🌾Vietnamese Traditional Medicine

Ginseng (Nhan Sam)

Panax ginseng

About Ginseng (Nhan Sam)

Ginseng (Nhan Sam) (Panax ginseng) is a herb used in the Vietnamese Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Fatigue, Memory, Immune Support, and Libido, among 2 other conditions it addresses. The root is the part traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Panax ginseng, known as Asian, Chinese or Korean ginseng is a species of plant whose root is the original source of ginseng. It is a perennial plant that grows in the mountains of Eastern Asia.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Root Β· internal
🍡

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Ginseng (Nhan Sam) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
πŸ’§

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3Γ— daily
  • Pack dried Ginseng (Nhan Sam) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
πŸ’Š

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3Γ— daily
  • Grind dried Ginseng (Nhan Sam) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding β€” insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 β€” therapeutic dosage not established
  • Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) β€” may overstimulate immune response

Warnings

β›” Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

MAOIs

Case reports of headache, tremor, and mania when combined.

Blood thinners (warfarin)

May reduce warfarin's effectiveness.

Diabetes medications

Additive blood-sugar-lowering effect.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Vietnam, southern China

Climate

Tropical to subtropical

Habitat

Tropical forests, rice paddy borders, and village herb gardens of Vietnam

🌿 To see Ginseng (Nhan Sam) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier β€” never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs β€” certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient β€” verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Ginseng (Nhan Sam), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products β€” quality varies enormously.