American Ginseng - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is primarily found in North America. Due of great demand, some states have declared it an endangered species.

Considered to be an adaptogen, American ginseng, is a  group of drugs known as "adaptogens". It is thought to increase the body's ability to fend off physical, environmental, and emotional stimuli. Ginsenosides, which are substances found in American ginseng, are thought to influence insulin levels and reduce blood sugar.

People take American ginseng for a variety of ailments, including diabetes, upper respiratory infections, stress, and diabetes, however the majority of these uses are not well-supported by science.

American ginseng should not be confused with Eleuthero or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) (Eleutherococcus senticosus). These are several plants that have various impacts.

Plant description of American ginseng: 

The leaves of the American ginseng plant grow in a circle around a straight stem. Red berries are produced by umbrella-shaped, yellowish-green flowers that grow in the centre. The number of wrinkles around the root's neck indicates the age of the plant. This is significant because American ginseng must grow for roughly six years before it is ready for usage. Wild American ginseng is at danger of extinction. As a result, it is frequently costly. In order to prevent overharvesting of wild American ginseng, it is currently being grown on farms.

Different types of ginseng: 

Both American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), which are both members of the genus Panax and share some chemical properties, are referred to as "ginseng." Ginsenosides, the compounds thought to be responsible for ginseng's therapeutic benefits, are present in both Asian and American ginseng. However, they vary in the types and amounts that they contain.

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), sometimes known as Siberian ginseng, is a completely separate plant with distinct benefits. Although they are distantly related, they do not share the same active components as ginseng.

American ginseng is a light-tan, gnarled root that resembles a human body with stringy shoots for limbs and legs, much like Asian ginseng. Native Americans utilised the root as a stimulant and as a remedy for indigestion, headaches, fever, and infertility.

Early use of American ginseng:

Chinese herbal medicine was far more widely used than American herbal medicine when it came to American ginseng. Despite this, from 1842 to 1882, the root was recognised by the United States Pharmacopeia. It was utilised to support regular energy levels and tonify digestion. The herb was frequently used by Native Americans, and it is listed as one of the top 5 medicinal plants used by the Seneca tribe. The majority of tribes utilised it to normalise arousal and desire in both men and women, to strengthen the reproductive system, and to aid in the convalescence of the elderly. Additionally, studies have looked into how American ginseng might support the maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels.

Health benefits of American ginseng:

American ginseng is often used as a stress reliever, immune system booster, and stimulant.

American ginseng is frequently used to treat illnesses like the flu and the common cold. 

Other illnesses treated with American ginseng include HIV/AIDS, intestinal infections (dysentery), and specific infections (Pseudomonas infections) that are frequent in cystic fibrosis patients.

Some individuals take American ginseng to treat nausea, vomiting, colitis, and inflammation of the stomach lining. It is also used to treat appetite loss and promote digestion (gastritis).

Anaemia, diabetes, erectile dysfunction (ED), insomnia, nerve pain, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), breast cancer, blood and bleeding disorders,  dizziness, headaches, convulsions, fibromyalgia, "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis), memory loss, rheumatoid arthritis, and fatigue related to cancer treatments are other conditions for which American ginseng is used (neurasthenia).