Ginseng vs ginger: benefits and differences

In traditional Chinese medicine we can find a variety of herbs with excellent therapeutic properties, which since ancient times have been used to treat various pathologies. Among these herbs ginseng and ginger stand out, but many people think that ginseng is the same as ginger.

We will find both advocates of ginseng and ginger, which has generated some rivalry and debate between the benefits of both to determine which of them is superior.

In this post we will know the properties of these two herbs of Asian origin identifying their benefits and differences in a ginseng vs ginger post.

Differences between Ginseng and Ginger

Although ginseng and ginger are roots, they are very different plants that come from different places, and their nutritional and medicinal properties are different.

Ginger is a plant native to Southeast Asia, which comes from the genus Zingiber and is widely used in cooking for its spicy contribution to preparations as a spice, additionally it is also used for therapeutic purposes. It is rich in manganese, a nutrient that many people require.

Ginseng or panax ginseng, has its origin in China and has been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes, although it also has culinary use. In addition, there are different types of ginseng, such as Korean, American and Siberian, all similar, but may differ in some of their qualities.

Ginseng Properties 

Knowing the benefits and uses of each plant will help us understand the advantages of ginseng vs ginger.

Ginseng is a plant that offers various medicinal properties, because its roots have substances known as ginsenosides, which are used as restorative or energizing at the physical, mental and sexual level, in addition the plant also has anti-inflammatory properties.

It should be noted that several scientific studies support many of its properties, however, for others there are still no conclusive studies.

1. It improves mental performance, as ginseng can enhance cognitive activity, improving memory and concentration, as well as other brain functions such as behavioral control and mood enhancement. This is due to its antioxidant properties.
2. According to studies, it was concluded that by ingesting for four weeks about 200 mg of ginseng, significant improvements in mental health and general behavior of the individual are observed.
3. It acts as an energizing and restorative, increasing physical performance in states of exhaustion, reducing signs of fatigue.
4. It can be useful for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, among the properties of ginseng is the fact that it increases the production of nitric oxide, a compound that increases blood circulation and promotes muscle relaxation, which facilitates achieving and maintaining an erection, restoring normal function by reducing oxidative stress and protecting the tissues of the male reproductive organ.
5. Furthermore, it activates and strengthens the immune system, contributing to the increase of the body’s defenses against toxic agents in patients with depressed immunological capacity.
6. It improves the quality of life of the elderly, as it strengthens their circulatory system, immune system and brain activity.
7. It improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, as it has the ability to lower blood pressure, heart rate level, risk of thrombus formation and prevents arteriosclerosis.
8. Likewise, it has hypoglycemic properties, and is used as an adjuvant treatment in cases of diabetes, as it stimulates the increase of insulin in the body.
9. It is anti-gastric and reduces the formation of ulcers, as it reduces the production of hydrochloric acid in the digestive system.

As we can see, there are numerous and varied properties offered by this plant, which so far places it in a very good position in the ginseng vs ginger.

Precautions before consuming Ginseng

It is important to know the recommendations that should be followed before starting the consumption of any natural treatment, particularly if the person suffers from any pathology, it will be essential to consult your doctor before starting treatment, in order to avoid any contraindication.

An example of this is that specialists do not recommend taking ginseng with antidepressants, as it can generate an undesirable reaction with the presence of manic episodes.

The same applies to patients with cardiac problems.

Abusing the doses of ginseng may cause diarrhea, blurred vision, nausea, irritability, among other reactions. Also, there are people who may have allergic reactions or even difficulty falling asleep.

Properties of Ginger

Ginger offers several properties that are beneficial to health, its root is highly nutritious and can be used in juice, tea, powder, oil or as a fresh herb.

1. It improves various intestinal disorders, acts very effectively against stomach discomfort, nausea and vomiting. For this reason, its use is popular among pregnant women, particularly if they are close to the due date, which is why it will be necessary to have proper medical advice.
2. It is related to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, although research is still inconclusive, benefits of ginger have been observed to help delay this disease, in addition to other benefits related to brain activity in the elderly.
3. Reduces body cholesterol, it offers the ability to lower cholesterol levels as a whole and LDL or low density lipoprotein levels, which is totally favorable for heart health and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Know the precautions to take before consuming ginger.

• In the case of pregnant women, its use should be supervised by their doctor, in order to avoid any risk of miscarriage due to hemorrhage or coagulation disorders. Likewise in the lactation period.
• For the control of nausea and vomiting, it is recommended not to exceed a dose of 1 gram fractionated throughout the day.
• It is not recommended for children under 2 years old.
• It should not be consumed by people suffering from bleeding disorders, since ginger has a vasodilator effect and may increase the risk of hemorrhage.
• Similarly, if the person takes aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin, he/she should consult his/her doctor before consuming ginger.
• People with cardiac pathologies should consult their doctor before consuming this herb, particularly if part of their medication for hypertension includes nifedipine, diltiazem, isradipine, verapamil, felodipine, amlodipine or others.

Comparison of ginseng vs ginger in terms of nutritional value

If we make a comparison between ginseng vs ginger with respect to its nutritional value, we obtain the following results:

• Ginger is recognized for its properties to improve intestinal health, and ginseng for its energetic and restorative qualities.
• Regarding nutrients, ginseng contains vitamins, particularly of the vitamin B family. Its main components, which provide energizing benefits, are ginsenosides.
• Ginger provides the body with vitamins A, B, C and E, and also contains various minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.
• Whether ginseng is the same as ginger is clarified, because it is more than demonstrated that they are totally different, both have their health properties and should be taken according to the particular needs.

We hope that this comparison between ginseng vs ginger has helped you to learn more about the great benefits that each of these herbs provide. We recommend you to read “Should I take Ginkgo Biloba in the morning or night?”