American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is an herb that grows mainly in the United States from the Midwest to Maine, primarily in the Appalachian and Ozark regions, and also in eastern Canada. It is also grown on ginseng farms in Wisconsin, Oregon and Washington.
Health Benefits of American Ginseng
The majority of American ginseng harvested is exported to China. In the United States, the harvest of wild American ginseng for international trade began in the mid-1700s. Today, the harvest continues to have strong economic and cultural importance to many communities in the United States and to American Indian tribes.
American ginseng has long been used for medicine, originally harvested by many different Native American tribes and used in Asian medicinal products.
Don’t confuse American ginseng with Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). These are different plants with different effects.American ginseng contains chemicals called ginsenosides that seem to affect insulin levels in the body and lower blood sugar, lower stress, boost the immune system, and as a stimulant. .
- American ginseng is also used for upper airway infection, for diabetes, and many other conditions.
- Some research suggests 200-400 mg twice daily for 3-6 months during flu season might prevent cold or flu symptoms in adults. In adults older than 65, a flu shot at month 2 along with this treatment is needed to decrease the risk of getting the flu or a cold. In people who do get the flu, taking this extract seems to help make symptoms milder and last for less time. But it does not seem to help prevent cold or flu-like symptoms in patients with weakened immune systems.
- Some research shows that taking American ginseng daily for 8 weeks improves tiredness in people with cancer. But not all research agrees.
- Early research shows that taking American ginseng 0.75-6 hours before a mental test improves short-term memory and reaction time in healthy people.
How to eat American Ginseng
American ginseng can be eaten raw or you can lightly steam it to soften it. It can also be stewed in water to make a tea. To do this, just add hot water to freshly sliced ginseng and let it steep for several minutes.
Ginseng can be added to various recipes like soups. Add slices of ginseng root to your simmering soup, and let it cook for a few hours. Then you can either mash up the slices into the soup or remove them when they are soft and eat them separately.
Ginseng Chicken Soup Benefits
- Boost energy.
- Improve brain function and memory.
- Strengthen immune system.
- Replenish Qi and blood deficiency.
- Strengthen physical weakness, due to prolonged illness, injury and exhaustion.
- Calm the mind, nerve system, and anxiety.
- Regulate blood sugar.
- Support heart health.
Another delicious and nutritious recipe is combining the goji berry, jujube, ginseng and pork ribs. Very easy to make but has a luxurious taste and presentation.
- 1 lb of baby back pork ribs
- 1 medium sized dried ginseng root
- 1 handful of goji berry
- 3-4 dried jujube
- 2 cups filtered water
- ½ Tbsp rock sugar, ½ Tsp sea salt
Warning: Ginseng may interact with certain medications and/or trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Additional studies should evaluate whether these fruits are safe during pregnancy.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article is for educational purposes only. Before using or ingesting ANY herbs, plants, or foods for medicinal purposes or otherwise, please consult a physician, medical herbalist or other suitable professional for advice.