
TCM Herbal Medicine
From the TCM perspective regular (panax) ginseng is regarded as the most revered Qi Tonic for overall vitality. It needs to be taken long term for these effects. Whereas in more as-needed doses it acts primarily and a mental clarity booster. These effects are amplified when used in the steamed Korean form, where the root naturally takes on a red hue but also then takes on much more Yang warming features making it great over the winter, but less ideal for those with "heat" signs (irritability, headaches, bloodshot eyes, etc)
North American Ginseng in the other hand, while related, is much more a cooling Qi and Yin tonic more suited to the summer months. It also targets our "Defensive Qi" aka Immunity.
While tonics are less used during the "change of seasons, now might be time for a little boost now that many of us are about to be in recovery mode ;)
As like all my friends know I always have the little red vials on hand, especially in the winter, and while some are definitely better quality than others they are still a great tool when you need more mental clarity (say, long work days, brain fog, hangovers, or studying).
Have any questions? Ask me below! 👇
(And lolll I just typed all this up on a whim and am realizing I've typed it up before in an Instagram post, I'll share it below as well, lol)