American Ginseng Benefits
American ginseng is considered to be a stress reducer, energizer and a
normalizer. The name panax comes from the Greek word panacea meaning,
“all healing”.
It has been traditionally used to negate the effects of fatigue and
stress. It’s often used as a general health tonic to enhance a person’s
mental and physical performance.
It’s a powerful “adaptogen”. An adaptogen is a substance that reduces
the effects of any kind of stress, be it physical or mental. Roots must
be at least four years old to be beneficial. The older the root, the
more potent it is.
Though wild ginseng is best, it’s been over harvested and very rare.
Commercially sold American ginseng is grown under artificial shade, such
as canvas tents.
American ginseng contains zinc, vitamins A, B6 and C and
polysaccharide glycans. It’s considered a “cooling” ginseng and is best
taken in the hot summer months. The “warm” Korean ginseng is best taken
in the cold, winter season.
This type of ginseng is well known for it’s ability to fight physical
and mental fatigue. Many athletes take it while training for a boost in
strength and stamina. Students often take it while studying for tests
as it helps maintain a high level of mental alertness and improves
memory.
A study done in 2005 by the Canadian Medical Association Journal
states that American ginseng may help prevent and treat the common cold.
Participants in the study who were given American ginseng got fewer
colds than the people not taking it. The people who were taking it did
get a cold, their symptoms were less and didn’t last as long as the
people in the control group.
Since this type of ginseng helps to regulate blood sugar levels, it
may be helpful to people with diabetes. People taking American ginseng
before meals kept post-meal blood sugar levels in the normal range.
It has a very beneficial effect on the adrenal glands and other
organs of the body such as the kidneys. The adrenal glands secrete
hormones important to the reduction of physical and emotional stress. It
is beneficial to those suffering from depression and anxiety.
American ginseng contains potent antioxidants, helping to boost the
action of the immune system. It is thought that people taking it may
experience less illness.
American Ginseng Uses
- Stimulate the appetite
- Slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Treat depression
- Combat stress and fatigue
- Stimulate the central nervous system
- Treat insomnia
- Improve cardiovascular activity
- Improve memory and concentration
- Dissolve tumors
- Raise good cholesterol (HDL)
- Lower bad cholesterol
- Increases estrogen levels in women and relieve the symptoms of menopause
- Benefits the endocrine system, such as the adrenals and pituitary gland
- Regulate blood sugar levels
- Control type 2 diabetes