Korean Red Ginseng: A Traditional Herb With Amazing Health Benefits

The world is full of natural medicinal herbs that have remarkable benefits for our health. Korean Red Ginseng is one of the traditional herbs that had been used for centuries in treating various health-related problems.

Korean Red Ginseng is a slow-growing, short plant with fleshy roots. For Koreans, this ginseng is known to be “the King of herbs” since it is famous around the world for its potential to promote health and vigor. It has a scientific name of “Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer” wherein the Latin word ‘Panax’ means “a cure-all.”

The Roots of the herb produces and stores Phyto-molecules, called ginsenoside saponins.

According to Dr. David Kiefer, M.D.,

"The herb has been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Results of clinical research studies demonstrate that Panax ginseng may improve psychological function, immune function, and conditions associated with diabetes.”

Known Medicinal Benefits of Korean Red Ginseng

Helps Slow Down Aging

Korean Red Ginseng (Asian ginseng grown in Korea and then steamed and dried) has antioxidants that have anti-aging effects. These important components help supply blood flow to the internal organs, through capillaries which normally shrink as we age, thereby enabling us to have better bodily performance and organ health.

A Potent Antioxidant That May Reduce Inflammation

Ginseng has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have found that it can help reduce inflammatory markers and help protect against oxidative stress.

Results of a study involving 71 postmenopausal women revealed that those who took 3 grams of red ginseng daily for 12 weeks experienced a reduction in oxidative stress. Researchers believed that ginseng increases antioxidant enzyme activities.

Moreover, in a separate study involving 18 young male athletes, results showed that by taking 2 grams of Korean red ginseng extract three times per day for seven days participants were able to experience lower inflammatory markers (lasting for up to 72 hours after testing) as compared to the placebo group.

Has Anti-Cancer Potential

Chronic inflammation can lead to numerous diseases, including cancer. According to studies, ginsenosides in ginseng have anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively regulate inflammation while offering antioxidant protection which is another beneficial factor in lowering down one’s risk of certain kinds of cancer.

Helps Improve Heart Health

In a 2011 study, 3 grams of Korean Red Ginseng each day were given to those who had suffered a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Researchers have found that participants have an improvement in coronary flow reserve (an increase in blood flow in the coronary arteries).  Aside from these, their number of immune cells has also increased after taking Korean Red Ginseng.

Helps Deal With Insomnia

Korean Red Ginseng can help treat insomnia, a condition in which a person suffers from difficulty in sleeping along with mental fatigue and stress. Ginseng works by stimulating the endocrine gland which helps metabolize the vitamins for the body and aids in the absorption of minerals. With proper absorption of nutrients, a person will be able to have a good night's sleep.

Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Several studies claim that ginseng may help lower blood sugar and help treat diabetes. Its ginsenosides affect insulin production in the pancreas and improve insulin resistance using other mechanisms.