By Robert Newman, LAc, Dean of Clinics at Emperor’s College Acupuncture Clinic

Missed Part 1 of this series on Ginseng? Check it out here.

Missed Part 2 of this series on Ginseng? Check it out here.

Missed Part 3 of this series on Ginseng? Check it out here.

Missed Part 4 of this series on Ginseng? Check it out here.

Part 5: Growing and Cooking Ginseng

There is an idea and tradition in connection with Asian Ginseng that the older it is the more powerful and effective it will be.  Usually, it is believed it should ideally be at least 5-7 years old, but roots that are 50 or even 100 years old are possible and are very prized and extremely expensive. Read more

By Robert Newman, LAc, Dean of Clinics at Emperor’s College Acupuncture Clinic

Missed Part 1 of this series on Ginseng? Check it out here.

Missed Part 2 of this series on Ginseng? Check it out here.

Missed Part 3 of this series on Ginseng? Check it out here.

Part 4: Asian Ginsengs Explained

There are various forms of Asian Ginsengs and different processing methods that may be used in preparing the roots for sale, resulting in differences in the strengths of certain functions.  This is a plant that is native to northeastern China and possibly some areas of Russia.  Like its American counterpart, it typically has grown in the wild on the northern slopes of forested mountainsides.  However, naturally wild Asian Ginseng has been believed to be extinct for many years due to over-collecting. Its Latin name is Panax ginseng and its Chinese name is Ren Shen. Read more

By Robert Newman, LAc, Dean of Clinics at Emperor’s College Acupuncture Clinic

Missed Part 1 of this series on Ginseng? Check it out here.

Missed Part 2 of this series on Ginseng? Check it out here.

Part 3: Siberian Ginseng and American Ginseng Explained

So now that you’ve been introduced to some basic terms and ideas, let’s learn about the different types of Ginsengs.  Ginsengs are tonics—depending on the type and the processing, they can tonify the Yang, the Qi, the Yin and/or the fluids.  Common names that refer to the different types of Ginsengs are American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, and Asian Ginseng (red, white, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese). Read more

By Robert Newman, LAc, Dean of Clinics at Emperor’s College Acupuncture Clinic

Missed Part 1 of this series on Ginseng? Check it out here.

Part 2: Ginseng and Qi

In part 2 of Ginseng – An Overview, I will briefly explain a few terms used in Asian medicine that are relevant in connection with understanding the functions and usages of the various types of Ginseng.  One important term and idea is that of Qi (pronounced like “chee” and sometimes spelled “Chi” or “Ch’I”), one of the 5 fundamental substances in the body.  Qi is said to be a part of everything that exists.  It can be dense and material or it can be etheric and more of energy.  It is not clearly definable or measurable; so, like gravity, it’s known only by its manifestations, effects, and functions. Read more