What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a time-honored Hanbang ingredient that has been trusted in Korean wellness practices for thousands of years. The Donguibogam, a medical book from the Joseon Dynasty, includes ginseng in 653 out of 3,944 prescriptions, demonstrating how essential this ingredient has been throughout history.
The Donguibogam describes ginseng’s benefits through the “Seven Efficacies of Ginseng,” particularly highlighting two key effects: Bogigutal (補氣救脫) and Yangsimanshin (養心安神). Bogigutal means restoring vitality and recovering energy, while Yangsimanshin refers to calming the mind and stabilizing the spirit.
Ginseng’s main component, ginsenoside (saponin), promotes blood circulation and aids fatigue recovery. When you soak in warm water infused with ginseng, these compounds absorb through your skin to restore vitality throughout your body and deliver deep relaxation.
Ginseng Benefits
Photo: Geumsan Festival Tourism Foundation
Ginseng is particularly effective when fatigue accumulates and immunity weakens. Whether you’re struggling with chronic exhaustion, susceptible to seasonal colds, or feeling mentally drained from stress, ginseng baths help restore your vitality and provide deep rest.
Ginsenosides expand blood vessels and improve circulation, rapidly supplying energy throughout your body while boosting immunity and calming your mind. When combined with warm water, metabolism and circulation become even more active, making your body feel lighter and relieving fatigue faster.
In the evening, add the bath fizz to warm water at 38-40°C (100-104°F) and soak for 15-20 minutes. The combination of warm water and ginseng activates circulation, allowing ginsenosides to absorb through your skin and restore vitality throughout your body. If a full bath feels overwhelming, a foot soak alone can deliver noticeable benefits.
Who Should Try Ginseng Baths
Ginseng baths can help address various wellness concerns:
Office Workers Who Sit for Long Hours – Poor circulation and tense shoulders and neck respond well to ginseng’s circulation-boosting effects that release built-up tension.
Those Struggling with Chronic Fatigue – Like the Bogigutal effect described in Donguibogam, ginseng restores vitality and brings energy back to exhausted bodies.
People with Slow Post-Workout Recovery – Ginsenosides promote circulation to accelerate fatigue recovery and support muscle relaxation.
Those with Poor Sleep Quality – The Yangsimanshin effect calms the mind and releases tension, supporting deeper, more restful sleep.
People Prone to Seasonal Colds – Ginseng’s immunity-boosting properties strengthen your resistance to environmental changes.
Ginseng Bath Precautions
Ginseng is safe for most people, but keep these points in mind:
Avoid Water That’s Too Hot – Temperatures above 42°C (108°F) can damage ginsenosides. The optimal range is 38-40°C (100-104°F).
Stick to the Right Duration – Soaking longer than 20 minutes can actually cause fatigue. 15-20 minutes is ideal.
Time It 1-2 Hours Before Bed – Body temperature rises immediately after bathing. Falling asleep as your temperature naturally drops promotes better sleep.
Our Best OVER THE WENZDAY Ginseng Product
Emerald Sparkling Day
This effervescent bath fizz blends ginseng with 16 traditional Hanbang extracts. Drop one tablet into warm water and watch as the rich carbonation creates fine bubbles that enhance absorption while delivering deep, full-body relaxation.
Experience ginseng baths to restore vitality to your weary days. Feel the power of this time-honored Hanbang ingredient that has been trusted for centuries.
