Common Name: American Ginseng

General Information

Panax quinquefolius is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a stout tuberous rhizome; it produces a cluster of one or more unbranched stems around 30 - 100cm tall with usually three leaves in a whorl at the summit of the stem[].
American ginseng is commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine and also for trade. Related to Chinese ginseng, and often used as a substitute, the plant is sometimes cultivated in N. America, with much of the crop being exported to eastern Asia for medicinal use. The plant is also sometimes cultivated for medicinal use in China[, ].
Excessive harvesting of the plant from the wild for medicinal use has severely reduced its population. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' and there are various restrictions to harvesting it from the wild[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eastern, central and southern N. America - Ontario, Quebec and Maine, south to Oklahoma, Louisiana and Florida

Habitat

Rich cool woods, often in deep shade[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Panax quinquefolius is a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -35°c when fully dormant.
Requires a deep moist humus rich soil in a shady position in a woodland[]. Requires deep shade, growing well on north-facing slopes and in woodland[, , ].
Often grown as a medicinal plant[, ], though considered to be inferior to Korean ginseng, Panax ginseng[]. It is exported from N. America, mainly to Hong Kong[].

Edible Uses

A tea is made from the leaves and the roots[, , ].

The aromatic root is candied and used as a masticatory to make the breath attractive[, ].

Medicinal

This N. American species of ginseng is said to have similar properties to the Oriental ginseng, Panax ginseng, though it is said to have a milder action and is more likely to be prescribed for younger patients[, ]. It is cultivated in some areas of America as a medicinal crop and is also often harvested from the wild[].
The root is said to be adaptogen, cardiotonic, demulcent, panacea, sedative, sialagogue, stimulant, stomachic and general tonic[, , , , , , , ]. It is used in the treatment of chronic cough, low-grade fever, spontaneous or night sweating and fatigue due to chronic consumptive disease[]. When taken over an extended period it is said to increase mental efficiency and physical performance whilst helping the body adapt to high or low temperatures and stress[].
The roots are used to make an eyewash for young children which is said to relieve sore eyes[].
Some caution is advised in the extended use of this plant since large doses are said to raise blood pressure[].
The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[].

The following notes are the list of uses for Panax ginseng.

Ginseng has a history of herbal use going back over 5,000 years[]. It is one of the most highly regarded of herbal medicines in the Orient, where it has gained an almost magical reputation for being able to promote health, general body vigour and also to prolong life[]. The root is adaptogen, alterative, carminative, demulcent, emetic, expectorant, stimulant and tonic[, , , ]. It both stimulates and relaxes the nervous system, encourages the secretion of hormones, improves stamina, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels and increases resistance to disease[]. It is used internally in the treatment of debility associated with old age or illness, lack of appetite, insomnia, stress, shock and chronic illness[]. Ginseng is not normally prescribed for pregnant women, or for patients under the age of 40, or those with depression, acute anxiety or acute inflammatory disease[]. It is normally only taken for a period of 3 weeks[]. Excess can cause headaches, restlessness, raised blood pressure and other side effects, especially if it is taken with caffeine, alcohol, turnips and bitter or spicy foods[]. The roots are harvested in the autumn, preferably from plants 6 - 7 years old, and can be used fresh or dried[].
A dose of 10ug/ml of ginseng saponins has been shown to be significantly radio-protective when it is administered prior to gamma-irradiation[].
The leaf is emetic and expectorant[].

Other Uses

An extract of the whole plant is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an antioxidant and skin conditioner[].
An extract of the root is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an astringent[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in a shady position in a cold frame preferably as soon as it is ripe, otherwise as soon as the seed is obtained. It can be very slow and erratic to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse or frame for at least their first winter. Make sure the pots are deep enough to accommodate the roots. Plant out into their permanent positions in late summer.
Division in spring.