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Korean ginseng (Koryo insam), one of Korea’s main exports is one of the most famously medicinal plants known around the world for various uses such as being a restorative, a tonic to help strengthen organs, stimulate the heart, protect the stomach, stamina (regular and sexual energy), and calms nerves. It is found in plant form that can grow to at least 2 feet tall, and looks like similar to a person the way smaller roots grow out of the plant forming arms and legs.
Since the 3 Kingdoms period of Korean history (57 b.c. – 662 a.d.), it has been cultivated and used not only as a medicinal herb but also as an ingredient in various Korean dishes such as samgyetang and also as a form of powdered tea.
Currently, the medicinal ginseng tonics and teas can be found in Chinese medicine offices or stores or special Ginseng stores that line the streets of Seoul. Red ginseng in particular is most commonly found on supermarket shelves and is given is name because of the a drying process that gives it it’s color and is most often associated with stimulating sexual function.
Ginseng tea is often found in supermarkets displaying a red and gold label with a picture of the ginseng plant on it. Most often however, it is available in dried form either whole or sliced. It can also be found in some popular energy drinks as well as in some cosmetic products. Depending on how you want to buy your ginseng, it can be very expensive because generally it is consumed locally, but it also considered to be one of the highest qualities.
While there are many good health benefits from ginseng, there are a few side effects one should watch out for such as the inability to sleep, nausea, euphoria, headaches, and high or low blood pressure.
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