American ginseng

Panax quinquefolium

Deciduous perennial growing to about 1 ft (30 cm). Has a smooth stem, leaves with oblong to oval leaflets, small greenish flowers, and kidney-shaped scarlet berries.

Native American people may have considered this herb a means to increase female fertility. From the mid-18tb century, the collection of the herb for export to China became a virtual gold rush, with so many Native Americans out collecting the herb that settlers reported finding villages almost deserted. The Ojibwa people always planted a seed to replace the herb, but this was not universal practice. American ginseng became rare toward the end of the 19th century.

Other names

• Tartar Root

Parts used

Root.

Uses

The action of this herb is presumed to be similar to, but milder than, that of its Chinese cousin. American ginseng increases tolerance to stress of all kinds. In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb is employed as a yin tonic, treating weakness, fever, wheezing, and coughs.

Habitat & cultivation

American ginseng is native to North America and the Himalayas. A woodland plant, it is rarely seen in the wild due to over harvesting. It is cultivated in Wisconsin, and in China and France. The root is gathered in autumn.

How much to take

The best researched forms of ginseng are standardized herbal extracts that supply approximately 4-7% ginsenosides; more concentrated extracts may be less effective due to reduction of panaxan levels. People often take 100-200 mg per day; Nonstandardized extracts require a higher intake, generally 1-2 grams per day for tablets or 2-3 ml for fresh herb tincture. Ginseng is usually used for two to three weeks continuously, followed by a one- to two-week "rest" period before resuming.

Side effects

Used at the recommended dosage, ginseng is generally safe. In rare instances, it may cause over stimulation and possibly insomnia. Consuming caffeine with ginseng increases the risk of over stimulation and gastrointestinal upset. Persons with uncontrolled high blood pressure should not use ginseng. Long-term use of ginseng may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women. Ginseng is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

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