What benefits can long‑term consumption of Korean ginseng bring to our bodies? Korean ginseng has multiple effects such as tonifying qi, nourishing yin, benefiting blood, promoting fluid production, strengthening the heart, invigorating the stomach and calming the nerves. It is considered superior to white ginseng in tonifying deficiency. Long‑term consumption of Korean ginseng can boost human immunity, resist fatigue, resist radiation, even inhibit tumours and regulate the human endocrine system. This ginseng is especially suitable for the elderly and people with weak constitutions suffering from long‑term illnesses. In particular, it is the preferred tonic for those with excessive yin and deficient yang. In medicine, Korean ginseng is often used for treating collapse or intensive tonification.

What is commonly referred to as "Korean ginseng" generally denotes ginseng produced on the Korean Peninsula. Its main root is straight and single with few branches, so it is also known as "Biezhi ginseng". In some regions of China, it is called "Biantiao ginseng". The growth cycle of Korean ginseng generally takes more than six years.

The Changbai Mountain range, located between Jilin of China and Korea, is well‑known across East Asia for abundant ginseng output and has enjoyed a high reputation since ancient times. Multiple ginseng varieties now known as "Chinese ginseng", "Jilin ginseng" and "Korean ginseng" are in fact different names for wild ginseng from Changbai Mountain. They are essentially the same ginseng species given different titles in various regions.

Red ginseng is made by steaming and drying raw‑husk Korean ginseng. It appears reddish‑brown and is usually pressed into irregular square‑column shapes. Red ginseng features a hard texture and is not easy to break. Its cross‑section is flat, glossy and keratinous. It has a unique aroma and tastes slightly bitter followed by sweetness. In traditional Chinese medicine, Korean red ginseng can regulate middle‑qi, unblock blood vessels, treat neurasthenia, improve eyesight, disperse stagnant qi and activate blood circulation.

Korean red ginseng applies to multiple ailments, including physical weakness after illness, prenatal and postnatal physical debilitation, poor appetite during menopause, and hangover‑related symptoms. 高丽参因其补气、滋阴、益血、生津、强心、健胃、镇静等多种功效，在补虚方面被认为优于白参。长期服用高丽参可以提升人体免疫力，抗疲劳，抗辐射，甚至抑制肿瘤，调节人体内分泌系统。这种人参特别适合老年人和长期患病体质虚弱的人群，尤其是对于阴盛阳虚者，它是首选补品。在医学上，治疗虚脱或强补时，多会使用高丽参。

通常人们所说的"高丽参"是指朝鲜半岛上出产的人参，其主根笔直单一，少有分叉，因此又被称为"别直参"，在中国某些地区则被称为"边条参"。高丽参的生长周期一般需要六年以上。

位于中国吉林与朝鲜之间的长白山脉，因盛产人参而闻名东亚，自古以来享有盛誉。现在被称作"中国人参"、"吉林人参"、"高丽参"的多种人参品种，实际上是长白山野生人参的不同称呼。它们实际上是同一种人参在不同地区被赋予的不同名称。

原皮高丽参经过蒸熟后干燥制成的红参，其外表呈现红棕色，通常被压制成不规则的方柱形。红参质地坚硬，不易折断，断面平坦，具有光泽，呈角质状。其香气独特，味道微苦后甘甜。中医认为，高丽红参可以调理中气，畅通血脉，治疗神经衰弱，改善视力，驱气散闷，行气活血。

高丽红参适用于多种病疗，包括病后、产前产后体质虚弱，更年期食欲不振，以及宿醉等症状。