American Ginseng is an adaptogen known by its technical name of panax quinquefolius, an herb affording a broad range of benefits. Treating conditions like the common cold and conferring benefits for those afflicted with cancer and diabetes, it is a highly versatile herb
Sources: Grows wild in Appalachian and Ozark regions of the United States, as well as eastern Canada. Additionally, this herb is cultivated on ginseng farms and can be grown domestically
Benefits:
Diabetes: A study conducted in 2000 showed diabetic subjects who took American Ginseng prior to a meal resulted in ideal post-prandial blood sugar levels
Antioxidant: Shown to reduce oxidative stress, help regulate energy metabolism and protect mitochondria
Anti-Inflammatory: Helps defend against DNA damage and control inflammatory responses in overreactive allergy and autoimmune conditions
Cold: This herb has proven effective at reducing the rate and severity of the common cold in studies tested against placebos
Cognition and Brain Health: Shown to improve mood, working memory and calms the nervous system. Also conferred benefits on those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
Cancer: Effective against tumors and protective against the effects of chemotherapy - this may be directly related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Fatigue: As an adaptogen, American Ginseng helps the body endure higher stress for longer periods without succumbing to fatigue. It also helps regulate between your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
Risks: Reported and observed side effects of this herb in high doses have included rapid heart beat, anxiety, insomnia, headache, low blood sugar and fluctuating hormone levels. It can also cause birth defects in pregnant women. Additionally, American Ginseng has been known to have potentiating harmful effects when combined with blood thinners and high blood pressure medications
Sustainability: American Ginseng grows wild through the Appalachian and Ozark regions of the United States, as well as in eastern Canada. While wild populations are less than they were in the 18th and 19th centuries, there is still not indication that the species is at risk of endangerment. Ginseng farms produce this herb commercially and it can easily be cultivated domestically
Processing: Like other ginsengs, the roots are the medicinal and valuable part of this plant. The roots are dried or dehydrated, then stored whole, sliced, chopped or powdered for consumption. You can find a complete breakdown of how to cultivate American Ginseng here
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3659571/ - Cardiovascular disease and ginseng
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25778987 - Benefits on working memory
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3103855/ - Benefits for neurodegenerative diseases
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22566158 - Benefits for diabetes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3103855/ - Benefits on tumors