Korean Red Ginseng
Panax ginseng
高丽红参
Pinyin: Gāo Lí Hóng Shēn
Plant Family
Araliaceae
Part Used
Root
Origin
South Korea, Northeast China, Russia
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Korean Red Ginseng is the steamed and dried root of 6-year-old Panax ginseng plants, cultivated primarily in South Korea. The steaming process changes the color from white/yellow to reddish-brown and transforms the ginsenoside profile, creating what is considered the most potent form of ginseng. It is one of the most revered herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, known as the "King of Herbs" for its wide-ranging health benefits.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
slightly warm
Flavors (五味)
sweet, bitter
Meridians (归经)
spleen, lung, heart, kidney
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Tonifies yuan (original) qi
- Benefits the spleen and lung
- Promotes the generation of body fluids
- Calms the spirit and improves cognition
- Used for severe deficiency, collapse, and exhaustion
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Ginseng can be consumed as sliced root tea, powder, capsules, liquid extract, or added to soups and stews. Red ginseng is typically more warming and potent than white ginseng.
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 3-9g of sliced root, simmered 15-30 min. Powder/Capsules: 500-2000mg daily. Extract: 100-500mg of standardized extract (2-7% ginsenosides).
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Autumn, after 4-6 years of growth
Quality Indicators
Deep reddish-brown color, firm texture, strong aromatic scent, cross-section shows clear concentric rings, heavy and solid feel, 6-year-old roots are premium grade.
Storage
Store in airtight container in cool, dry place. Whole roots can be stored for several years. Powder and extracts should be used within 2 years.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)Children under 12Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)Bipolar disorder or manic conditionsBleeding disorders or upcoming surgeryAutoimmune conditions (may stimulate immune system)Organ transplant recipients (may interact with immunosuppressants)
Possible Side Effects
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances (when taken late in day)
- Headaches
- Digestive upset, nausea
- Nervousness or jitteriness in sensitive individuals
- Increased blood pressure in some people
- Mild allergic reactions (rare)
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin, heparin)
- Antidiabetic medications (may enhance blood sugar lowering)
- Antidepressants (MAOIs, SSRIs - may cause manic episodes)
- Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, etc.)
- Blood pressure medications
- Stimulants (caffeine, amphetamines)
- Estrogen and hormone therapies
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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