Korean red ginseng is a plant that grows in Asia. It’s sometimes known as Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, or panax ginseng.
Korean red ginseng shouldn’t be confused with Siberian ginseng or American ginseng. Siberian and American ginseng are different plants that serve different needs.
- Korean red ginseng is linked to increased alertness and can potentially improve erectile dysfunction.
- Ginseng can help prevent colds and lessen the severity of heart disease symptoms.
- Korean red ginseng isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating erectile dysfunction.
- Ginseng can interfere with some medications and increase the effects of caffeine.
- Herbs don’t have the same regulation as food and drugs. There can be contaminants or even the wrong ingredients.
The ginseng root is used as a natural remedy in supplement form. The plant must grow for 5 years before it’s used. This usually means that high-quality ginseng commands a high price.
The dried but unprocessed root is called white ginseng. The root that’s been steamed and dried is called red ginseng.
Korean red ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an overall wellness supplement for centuries. It’s been used to:
- boost the immune system
- improve heart health
- treat diabetes
- increase energy
- decrease stress
- treat impotence