Discover the history and benefits of American Ginseng!
About 5,000 years ago, long before Big Pharma and debates over genetic modification ever existed, ancient Chinese medicine was effectively treating a variety of ailments. From ordinary aches and pains to more serious, and even life-threatening diseases, these early medical practitioners were the mainstream health experts of the day. Their practices and methods weren’t considered ‘alternative’. Simply put, if you happened to be sick somewhere in the remote mountains of Manchuria, herbs like ginseng were your answer.
Today, experts research and debate the effectiveness of ‘alternative’ treatments like American ginseng. Yet regular users don’t debate its effectiveness at all. They merely take it, benefit from it, and sidestep all the mainstream media hype. If you happen to suffer from one of several ailments that American ginseng is particularly useful for, you’ll be comforted knowing that modern research is finally catching up — scientifically proving that the American ginseng root actually surpasses what modern drugs can do in many cases.
Why is Ginseng Popular Worldwide?
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius is the scientific name) shouldn’t be confused with Asian varieties of the ginseng root (Panax ginseng), commonly grown in China, Korea, Siberia, and areas of Asia with temperate climates. Since Asian people, particularly the Chinese, understand the benefits of herbal supplements, some 80% of the ginseng grown in America is actually imported to China, primarily because American ginseng is widely believed to be a higher quality of herbal product.
The name “ginseng” is derived from the Chinese word, ‘rénshen,’ which means, ‘man root’. It was probably so named because the ginseng root looks much like the torso and legs of a human. The first documentation of the benefits of taking the ginseng root date back to almost 600 years B.C., during the Liang Dynasty in China. The emperors likely used it orally, as well as mixing it in their creams, ointments, and potions for topical use.
By 300 A.D., China’s use of ginseng products caused so much demand that they began having to import it from other countries. In 1716, a Canadian priest began looking for ginseng here in North America, particularly in areas where the climate was similar to that in Manchuria. He soon discovered what is now called ‘American ginseng.’
Later, science discovered that this herb was actually quite common across the eastern half of the U.S. Vast quantities of American ginseng began to be harvested and exported to China, because it delivers a superior effect to that of ginseng grown in Asia. But as we’ve discovered, the large-scale harvesting of any crop, without sustainable management practices, soon depletes supplies. In the case of plants and herbs, that means endangerment, and if left unchecked, eventual extinction. That’s what almost happened to the American ginseng root by the mid-1970’s.
Fortunately, realizing the potential profitability of this crop, American farmers began growing it before it became extinct. This was a popular practice among Wisconsin farmers, especially those in Marathon County in central Wisconsin, where almost 95% of all American ginseng is grown today. Ginseng is also a common crop for farmers across the border in Ontario, Canada.
Why is ‘American Ginseng’ More Desirable?
How coveted is American ginseng? After being harvested to near-extinction in the wild, farmers who cultivate ginseng have to be extremely vigilant, because poachers are known to steal ginseng anywhere they can get it — including from national parks and private farms. All harvesting of American ginseng root on national protected lands (such as national parks and forests) is illegal.
Since American ginseng (particularly that grown in Wisconsin) is proven to be more effective than Asian ginseng, it’s quite common for manufacturers to promote and sell their ginseng root as ‘Wisconsin’ ginseng, even when it is not. Only about 12% of the ginseng marketed as ‘Wisconsin’ ginseng actually is from Wisconsin. So it is important to buy only from reputable sources to assure the quality you’re looking (and paying) for.
This has led to rumors that the ginseng root itself is illegal, but that isn’t true. Harvesting, selling, using, and consuming American or Asian ginseng root in all its forms is completely legal, so long as it is done so using legal methods and practices.
What are the Benefits of Taking American Ginseng Root?
What unique properties does American ginseng have to place it in such high demand around the world?
Boosts Energy
A common complaint, especially among busy, working Americans, is fatigue and low energy. Studies show that American ginseng can boost energy levels, especially among those with active lifestyles — including fitness instructors, sports professionals, and overworked parents! If you can’t survive life without 5 cups of coffee a day, try adding some zingy ginseng to your morning ritual.
Improve Cognitive Function
Just as the American ginseng root boosts physical energy, it also improves mental energy. For those who have to ‘think’ for a living, ginseng can help you concentrate, focus, and remain productive during the day.
Lowers Blood Sugar
American ginseng is gaining huge recognition, even among mainstream medical professionals, for its ability to safely lower blood sugar levels. This is great news for diabetics, who are often relegated to strict regimens of prescription medications with horrible side effects. Ginseng is all-natural, has fewer side effects, and assists type II diabetics in maintaining safe, healthy blood sugar levels.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels
A recent study showed that, particularly in women, ginseng helps lower both total cholesterol levels and the level of LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol. As with blood sugar, American ginseng may be a safer, healthier alternative to prescription drugs that come with a host of dangerous side effects.
Anti-Inflammatory
American ginseng has anti-inflammatory properties, which could be useful in treating conditions that are caused by or worsened by inflammation in the body.
May Stop Headaches
The causes of headaches vary tremendously. While American ginseng cannot stop or prevent all headaches (and when taken in excess, it can actually cause a headache), it is effective against certain types of headaches. Headaches and migraines caused by inflammation, nerve irritation, injury, neck and shoulder pain, and the flu can often be stopped with the careful use of American ginseng root. Visit your doctor first to determine what kinds of headaches you’re having and the root cause of your headaches.
Reduces Stress
Scientific studies show that ginseng has the ability to help reduce the negative effects of stress on the body. Stress is often linked to other serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, headaches, depression, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Lowering stress may, in turn, help prevent or correct diseases caused by long-term stress.
Helps Cancer Patients Regain Their Strength
Since American ginseng root boosts energy, it is highly effective in helping those undergoing cancer treatments to overcome their low energy levels. Cancer patients who experience debilitating fatigue due to the cancer or their treatments can often regain much of their ability to function by using ginseng. Multiple research studies back up the effectiveness of using ginseng to treat fatigue in cancer patients.
Helping Prevent Cancer
The areas in Asia where ginseng (both domestic Asian ginseng and imported American ginseng) is commonly used have surprisingly low cancer rates. Several studies have concluded that the use of ginseng could help prevent the development of cancer in the first place.
Improves Sexual Function in Men
Erectile Dysfunction, or ED, is rampant among males. By age 40, 40% of all men will experience some problems with erectile dysfunction, and by age 70, that number increases to 70%. Multiple studies worldwide show that ginseng root is an effective treatment. One study showed that 60% of men who took ginseng experienced an improvement in their ED. Perhaps best of all, using American ginseng is safer than prescription ED drugs, and doesn’t require an embarrassing trip to the doctor’s office.
Warding Off Colds & Flu
There is much controversy surrounding flu vaccinations, which involve the injection of actual viruses into the body. Developing the vaccine itself is a mere matter of guesswork, and even when guessed correctly, the vaccine is linked to increased rates of miscarriages in pregnant women, and some say, an increased likelihood of actually catching the flu. When it comes to the common cold, there isn’t a vaccine at all, and there is no cure. American ginseng, however, is linked to both lower instances of contracting viruses that cause colds and the flu, and is also shown to lessen the effects of the flu on lung cells. People taking ginseng also get over the cold or flu faster than those not taking this herbal supplement.
How Can I Take Ginseng Root?
How do you take American ginseng? The ginseng root is the part of the herb that contains the properties necessary to deliver these effects. The root can be boiled to make a tea, or powered and ingested. The recommended method of taking American ginseng root is to mix 2 teaspoons of ginseng powder into 8 ounces of hot water, stir to dissolve, and drink. Alternately, you can chew directly on the unprocessed root of the ginger plant. Ginseng is best kept in a cool, dark, dry place, such as the refrigerator.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Taking American Ginseng?
As with any herbal supplement, there is always a potential for some side-effects. Though rare, the suspected side effects of ginseng (both American and Asian ginseng) are:
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Trouble sleeping
- (In women) breast swelling and vaginal bleeding
Ginseng is not recommended for children, people who suffer from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, hypoglycemia, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and anyone who will undergo surgery within the next week. Doctors also do not recommend taking ginseng with other blood-sugar-lowering medications, such as insulin. Also, avoid taking ginseng with blood-thinners, MAOIs, stimulants, or while on morphine.
The effects of sleeplessness and edginess are markedly less when using American ginseng, as opposed to that grown in Asia — just one more reason to choose authentic American ginseng grown in Wisconsin!