AMERICAN GINSENG

The American Ginseng root, which is cultivated (and also grows wild) in Wisconsin, is known to have many health benefits and has been an important herb in both Native American and ancient Chinese medicine.

The taste of American Ginseng depends on where it is grown. Wisconsin-grown American Ginseng is famous all over the world for its boldly bitter and aromatic qualities.

It generally takes four years to bring ginseng root to harvest. The Wisconsin cultivated ginseng replicates the way wild ginseng is grown in the forest. During those four years, the farmer works to protect the precious plant from the harsh winter conditions and the strong summer light. A layer of straw is place on the planted beds to protect the plant. In the summer, shade structures are placed over the ginseng, so that the plant is grows in a forest like state. During these four years, the farmer must carefully watch for a variety of things that can ruin the plant, such as animals getting into the garden or if the weather is unusually dry or wet. There are many factors that can have an impact on the final ginseng root.

"Every ounce of ginseng grown in the state of Wisconsin is carefully and properly grown with love, by farmers that have many years of experience. Wisconsin Ginseng is the gold standard for high quality American ginseng. American Ginseng has been cultivated in Wisconsin, U.S., for more than 100 years, dating back to the 1800’s. Today, Wisconsin Ginseng farmers account for 95 percent of the total cultivated American ginseng production of the United States."

Once the root is harvested, it is placed in a cooler where it is refrigerated for 10 to 20 days. After cooling, the roots are washed and fully sorted to remove any remaining debris. After they are cooled and washed, they are placed in a specially designed ginseng dryer. They are dried for 14 days and continually monitored.

After drying, the ginseng roots are sorted by diameter into small, medium, large and extra-large roots. Then, roots in each of those categories are further graded by length. This grading procedure assists buyers in purchasing the exact type of ginseng necessary for their end products. The fibers and prongs are cut off the root in the grading process and can be sold for tea cuts, or grounded into powder for capsules.

The roots are again inspected and placed 125 pound or 57 kilogram barrels, ready for sale to ginseng buyers. Wisconsin Ginseng is sold to consumers around the world seeking its health benefits.

 

Difference Between American and Korean Ginseng

The Panax Ginsengs

For hundreds of years, it was believed that plants had some type of clue indicating their therapeutic uses, commonly referred to as “the doctrine of signatures”. For example, the flowers of lobelia are shaped like a stomach and are used as an emetic (a medicine that causes vomiting), and the sap of bloodroot is the color of blood and is used as a blood purifier. So what is ginseng’s signature? The roots, the part of the plant that is used medicinally, often bear a strong resemblance to the human body. The ginsengs are used for many conditions, but they are most well-known as adaptogens (general tonics) that benefit adrenal function and enhance the body’s response to stress. They increase feelings of energy, physical and mental performance and overall sense of well-being. According to animal studies, the stress-relieving effects of ginseng were similar to Valium but without the side effects like sedation, impaired motor activity and behavior changes. When comparing American versus Korean ginseng, there are some differences between the two although they are from the same genus Panax.

(Ginseng field in Wisconsin)

 

Korean and American Ginseng

Korean ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng and Asian ginseng, is a small perennial plant that grows in Korea. Asian ginseng also grows in China and Japan. This herb has been used for over 4,000 years to revitalize the mind and body. Once, wars in Asia fought over possession of ginseng fields, and today Asian ginseng that grows in the wild has become almost extinct because of its popularity and it can cost hundreds of dollars for older plants (which are believed by some to be more potent). In 1976, a 400 year old root from China reportedly sold for $10,000 per ounce.

American ginseng, also known as Panax quinquefolius, is a small perennial plant that is native to eastern North America. It was used by the Native Americans and was referred to as “The little man”. Daniel Boone, known as a fur trader, actually made a fortune selling wild ginseng, and the Astor family began making their fortune by exporting it to China. Like Korean ginseng, the American species has also been sought after in the wild, and is now classified as endangered, requiring a permit to collect and sell.

American ginseng is often touted as being a “cool” herb when in fact it is not. It is a stimulating herb like Korean ginseng but it has a “cooler”, less stimulating effect. The “cooler” ginseng is believed by herbalists to be more appropriate for young adults and the “warmer”, more stimulating herb is more suited for people over 50 years of age.

Other Benefits of Panax Ginsengs

Both ginsengs contain ginsenosides, the substances that are believed to have the medicinal properties, but the types and ratio are different in each herb. Besides acting as a general tonic, the following are other possible benefits according to studies (most studies used Panax ginseng):

• Immune System - Both herbs appear to enhance the immune system.
• Type 2 Diabetes - American ginseng may lower blood glucose levels, but Korean may raise levels.
• Cancer - Both species have been shown to inhibit tumor growth.
• ADHD - American ginseng with Ginkgo biloba may help in the treatment of ADHD.
• Cardiovascular Health - Korean ginseng may decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
• Alzheimer’s Disease - Korean ginseng may improve memory, decrease senility and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Conclusion

When comparing American versus Korean ginseng, both act as a general tonic but American is less stimulating. Both contain ginsenosides but the types and ratio differ. Both appear to have many health benefits but each may not have the same effect with all diseases.

 

Benefits of American Ginseng

The name "ginseng" is used to refer to both American (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), which belong to the genus Panax and have a somewhat similar chemical makeup. Both Asian and American ginseng contain ginsenosides, which are the substances thought to give ginseng its medicinal properties. But they contain different types in different amounts.

 

Siberian ginseng, or Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), is an entirely different plant with different effects. It is distantly related to ginseng, but it does not contain the same active ingredients.

Like Asian ginseng, American ginseng is a light tan, gnarled root that often looks like a human body with stringy shoots for arms and legs. Native Americans used the root as a stimulant and to treat headaches, fever, indigestion, and infertility. Ginseng remains one of the most popular herbs in the United States.

Ginseng is sometimes called an "adaptogen," meaning it is an herb that helps the body deal with various kinds of stress, although there is no scientific evidence to prove the benefit of adaptogens.

Most ginseng studies have used Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng). There is some evidence that Panax ginseng may:

• Help boost the immune system
• Reduce the risk of cancer
• Improve mental performance and well being

Laboratory studies in animals have found that American ginseng is effective in boosting the immune system, and as an antioxidant. Other studies show that American ginseng might have therapeutic potential for inflammatory diseases. Research on American ginseng has focused on a number of conditions, including the following.

Diabetes

Several human studies show that American ginseng lowered blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The effect was seen both on fasting blood sugar and on postprandial (after eating) glucose levels. One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who took American ginseng before or together with a high sugar drink experienced less of an increase in blood glucose levels. Other studies suggest that North American ginseng prevents diabetes-related complications including retinal and cardiac functional changes by reducing stress. More research is needed.

One study in mice found that the American ginseng berry was more effective at lowering blood sugar levels than the root.

Cancer

American ginseng has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. In one laboratory study on colorectal cancer cells, researchers found that American ginseng possessed powerful anti-cancer properties.

Colds and flu

In two studies, people who took a specific product called Cold FX for 4 months got fewer colds than people who took a placebo. And those who got colds found their symptoms did not last as long compared to those who took a placebo.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

One preliminary study suggests that American ginseng, in combination with ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), may help treat ADHD. More research is needed.

Immune system enhancement

Some scientists believe American ginseng enhances the immune system. In theory, this improvement in immune function could help the body fight off infection and disease. Several clinical studies have shown that American ginseng does boost the performance of cells that play a role in immunity.

Cognition

Preliminary studies suggest that American ginseng may improve cognition. More research is needed.

 

Plant Description

Before using any herbal supplement, you should consult your health care provider, especially if you have a medical condition or you are pregnant, breastfeeding, giving to a child or taking medications.