The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
American Ginseng has been traditionally used by the American Indians as a general tonic, as a natural restorative for the weak & wounded, and to help the mind (mental alertness & retention). The word, ginseng, means 'essence of the earth in the form of a man' due to the human-like shape of some ginseng roots.
American Ginseng is native to Canada, eastern US, Wisconsin, and China. American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is closely related to Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng) - American Ginseng is more appropriate for hot weather conditions as its energy is more cooling (although both are sweet and slightly bitter); while Asian Ginsengs can be used during the colder seasons, as they have a more warming nature. Or, in other words, American Ginseng is more sedative & relaxing, and increases "yin" energy, in contrast to Korean Ginseng (Panax) which is more stimulating & invigorating, and increases the "yang" energy. The part of the plants used is the root. American Ginseng's known active constituents include glycosides (ginsenosides), saponins, and phytosterol.
The main active ingredients of Ginseng (American and Korean) are the more than 20 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called "ginsenosides". Another major difference between American and Korean Ginseng is that the American Ginseng is rich in the Rb1 group of ginsenosides, which have a more sedative and metabolic effect on the central nervous system. Korean Ginseng is higher in the Rg1 group of ginsenosides, which are more arousing and stimulating.
American Ginseng is also believed to increase stamina and learning ability, and has been used historically for stress, fatigue characterized by insomnia, poor appetite, nervousness and restlessness.
Ginseng is the ultimate example of man's almost mystical interaction with nature. Ginseng plays the central role in a good deal of Chinese mythology, medicine, commerce and trade. For Western man, the economic value of Ginseng outweighed its medicinal value until the past 20 years or so, during which time extensive research on the plant has grown explosively, and has tended to verify and extend the various medicinal claims. Ginseng is, of course, the famous Asiatic tonic that has been shown in numerous studies to affect mental and physical behavior.
Ginseng has been found to protect the body & nervous system from stress, stimulate & increase metabolic function, increase physical & mental efficiency, lower blood pressure & glucose levels when they are high, and raise them (blood pressure & glucose levels) when they are low, increase gastrointestinal movement & tone, increase iron metabolism, and cause changes in nucleic acid (RNA) biosynthesis.
In geriatric use, Ginseng has been proven beneficial in restoring mental abilities. Ginseng also helps by directly affecting the adrenal-pituitary axis, the result of which is manifested by an increased resistance to the effects of stress. This herb also aids mental function by improving circulation. Animal studies have clearly demonstrated Ginseng's ability to help the learning process. Ginseng has also been found to stimulate the central nervous system in small amounts, and depress the central nervous system in large doses.
Topical applications include use in many anti-wrinkle facial products. Historical culinary uses include the use of the roots cooked into various soups and grains. Ginseng has also been added to candies, soda and liqueurs.
(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program, and in capsule form as part of our Combo Herbs sales programs.)
