American Ginseng Plants
Can Boost Your Immune System!LATIN NAME: Panax quinquefolius GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION: American ginseng plants are slow growing perennials with a large fleshy root that resembles a carrot. The stem grows one to two feet tall and has scented yellow-green flowers that grow in June or July. The umbrella-shaped flowers give way to green berries that turn red by late summer. The plant grows throughout the north eastern and central part of the United States and in parts of Canada. It is considered an endangered species because of its excessive harvesting. It is also cultivated in China and France. American ginseng plants are an excellent adrenal and energy tonic for all ages and is a cooling ginseng used for people with long-standing conditions with such symptoms as chronic lower back pain, ringing in the ears, night sweats, fatigue, and chronic infections of any kind. American ginseng is highly sought after in Asia because it taste sweeter and has cooling properties whereas Asian ginseng has heat raising effects. Ginseng is considered an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body adapt to stress with few side effects. One study showed that American ginseng may reduce cancers of the lungs, liver, pancreas, stomach, and ovaries. Another study found that Type 2 (adult onset) diabetic had less of a rise in blood sugar if patients took ginseng with sugar. Today, ginseng is widely used to strengthen the immune system, treat diabetes and cancer, and for energy, strength, stamina, and vigor. TARGET AILMENTS: Take internally for: * stress * depression * fatigue * strengthening the mind and immune system * ADHD * rheumatism * headaches * colds and coughs * bronchitis * diabetes - increases the effect of insulin and regulates glucose. * high blood pressure * infertility * increasing sex drive PREPARATIONS: American Ginseng plants are available as fresh or dried root, root powder, bulk herb, capsules, tablets, tincture, prepared tea bags, freeze-dried root, beverages, chewing gum and cured rock candy at health food stores. Parts used: Root Collections: Roots are cultivated at the end of the summer of the fifth year from plants in the wild or woods. Commercial ginseng (least expensive) is grown in raised beds and cultivated in one to two years. Constituents: Ginsenosides, saponins, Actions: Anti-depressive, nervine, stimulate, tonic SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS: Not Serious: Large doses may cause insomnia, headaches, anxiety, breast soreness, or skin rashes may develop. Serious: Asthma attacks, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, or postmenopausal uterine bleeding can occur. Consult a physician if any of these occur. *WARNING: Do not use American ginseng if you are taking any other stimulants, such as caffeine, amphetamines or ephedrine. Also do not take if you are on any antihistamine medications.
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