Ginseng is a slow-growing perennial medicinal herb that consists of several different members of the plant family Araliaceae, with Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) being the most well-known. The terms red ginseng and white ginseng refer to Asian ginseng roots prepared in two different ways. Ginseng is believed to have a wide variety of health benefits, such as boosting energy, improving brain function, reducing stress and inflammation, and lowering blood sugar levels, although not all have been well supported by research.