

To get the most benefit from ginseng, you can eat two to eight coin-sized pieces of the root every day. It’s best to either buy the whole root or an extract to make ginseng tea. Capsules and ready-made ginseng tea are not the best choices, because they usually contain either very little ginseng or else the worst parts of it. It’s not uncommon for only the hairs of the root to be used, or very young roots that are inferior in quality. Only by buying the whole root or an extract can you experience the full benefits of ginseng.