Historical notes to Korean Red GINSENG –
Ginseng’s reputation for improving health and healing is based on many centuries of historical use. But historical reputation can be a mixture of legitimate results and unverified claims. A herb might only appear to be beneficial because it is compensating for something otherwise lacking in the local diet; or there could just be a placebo effect. But in the case of ginseng modern research tends to verify the historical claims. It does appear to have legitimate health benefits, even if some claims were a little mystified.
Ginseng was first written about in China. Chinese medicine had undergone an important phase with the writing of Shennong Bencao Jing (Classic herbs of Shennong) in the first century AD. This Shennong figure was considered mythological, giving divine knowledge, and Chinese medicine approached his writing accordingly. His writings on ginseng were though to show the true, divinely inspired understanding of the herb.
The writings of Shennong Bencao Jing claim that Ginseng is sweet and a little cold, thereby suitable for treating hot maladies like fevers. Ginseng was thought to quieten the ethereal and corporeal souls, open the heart and eyes and to sharpen the wits. Long term use was thought to prolong life.
It might seem odd that this ancient text describes the herb as sweet, as most people find it quite bitter. The confusion arises because the term ‘sweet’ refers to its medicinal properties and not its taste. The word ‘sweet’ in this medical context meant that it nourishes the spleen and other bodily organs. Latter texts discuss the actual bitter taste in the mouth and how it tastes better when freshly picked. The historical writings seem accurate when interpreted in light of this.
Claims that Ginseng could prolong life and make the body lighter also seem to be confused in translation. The original meaning of a ‘lighter body’ seems be mean feeling more alive and more spiritual. Interpreting this to mean Ginseng was a weight loss supplement was a mistake, though Ginseng may indirectly help people lose weight by promoting good health. The purported ability to prolong life simply means that it keep one healthy, and therefore helps people to live a little longer. This is certainly a worthwhile goal.
Western research over the last few decades supports the idea that ginseng can increase endurance, especially in hot, cold, stressed, sick or other extreme conditions. This connects to its ability to boost the immune system. This makes ginseng an adaptogen, something generally useful for better health.
Eastern research over the same time period showed that Ginseng could lower blood cholesterol, blood sugar and lipids, which were all significant factors in cardiovascular disease. These cardiovascular and immune system benefits of ginseng only required 25- 500 milligram per day. Some research support the idea of ginseng lowering cancer risk, but this require a very high dose.
Korean Red Ginseng Online Shop
Online ginseng can vary greatly in quality and potency. Red Korean Ginseng is considered the highest rated performer, and Red Ginseng for Australia is available at our online shop.
