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Ginseng is a broad term describing many species of plants, most of which are closely related.
Source
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) grows wild in many states although it is cultivated mainly in North-Central Wisconsin. American Ginseng was widely distributed throughout the eastern United States and Canada, but has become quite rare and even endangered in some areas. Now cultivated, this slow-growing perennial is grown for 3-5 years before the roots are harvested for use.
American ginseng is mostly available as a dried root powder, although extracts or even standardized extracts are available.
Function; Reasons For Use
The active constituents in American ginseng seem to be the saponins called ginsenosides. There are at least 18 different ginsenosides, with similar chemical structures. American ginseng has not been studied to the extent of its Korean counterpart, but it is thought to have much of the same activities. Some have said that the American Ginseng is more of a relaxing tonic, rather than the stimulating tonic of the Korean variety.
Generating body fluids, it is said to clear heat. Those who can benefit most from American Ginseng are individuals who are under stress, athletes, possibly diabetics and people who feel hot and thirsty. According to traditional Chinese medicine, coughing or coughing up blood indicates heat.
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American Ginseng can help with the following: | | | | | Infections |  Lyme Disease |
Organ Health |
 Diabetes Type II | American ginseng may help control the blood sugar surge that generally occurs after eating. Researchers tested the effects of American ginseng on 10 non-diabetic adults and nine adults with type 2 diabetes. Diabetics experienced a significant reduction (20%) in blood glucose two hours after treatments, regardless of whether they took the herb before or during the meal. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Glucose
A sugar that is the simplest form of carbohydrate. It is commonly referred to as blood sugar. The body breaks down carbohydrates in foods into glucose, which serves as the primary fuel for the muscles and the brain.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Saponin (Saponins)
Any of various mostly toxic glucosides that occur in plants (as soapwort or soapbark) and are characterized by the property of producing a soapy lather.
Last updated: Jul 06, 2008
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