Contrary to common belief, Red Ginseng is not an independent species of ginseng in the Panax ginseng family; it is actually Korean ginseng that is processed for various purposes. The term is coined from the appearance of the ginseng root after undergoing specialized preservation method. Red ginseng comes from the plant’s root which is grown, reaped, and processed primarily in the countries of South Korea and China.
How is Red Ginseng Processed?
Transforming Korean ginseng into red ginseng require a process that usually takes years to accomplish. The roots used in the process are usually matured and consistent; commonly takes six years for a particular herb to develop.
Here are the step by step ways of making red ginseng:
1. Ginseng roots are carefully chosen. These roots should be mature enough and consistent enough to be turned into red ginseng.
2. Once the roots are harvested, they are washed carefully to remove soil and dirt.
3. Then, they are cured with peel intact by either sun dried or steamed before drying.
In the sun drying method, the roots are immersed in a mixture of secret herbal recipes that cause the roots to become very brittle. Steam method, on the other hand, makes use of the steam from the herbal recipes mixture. Steaming is more preferred than sun drying because it is more effective in preserving the natural state of the root and keeping its ingredients and chemical components intact.
Health Benefits from Red Ginseng
Red ginseng is one of the most widely used herbs in the field of alternative medicine. This is because of the many benefits that people can get from it. Here are some of the benefits that people cans get from Red ginseng:
• Red ginseng is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and to cure erectile dysfunction.
• Generally, ginseng is an adoptogen that helps the body to gain more strength, enhance endurance, and develop coordination and reflexes.
• It provides energy to counter stress and reduce the risk of stress- induced health disorders.
• It boosts mental health and makes the brain more alert. It enhances memory and cognitive abilities.
• It contains steroid- like compounds that stimulate the central nervous system.
• It strengthens the immune system and makes the body more resistant to common ailments.
Possible Benefits from Red Ginseng
Apart from these commonly pointed out benefits, Red ginseng is believed to have other potential health benefits that are yet to be discovered. Studies conducted on Korean red ginseng and its effects on cancer cells suggest that the herb has the capacity to slow down the production and development of these cells. This is made specifically on the case of gastric cancer. Red ginseng also contains Falcarinol that is found very promising outcomes as anti- carcinogenic on breast cancer cells.
Red Ginseng Precautions
Red ginseng is a natural herb, so consumption is generally safe. However, caution must be observed as many have the tendency to abuse the intake of the herb. Experts say that ginseng abuse syndrome can lead to some health disorders that may put life in danger.