GINSENG COMPARISON
Korean ginseng is not only a species different from those of American ginseng or Chinese Sanchi ginseng, but is grown in an optimal geographical environment and climatic conditions suitable for the growth of superior quality ginseng. The latitudinal ranges in which the majority of Korean ginseng farming is carried out extends from 36° to 38° north, where the growing period (180 days) is, on average 60 days longer than other areas. This extra growing time creates stronger and denser internal root tissues and preserves the innate flavor.
According to "Zhongcao Yaoxue" (Chinese herbal pharmacy), ginseng possesses the properties of invigorating physical power, regulating the condition of spleen and relaxing stresses on heart. The "Shennong Bencaojing" defines that ginseng is the primary medicine to be administered for promoting vitality of the five viscera (liver, heart, lungs, kidney and spleen), and that it helps restore composure, removes causes of illness to the five viscera, improves eyesight, promotes wisdom, quiets nerves and promotes longevity when consumed over a prolonged period of time. The "Bencao Gangmu" further expands the efficacy of ginseng. Its theory is widely applied today in dealing with clinical symptoms using ginseng. The efficacy and applications of ginseng are also described in many other journals of Oriental medicine, which rate ginseng as a master medicine playing the major role in prescriptions. A master medicine is a herbal medicine which people usually take under normal conditions to safeguard themselves from possible contracting of diseases and to maintain their health. It is free of toxicity or harm, even when taken in large amounts or over a prolonged period of time.
Today, many different kinds and qualities of ginseng are cultivated in China, Korea, Japan, America, Canada, Thailand and Russia. This could lead one to the false conclusion that these ginsengs are all alike. The efficacies of ginseng depend on the method of cultivation, the length time it is given to grow and ripen, soil, climate and the method employed to process it. The result is a difference in their content of active agents, in their distribution pattern of individual active ingredients, and therefore in their overall effectiveness.
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng): Korean ginseng represents the original, true ginseng with highest potency. Traditionally, Panax ginseng cultivated in Korea has been respected the most for its highest quality and potency, and was imported by China, Japan, and many other countries in Asia. Korean ginseng is considered the "King of all Herbs". 
Sanchi ginseng (Panax notoginseng, or Panax pseudoginseng): Sanchi ginseng is quite different from Panax ginseng in potency, and has been used for different medicinal purposes such as hemostatic and pain relief, etc, by Chinese doctors. 
Himalayan ginseng (Panax pseudoginseng subspecies Himalaicus): Himalayans used this ginseng variant for people with low appetite and as a digestive aid. Medicinal potency is lower than Panax ginseng. 
Dwarf ginseng (Panax trifolius): Panax trifolius is a rare variant of American ginseng, and grows in North America. Native Americans used Panax trifolius for headaches, cough, indigestion, and other ailments. 
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Although it belongs to the Araliaceae family, Siberian ginseng is not a true ginseng at all. Siberian ginseng is often used as a cheaper, less potent alternative to Panax ginseng.
