What is ginseng?

What makes ginseng, ginseng—why is it so revered and rare—are variations actually different

Ginseng isn’t just a supplement. It’s a powerful adaptogen and symbol of life force — cherished across centuries, continents, and healing traditions for its ability to restore what’s been lost and protect what’s tender.

No matter the species — American, Asian (Panax), or Siberian (Eleuthero) — all ginsengs share something universal:

They are adaptogens, herbs that help the body adapt to stress and restore equilibrium, gently guiding us back toward balance.

Universal traits in all ginseng variations:

• Enhance resilience to physical, mental, and emotional stress
• Support energy levels without overstimulation (especially with long-term use)
• Improve cognitive clarity, circulation, and immune function
• Support libido and vitality, not as a spike, but as a slow, yet relentless return
• Contain ginsenosides, unique compounds shown to regulate inflammation, hormonal pathways, and cellular repair

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☯︎ In Traditional Chinese Medicine

In TCM, ginseng is considered one of the most powerful and precious tonics for Qi — our body’s vital energy.

Qi is the invisible thread of vitality that animates us: breath, blood, essence, and willpower.

Ginseng is often prescribed when the body is exhausted, the spirit is dim, or the will has been weakened from overwork, grief, illness, or aging. It doesn’t force energy forward—it rebuilds it from within.

Just like there are multiple ways to peel and orange, there are multiple ways ginseng can rebuild energy. There is a polarity or opposite forces that can reach the same effects.

✧ Why Ginseng Is So Rare?

Ginseng is slow-growing, potent, and precious. Similar to ageing a fine wine, ginseng takes 4+ years to mature and concentrate it's ginsenoside compounds. The longer ginseng can grow, the more powerful it becomes. In many cultures, wild ginseng is believed to carry the spirit of the forest, absorbing wisdom from the earth itself.

Because of this:

• It’s been overharvested — wild ginseng is considered threatened species in most regions.
• Ginseng is heavily regulated — farmers advocated using sustainable practices to recreate forest conditions in protected areas 
• In both East and West, it’s seen not just as a remedy, but as a spiritual talisman — for longevity, fertility, and strength

Ginseng has been gifted to emperors, traded like currency, and protected like gold. And still today, it remains one of the most trusted allies for those needing deep, full-spectrum support.

 

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❀ Ginseng Among Herbal Allies

Where Ginseng fits in the constellation of traditional TCM tonics

Ginseng is often called the King / Queen of Herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine — not because it’s the strongest, but because it works across the deepest layers of vitality: energy, resilience, libido, and essence.

Here’s how it compares to other TCM herbs:

 

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𖥔 Deep-dive Basic Yinstinct's herbal compounds 

Discover what, where, and why we source ingredients: 

• American Ginseng
• Maca Root
• Gingko-Biloba
• L-theanine
• Honey