AMERICAN
GINSENG American
ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is considered a close relative to Asian
ginseng (Panax ginseng). As the plant ages it becomes a more valuable
and scarce resource commanding high prices. The plant dies back each
year in the fall, leaving a new scar on the neck of the root which
indicates the age of the plant. This is important because the root of
the plant does not reach full strength for five years. There are strict
laws in Canada and the United States that protect wild ginseng from
over harvesting. Wild American ginseng that is uncultivated is the most
sought after and has the highest price, Ginseng that is grown in the
woods from seeds, is known as wild simulated ginseng has a lesser
value. The least expensive is the commercially grown ginseng, which is
grown in raised beds from seeds using fertilizers, pesticides, and
artificial shade. When the American ginseng seeds are planted, it takes
one to two years of quiescency for seeds to sprout, and the plant
flowers in the third year. In this same year the leaves turn bright
yellow in the fall before the plant dies back. It is not until the
fifth year at the end of summer, when the root doubles in size and
weight and the highest yields occur.American ginseng has been used
through history for its cooling and calming effects, digestive
distress, and nutrition. It is wildly used today to strengthen the
immune system, for energy, stamina and vigor. It is also used to treat
diabetes and cancer. A common way of consuming ginseng is in a herbal
tea. American ginseng is highly sought after in Asia
because of its differences from Asian ginseng. American ginseng which
has a sweeter taste and has cooling prosperities, nourishing the cold
dark feminine energy of the yin. While the Asian ginseng like
Korean, Korean red, is a hot, light, masculine yang energy. When these
two ginseng herbs are combined they have a balancing effect.
Even though
there is little evidence of energy boosting effects, studies have shown
that American ginseng herb strengthens the mind and immune system,
counteracts male impotence, helps treat attention deficit (A D H D) in
children, increases the effect of insulin and regulates glucose in
diabetics, and suppresses the growth of cancer in vitro. It was also
found that in type 2 (adult onset) diabetics had less of a rise in
blood sugar, if they took ginseng with sugar. Another study suggested
American ginseng may reduce cancers of the pancreas, liver, lungs,
stomach and ovaries. The proprieties in ginseng that are responsible
for its medicinal value are ginsenosides and is considered an
adaptogen a substance that helps the body adapt to stress with few side
effects.
Now there is
a cautionary note, American ginseng has been associated with insomnia,
irritability, and nervousness. It is also not recommended to be
consumed in combination with caffeine especially for people with high
blood pressure or for women who are pregnant or breast feeding. as with
all herbs consult with a herbalist or your family physician before
using.
|
|
