When naturally treating chronic joint pain (such as in the shoulders and knees), many people don’t consider the wonder herb known as ginseng, which may aid with pain and inflammation. This prized herb, today used in the form of ginseng supplements, can live many decades and has been used for centuries in Oriental medicine to alleviate numerous conditions.

Based on writings that are hundreds of years old, Asians believed ginseng helped supplement the spleen, calm nervous systems, aid the heart, sharpen and quiet the mind, and prolong life. Throughout history, ginseng was so prized that it actually was considered more valuable than gold and was considered a very beneficial tonic and cure-all.

Chinese vs. Korean Ginseng

The Oriental ginsengs can be divided into Chinese ginseng and Korean ginseng. Chinese ginseng is primarily grown in the northeastern area of China (Manchuria) and is usually available as a tea or tincture. It is usually harvested between 4 to 6 years.

Chinese ginseng is often white in color because the roots are dried out in the sun, which breaks down its enzymes and therefore decreased its potency. Chinese ginseng has milder energy-boosting effects so it is thought to be suited for young children and the elderly.

Korean Red Ginseng is the Most Potent

Korean red ginseng (or Red Panax ginseng) is considered to be the most potent and most popular ginseng in the world. This is mainly due to it being harvested after six years and undergoes steam harvesting before drying, thereby preserving its health-benefiting ginsenosides.

This variety contains vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, B-sisterol, panaxic acid, ginsenosides, and essential oils. All of these are believed to help in numerous areas including anemia, memory loss, depression, blood sugar, and uric levels, promoting biosynthesis of RNA, cancer, and influenza prevention, helping with erectile dysfunction, enhancing sports performance, and aiding stress reduction by producing more endorphins within the brain.

 Korean Ginseng for Pain & Inflammation

Ginseng contains powerful ginsenosides that act as anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, Korean ginseng extract may help to reduce arthritis symptoms, as well as also joint pain and inflammation of the joints. This could be news good for those sore knees, shoulders, and other joints out there.

 It is also thought to reduce abdominal pain, as with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which can be caused by inflammation.

Cheong Kwan Jang Brand Korean Red Ginseng

With the above concerns in mind, consider taking a natural supplement to provide stimulant-free energy, as well as strengthen the immune system. It can also help your skin because it may help to increase your blood circulation.