Ren Shen (Ginseng Root)

Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng and Ren Shen, is a slow-growing perennial plant that is native to eastern Asia. This plant has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and is highly valued for its medicinal properties. Panax ginseng is rich in active compounds called ginsenosides, which are responsible for its beneficial effects on human health. Some of the most well-known health benefits of Ren Shen include increased energy, improved mental and physical performance, enhanced immune system function, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved sexual function. With proper use, Ren Shen can be an effective natural remedy for a wide range of health conditions and can support overall health and wellness. 

Ginseng is tantamount to the King of Tonic Herbs. With a long history of research and study, it is popular for good reason -it's a powerful herb! Now experience our high caliber Ginseng; our exclusive Chinese supplier means we have Ginseng Root for sale like nobody else in the US!

Additional Varieties of Ginseng Root Available:

Organic White Chinese Ginseng (You Ji Bai Ren Shen), Organic Red Chinese Ginseng (You Ji Hong Ren Shen), and Wildcrafted Mountain Ginseng (Yi Shan Shen) : Chinese Kirin or Jilin Ginseng is harvested after the fourth year. PlumDragon offers very high quality, loose, Organic Jilin Ginseng.

• Organic Whole Red Ginseng: Certified organic whole Red Ginseng (sometimes called transition Ginseng) is of a substantially higher quality than what appears in clinics and online shops. This higher echelon Ginseng has high density striking chrysanthemum patterns in the root cross-section, a deep golden luster to the skin, and are of an entirely different class of Ginseng than what is available on the rest of the US market. (Currently unavailable.)
• Yi Shan Shen Wildcrafted 10-year Mountain Ginseng : Planted wild in Chang Bai Shan forests of China and left alone for several years, Mountain Ginseng is the pinnacle of Chinese Ren Shen and the closest thing to true wild Ginseng. These beautiful roots have well-developed shoulders, clear horizontal striations, and fine pearl points. They are striking specimens with a sweet taste that turns pleasantly bitter. Yi Shan Shen creates long-lasting change when taken long-term. Its neutral nature and tangible effects matching the descriptions in the classics make it an extremely valuable and important medicinal. Yi Shan Shen feels like what ginseng should be.

Korean Red Panax Ginseng: Korean Ginseng is highly coveted and one of the most expensive delineations of Ginseng. Our special Korean Ginseng is a full root of fantastic potency and exemplifies the pinnacle of Korean Ginseng quality! We are pleased to offer among the highest quality Korean Ginseng available in the US at very competitive prices. Try it out and decide for yourself. (Currently unavailable.)

American Ginseng Root (Xi Yang Shen) is listed as a separate product. Please see that product description for more information.

High-Quality Ren Shen: What does it look like? 

High-quality Ren Shen (Ginseng) typically has the following qualities:

1. Appearance: It has a uniform shape, with a well-defined root structure and a smooth, shiny surface. When sliced, the slices should be oval or round shaped. 

2. Color: The root should be a light tan color, free of any dark spots or blemishes. When sliced and dried, the root should be a dark red to brown color. 

3. Aroma: High-quality Ren Shen has a pleasant, fragrant aroma.

4. Texture: The root should be firm and not too soft or brittle.

5. Taste: It should have a slightly sweet and slightly bitter taste.

6. Active Components: High-quality Ren Shen has a high concentration of ginsenosides, which are the active compounds responsible for its medicinal effects.

7. Purity: The herb should be free of any contaminants or pollutants, and grown in an environment free of heavy metals or pesticides.

8. Age: High-quality Ren Shen is often harvested from older plants, which are believed to contain a higher concentration of beneficial compounds.

How is Ren Shen prepared and processed?

Panax ginseng, commonly known as Korean ginseng, Asian ginseng, or Ren Shen,  is native to the forests of northeast China, Korea, and far eastern Russia.

The best growing conditions for Panax ginseng include a cool, moist climate with well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. Panax ginseng grows best in forests with a lot of shade, as it prefers a cool and humid environment. In order to cultivate ginseng, the roots are often grown in greenhouses or under shade cloth to provide the ideal growing conditions.

The optimal soil pH for growing Panax ginseng is between 5.5 and 6.5, and the plant requires a consistent and adequate supply of water, especially during its growing season. Additionally, Panax ginseng requires a period of cold stratification before it will germinate, so growers must simulate winter-like conditions in order to stimulate growth.

In its native habitat, Panax ginseng grows in well-drained, slightly acidic soils under the shade of deciduous trees, and it prefers to grow in areas that have a moderate to high rainfall and a long, cool growing season. The plant is considered a slow-growing crop, and it can take up to five years or more to reach maturity, making it a valuable and highly sought after ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.

After cultivating Panax ginseng, there are several steps involved in preparing it for use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Harvesting: Panax ginseng is usually harvested in the fall, when the leaves and stems have turned yellow and the root has reached maturity. The roots are carefully dug up and the soil is gently removed.

2. Drying: The freshly harvested roots are then dried, either by laying them out in the sun or by using a low-heat drying method. This helps to preserve the ginseng's potency and prevent spoilage.

3. Slicing: After the roots are fully dried, they are sliced into thin rounds, which increases their surface area and helps to release their active ingredients.

4. Steaming: The sliced ginseng roots are then steamed, either by boiling them in water or by using a special steaming basket. This step helps to soften the roots and release their active ingredients.

5. Sun-drying: After steaming, the ginseng roots are sun-dried for several days to reduce their moisture content and help preserve their potency.

6. Packaging: The dried and steamed ginseng roots are then packaged in airtight containers and stored in a cool, dry place.

7. Processing: Depending on the desired end-product, the dried ginseng may be further processed by soaking in water, alcohol, or other solvents to extract its active ingredients. The extracted ingredients can then be used to make various traditional Chinese medicine products, such as teas, tinctures, or capsules.

This is a general overview of the steps involved in preparing Panax ginseng for use in TCM. The specific method used may vary based on regional and cultural differences, as well as the desired end-product.

Popular Recipe for Ren Shen:

Ren Shen, also known as Ginseng, is a popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its various health benefits. Here is a popular recipe that includes Ren Shen:

Ren Shen Tea: Ingredients:

• 2 slices of Ren Shen (Ginseng)
• 2 cups of water
• Honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Ren Shen slices in cold water.
2. Boil 2 cups of water in a pot.
3. Add the Ren Shen slices to the boiling water.
4. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the slices.
6. Sweeten with honey to taste (optional).

This tea can be consumed once or twice daily, as recommended by a practitioner of TCM. It is important to note that the use of Ren Shen may have different effects for different individuals and it is best to consult a qualified TCM practitioner before using this herb as a supplement.

Safety Precautions for the use of Ren Shen

When using 

and handling Ren Shen (Panax ginseng), it is important to take the following precautions:

1. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using the herb, as it may interact with certain medications or have contraindications for certain health conditions.

2. Avoid using Ren Shen during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

3. Do not use it in large doses or for prolonged periods of time as it may cause adverse reactions such as insomnia, nervousness, high blood pressure, and digestive problems.

4. Avoid consuming Ren Shen with caffeine or other stimulants as it may increase the risk of adverse reactions.

5. Keep Ren Shen out of reach of children and pets.

6. Store Ren Shen in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

7. If you experience any adverse reactions after using Ren Shen, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.

8. It should be used with caution if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart problems, as it may worsen symptoms.

9. It should also be used with caution if you have a history of anxiety or if you are taking medications for anxiety or depression, as it may interact with these medications.

Additional Information about Ren Shen: 

Common Names: Ren Shen Herb (Ginseng Root); Panax ginseng; Radix Ginseng; Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginseng, Oriental ginseng

Properties: Sweet, slightly bitter, slightly warm

Channels Entered: Lung, Spleen