THE POWER OF GINSENG

Ginseng has been used for centuries to heal the body, restore one’s energy and even reverse ageing. But is it really the miracle cure-all that it’s touted to be?

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Ginseng has been used for centuries to heal the body, restore one’s energy and even reverse ageing. But is it really the miracle cure-all that it’s touted to be?

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For years, Asian societies have used ginseng as an energy booster. Certified TCM Physician Adele Lau, of One Farrer Hotel & Spa, notes that the miracle root is often used “to tonify Qi, which means that it reinforces the body’s life force, and this is highly useful for a stressful lifestyle”. Extensive research shows ginseng is believed to induce relaxation, help fight cancer and treat diabetes. “For women who are always on the go, trying to balance family and work life, ginseng can be a good choice,” adds Adele.

'For women who are always on the go, trying to balance family and work life, ginseng can be a good choice'

– TCM physician
Adele Lau

The Miracle Healer?

The World Health Organisation defines health as a state of complete mental, physical and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease. If we take this to be true then ginseng has already proven itself as a cure-all. Eu Yan Sang’s Resident Physician Anita Pee explains “some literature refers to ginseng as a well-known adaptogen, which means that when ingested it can produce a total body response which increases resistance against harmful agents and improve the function of many body systems”.

Backed By Science

For all the myths surrounding ginseng’s use in TCM, its true test lies in scientific fact. Thousands of clinical trials have been carried out to investigate numerous claims for the power of ginseng. Through these studies, scientists discovered that two groups of compounds found present in ginseng root have been proven to have remarkable medicinal properties: Ginsenosides and polysaccharides. Both have antioxidant effects that are healing and restorative.

Everything In Moderation

So should we rush out and buy it in bulk? Not so fast! “Even herbs that are purported to have wideranging health benefits may cause undesired side effects when used inappropriately or taken in large doses,” says Anita. She recommends consulting a registered TCM physician first before consuming any herb, miracle or not.

GINSENG FOR SKIN VITALITY

Besides being consumed as an herbal antidote, this root has also become a key ingredient in skincare. Prestige Korean beauty brand Sulwhasoo believes in a holistic approach to skincare, harmonising natural beauty with ancient Asian wisdom to restore the body’s equilibrium. With this philosophy, it was inevitable that Amore Pacific (Sulwhasoo’s parent company) scientists delved deeper into ginseng research, in an aim to tap into the herb’s powers to restore the skin’s harmony and vitality.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GINSENG

There are various types of ginseng root available but though they share one name, not all varieties are created equal.

Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Also known as Asian or red ginseng, this variety is highly prized and sought after across the globe. It is considered to be the original ginseng with the best medicinal properties available. It’s said to be a good metabolic regulator, perking up cells in the body.

American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius): American ginseng refers to its species rather than the region of growth. American ginseng is thought to have cooling energy as opposed to the Asian variety’s warming one. It’s said to be good for fighting fatigue and tiredness, and helps boost cellular health.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticosus): This variant is not a true ginseng but does have some medicinal properties. It is the least potent of all the different types of ginseng available, and is usually recommended for those coping with metabolic stress. It helps give a sustained energy boost.

Indian Ginseng (Withania Somnifera): Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. While it does offer a variety of health benefits, mostly antioxidant in nature, ashwagandha is also not considered a true ginseng.

Brazilian Ginseng (Pfaffia Paniculata): This dried root of a South American plant was introduced as Brazilian ginseng mostly to capitalize on ginseng’s popularity as a nutritional supplement. It’s also used for dealing with fatigue as it gives the body an energy boost; and also as an aphrodisiac.