Production

American white ginseng, also called Panax quinquefolius, is native to eastern North America, from southern Ontario to Georgia. It is white or yellow in color and is ginseng in its rawest form. White ginseng is unpeeled and dried. On the other hand, black ginseng is produced in China or Korea and is derived from Panax ginseng. When produced, the roots of the panax plant are unpeeled, steamed and then dried again which produces a red coloring. To get black ginseng, the roots are steamed and dried nine times producing higher levels of saponins. Saponins are a compound found in most vegetables, beans and herbs which have healthy benefits to the body. The blacker the ginseng, the higher levels of saponins.

Price of White and Black Ginseng

White and black ginseng are found in a number of forms including powders, tablets, teas and extracts. Black ginseng is more costly than white ginseng due to high levels of saponins. In addition, the best quality ginseng is used when creating black ginseng. White ginseng powder can cost around $57 a pound, as of March 2011. Black ginseng, in extract form, can cost anywhere from $100 to $900 depending on the quality. In addition, it is more difficult to find black ginseng and it may not be sold at your local health food or vitamin store, but is available through Korean online stores.

Benefits

Both white and black ginseng have many health benefits. American or white ginseng is said to have a cooling effect on the body, while the Asian or black ginseng is said to have a heating quality. Research shows black ginseng to have anti-diabetic, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. It helps improve liver function and boosts immunity in the body. White ginseng is energy giving, enhances endurance and counteracts the effects of emotional and physical stress. White ginseng is beneficial for Americans who live fast-paced lives.

Side Effects

Any herbs, including white and black ginseng, should be taken with care and discussed with a health care provider. This is especially true if you are taking other herbal supplements or medications. Some side effects of white ginseng are anxiety, sleeplessness, high blood pressure, stomach problems, headaches and vaginal bleeding. Black ginseng has less side effects than white ginseng, but care should be taken when using it.