Before jumping into all the amazing qualities of American ginseng, I first wanted to share a bit about my personal journey with this plant. For a long time, I did not feel comfortable working with ginseng. A big part of my herbal practice is ensuring that I’m working with herbs in a way that honors the ecological and social impacts of my choices. As you may know, ginseng is on the United Plant Savers’ At-Risk List and is also in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species list, meaning it is at risk of becoming extinct if trade is not better controlled. Ginseng has been on these lists for many years and remains a plant that continues to be overharvested and poached to the point of ecological harm. Yet over the years, several passionate industry peers have stepped up to the challenge of making ginseng sustainable and accessible while not affecting the already threatened wild stands.
There are two core “ginseng movements” that have been monumental in improving the ethical use of this plant. The first is Forest Grown Verified, which is a growing technique and Certification that ensures ginseng is intentionally planted on private lands and tended to until the roots are old enough to harvest. The second is the farm cultivation of ginseng. It is not an easy plant to grow, but ginseng can be cultivated through very specialized farming techniques. The level of care required of this plant paired with the 5-year growing period before harvest means this kind of cultivation project was a giant leap of faith for these farmers.
These two techniques have allowed ginseng to be ethically and sustainably available for the health and wellness of the herbal community once again. It is for these reasons that I can now fully feel comfortable working with this plant and why I finally feel that sharing a monograph about its wonders is the right thing to do. I am incredibly grateful to those who have taken on these massive efforts so that the herbal community, myself included, may have access to this plant.
Panax quinquefolius is part of the ivy family, Araliaceae, and gets its species name from its leaf formation. The literal translation of quinquefolius is five-leaved. American ginseng is a perennial herb that prefers the understory of deciduous forests and thrives in damp, rich soil. It primarily grows in the eastern part of the United States, most commonly in the Appalachian and Ozark regions.
American ginseng is different than Chinese Ginseng (Panax ginseng). They are used differently, especially in Chinese Medicine, and for the purposes of this monograph, we will only be covering American ginseng.
What Parts of Ginseng Are Used?
The most commonly used part of ginseng is the root, though there has been an increase in the use of ginseng leaves, as they also contain ginsenosides, one of the main active components in ginseng. I mostly work with the root as it’s a bit easier to acquire.
American ginseng root is an incredible herbal ally that supports many of the body systems. In Chinese Medicine, American ginseng is considered to be a chi tonic that moisturizes the system and reduces heat while building strength. American ginseng is also an adaptogen and is known to support a healthy response to stress* and immune-support. It is generally used more for women than its Asian Ginseng counterpart.
In addition to this, American ginseng can also help support healthy energy levels and can have positive effects on mental acuity. Herbalist Maria Noel Groves says, “ginseng is for those who are or who feel old,” and I think that perfectly sums up the power of ginseng.
As a plant native to the United States, Ginseng has a long history of use by First Nations Peoples. According to Daniel Moerman's book Native American Ethnobotany, the Cherokee of North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama used ginseng root for "weakness of the womb and nervous affections." It was also used as a general body tonic and expectorant. The Menominee of Wisconsin and parts of Michigan and Illinois chewed the root to attract deer while hunting and also for "strengthening mental powers," which was also beneficial for hunting expeditions.
Many other tribes used ginseng for various ailments, and there was a common thread of use as a general body tonic, as a topical preparation for those with skin abrasions and irritations, and for conditions "where all else failed".
American ginseng is cooling and moistening.
Ginseng can be taken in many forms including capsules, tinctures, glycerites, and decoctions. People seem to have strong opinions on the best way to take it, but I’m of the opinion that whatever way you’re most likely to take it is the best way to take it. The flavor of American ginseng is earthy with some bitter and sweet notes. This can be off-putting to some, so for those sensitive to these kinds of flavors, it may be best to work with capsules or tinctures to get it down faster than tea. Meanwhile those that love the flavor add American ginseng powder to coffee or will chew on the root.
Pro tip: Since it is energizing, it’s better taken in the morning or early afternoon.
The use of warfarin and American ginseng may reduce the efficacy of warfarin and should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
Many herbalists and health enthusiasts face an important question—to ginseng or not to ginseng. Most of us know that ginseng is an incredibly precious plant that has fallen victim to overharvesting and poaching in the wild, but we are now lucky to have options for sustainably and ethically grown ginseng.
There is no plant that does exactly what ginseng does in the way it does. Its energy, immune, and mood-supporting qualities*, paired with its gentleness and cooling/moistening energetics make it a truly special plant to work with.
After years of refraining from using this plant, I finally feel confident that working with it is actually contributing to more solutions than it is problems, and by purchasing grown ginseng is supporting the farmers who took great risks to bring this plant to market in ways that were just.
I ask that should you decide to try this powerhouse herb, you ensure you are sourcing cultivated American ginseng to protect the future of this precious plant for generations to come.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.