December 10, 2022 by Margie Navarro
Ingredient Spotlight: Ginseng
The Wide World of ‘Ginseng’
Known for its potent medicinal properties, ginseng has been a vital part of traditional Asian medicine for centuries. Four main types of ginseng are recognized: Ren Shen, Dang Shen, Tai Zi Shen, and Xi Yang Shen. Each holds unique qualities – and actually come from four different Genera of the plant kingdom.
Ren Shen (Panax Ginseng), photographed here, is the most popular and widely-used herb known as ginseng. Ren Shen is viewed as a potent energy tonic, best known for its adaptogenic qualities. Adaptogens improve the health of your adrenal system, which handles your body’s hormonal response to stress. They enhance one’s ability to cope with anxiety and fight fatigue. Ren Shen is also said to boost cognitive function, providing a more clear and focused mental state.
Dang Shen (Codonopsis Pilosula) is a milder tonic used for a broad spectrum of health conditions. While it may not be as potent as Ren Shen, Dang Shen is known to provide similar benefits such as boosting the immune system, enhancing physical stamina, and promoting appetite and digestion. It’s less warming and therefore better suited for those who may find Ren Shen too invigorating.
Tai Zi Shen (Pseudostellaria Heterophylla) is regarded as a more gentle tonic. It is especially beneficial for young, frail, or chronically ill individuals who require a milder treatment. This ginseng type aims to more broadly nourish the body, contributing to overall well-being and vitality. It is also used in aiding digestive health and promoting a healthy appetite.
Finally, Xi Yang Shen (Panax quinquefolium), or American Ginseng, is celebrated for its calming effects. Unlike its counterparts, Xi Yang Shen is characterized as ‘cooling’ rather than ‘warming.’ This means it has a calming, nourishing effect on the body and is used to soothe conditions such as stress, heat-related illnesses, and even diabetes.
To summarize, all four types of ginseng play a substantial role in traditional medicine, each with its unique set of benefits. Ren Shen is renowned for its strong restorative and cognitive boosting properties, Dang Shen for its general health benefits, Tai Zi Shen for its mild but nourishing properties ideal for a more gentle approach, and Xi Yang Shen for its calming and cooling qualities.
While ginseng has demonstrated numerous health benefits, it can be overused. Additionally, quality and purity may vary, so sourcing from reputable suppliers is also crucial. A certified herbalist can help determine which ginseng is best for you, for how long and help source the highest quality material. As we continue to explore and embrace traditional healing methods, the rich world of ginseng offers us potent, natural solutions that cater to a variety of health concerns and body types.
Growing Conditions: Ren Shen is native to the mountains of northern China and Korea and grows in full to partial shade. Due to its small stature of 6-24" it may also be grown outdoors in temperate climates as well as in containers. Dang Shen is a vine that grows to about 10’ and prefers partial shade. Tai Zi Shen is a smaller herb reachihg about 6-10" and also prefers part shade. American Ginseng is native to the eastern coast to the midwest and grows to about 6-18" preferring shade.
Harvest Recommendations: Ren Shen roots are harvested in the fall after 5 years of growth. Dang Shen roots may be harvested after 3 years, hence the lower cost of this medicinal as compared to Ren Shen. Tai Zi Shen roots can be harvested in summer. American ginseng is harvested from September to November. As a vulnerable plant, growing this herb yourself can help preserve it in its natural conditions.
– Margie Navarro, herbalist & acupuncturist