Modern life is fast-paced, with suboptimal health being common. The concept of health preservation has deeply rooted in people’s minds, and consuming Chinese medicinal herbs to regulate the body has become a choice for many. Among the various medicinal herbs, ginseng and American ginseng are particularly well-known. Although both belong to the “ginseng” category, they each have their own merits and should not be confused. Ginseng is usually priced higher, while American ginseng is favored for its higher cost-effectiveness. However, their target effects are not entirely consistent, so correct selection is crucial to avoid adverse effects on health.
In terms of nature, ginseng is warm in nature, with a sweet taste and a slight bitterness. It mainly belongs to the spleen and lung meridians, excelling in replenishing vitality, promoting fluid production to calm the mind, and tonifying the spleen and benefiting the lungs. In comparison, American ginseng has a cooling nature, with a sweet and slightly bitter taste, acting on the heart, lungs, and kidneys meridians, being adept at nourishing fluids to quench thirst and clearing lung heat. Despite their different origins, both are beneficial for replenishing Qi, enhancing immune function, protecting the cardiovascular system, and improving neurological functions such as relieving neurasthenia, enhancing memory, and regulating sleep.
In terms of selection, ginseng is known as the “king of hundreds of herbs” and is suitable for those with weak constitution, recovering from illness, or experiencing cold hands and feet. American ginseng is more suitable for those with Yin deficiency and excessive fire, frequent dreams at night, or exhibiting symptoms of lung heat. Due to its cooling nature, American ginseng has a relatively wide range of applications, especially suitable for individuals who require Qi supplementation but are not suitable for the warming nature of ginseng.
When consuming American ginseng, the correct methods include swallowing, soaking in water for consumption, steaming, or decocting. Soaking in water is the most common and convenient method, and it can be moderately combined with other herbs. However, it is advisable to follow the advice of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to ensure safe and effective compatibility. The daily recommended dosage is about 3 to 6 grams, and it can be consumed after the water taste becomes mild. It is worth noting that those with weak Spleen and Stomach due to cold, frequent diarrhea, or insufficient Yang Qi are not suitable to consume American ginseng. Similarly, ginseng is not recommended for individuals with colds, fever, or excessive internal fire.
Overall, although both ginseng and American ginseng have the effect of replenishing Qi, their characteristics and target groups differ. Before supplementing, one should fully understand their own conditions to avoid blind overuse. Healthy individuals do not need additional supplementation, and those with illnesses should consult a doctor to avoid improper supplementation becoming a burden. Proper and scientific use of these two precious medicinal herbs can truly promote health, otherwise hidden risks may arise.
