Ginseng

Buying ginseng: the well-known root from herbal tradition

Ginseng is one of the best-known plants in traditional herbal medicine, especially well-known from East Asia. The name refers to plants in the Panax genus, of which Panax ginseng (Asian or Korean ginseng) is the best-known. It is the fleshy root that is used and processed into powder or a standardized extract. Ginseng naturally contains plant substances called ginsenosides. In our range, you will find ginseng as a standalone Panax extract and in combination with ginkgo biloba, from reputable brands and in various dosages.

What is ginseng?

Ginseng is the common name for plants in the Panax genus, whose root has been used in Asian herbal tradition for centuries. The root sometimes has a distinctive, human-like shape, which partly explains the name "ginseng". The plant substances to which ginseng extracts are often standardized are ginsenosides. For supplements, the root is dried and processed into powder or a concentrated, standardized extract. The label states how much ginseng extract a product provides per serving and at what percentage of ginsenosides it is standardized.

Panax ginseng, Korean and red ginseng: what is the difference?

There are several names associated with ginseng that sometimes cause confusion. Panax ginseng, Asian ginseng and Korean ginseng refer to the same species (Panax ginseng). The difference between "white" and "red" ginseng lies in the processing: white ginseng is simply dried, while red ginseng is first steamed and then dried, which changes the color and composition. In addition, there is American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), a related species. Please note: so-called Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus) is botanically not a true ginseng, even though the name sounds similar. The label states which species and processing method are involved.

Where does ginseng come from?

Panax ginseng originally comes from the mountainous regions of East Asia, particularly Korea, Northeast China and eastern Russia. The plant grows slowly; a root usually takes several years before it is harvested, making ginseng a valuable raw material. American ginseng comes from North America. For the production of supplements, the roots are harvested, dried (and in the case of red ginseng, first steamed) and processed into powder or extract. The origin and type are often stated on the packaging.

Ginseng combined with ginkgo biloba

Ginseng is regularly combined with ginkgo biloba in supplements, another well-known plant from herbal tradition. This combination is often offered as a single product, for example as a standardized extract. In our range, you will find both standalone Panax ginseng extract and combination products with ginkgo. Which choice is right for you depends on your preference: a single ginseng extract or a combination with ginkgo in one capsule or tablet.

Which ginseng do you choose? Pay attention to ginsenosides

Which product is right for you depends on your preference and the desired type. When comparing, the ginsenoside content is an important consideration: extracts are standardized to a fixed percentage, so you know how much of these plant substances you receive per serving. Also look at the extract ratio (such as 20:1), the ginseng species (Panax ginseng, red or American ginseng) and whether it is pure ginseng or a combination. This information is on the label or product page.

How much ginseng per day?

No official recommended daily amount has been established for ginseng. The dosage per product varies and is stated on the packaging, expressed in milligrams of extract or powder per serving. Follow the directions for use of the specific supplement and do not exceed the recommended dosage without advice. When using medication, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in case of doubt, it is wise to consult a doctor beforehand.

Buying ginseng: what to look for?

When choosing a ginseng supplement, there are a few practical points to consider. Look at the amount of ginseng extract per serving, the extract ratio and the standardized percentage of ginsenosides. Determine which type you are looking for (Panax ginseng, red ginseng or American ginseng) and whether you want a standalone extract or a combination with ginkgo. Pay attention to the purity and the price per daily serving. Ginseng is a traditional plant extract; for related products, also view our Herbs & Plants collection.