Ginseng powder is derived primarily from three species of the genus known to botanists as panax.
Ginseng, the name of which derives from a Mandarin term meaning "man-root" (a reference to its somewhat hominid shape) has long been used as a tonic, a stimulant and even an aphrodisiac.
Generally, all plants that are part of the genus panax ginseng, are known for its fleshy roots and purported curative properties.
Eleven different species of panax ginseng have been identified, all but one of which grow in northeastern Asia (Manchuria, Korea and Siberia).
An eleventh species growing in the humid rain forests of Southeast Asia has recently been identified; panax vietnamensis is the southernmost member of the genus.
The three most common forms of ginseng root however are Korean ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, and American Ginseng.
American Ginseng is taken from the perennial plant with that Latin name panax quinquefolium that was originally imported into North America and is generally cultivated.
The roots are dried, often for several years at a time, and then ground into powder.
The powder is used to make a tea-like decoction that may help to relieve both physical and emotional stress.
Unlike its relatives, American Ginseng is considered more of a "yin" herb by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Korean Ginseng is also known as Red Ginseng.
It is another cultivar, which is heat-treated and processed.
This herb, considered "yang" by TCM practitioners, has traditionally been used as a treatment for male erectile dysfunction.
Consumers should be aware that some types of ginseng root that are marketed as such are actually not true ginseng at all.
One of the most commonly known of these types is the so-called "Siberian ginseng," which shares some of the adaptive properties of true ginseng, but is actually a species of an entirely different genus, known as eleutherococcus senticosus.
Another item of note is that even though Ginseng is considered to have many benefits, overuse of ginseng root can produce negative side effects as well.
Ginseng extract has stimulant properties and can result in insomnia much like caffeine.
This can include nausea, diarrhea and headaches.
However, the most common and dangerous side effect of ginseng powder overuse is elevated blood pressure; individuals who suffer from and/or are taking medication for hypertension should avoid taking products made from ginseng extract, including ginseng tea.