Ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. It’s a slow-growing short plant with fleshy roots that, depending on how long it’s grown, can be classified as fresh, white, or red.

There are many varieties of this herb, including American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng).

American and Asian ginseng vary in their concentration of active compounds and effects on the body.

Ginseng contains two significant compounds: ginsenosides and gintonin. These compounds complement one another to provide possible health benefits.