American Ginseng

Ginseng is an adaptogen. Adaptogens help the body fight the effects of just about any kind of stress, be it viral, bacterial, emotional, or physical. The effects of stress may be as simple as headaches or colds, but they can also be more serious, such as accelerated aging, memory loss, heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.

Asians consider ginseng the king of all herbs. American ginseng is similar enough to Asian ginseng to chemically have the same effects. American ginseng root is light tan and looks a bit like a human body. Herbalists hundreds of years ago took this likeness to mean that ginseng could cure all human ills. It has been used as a cure-all by many different cultures.

American ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are thought to fight fatigue and stress by supporting the adrenal glands and the use of oxygen by exercising muscles. The type and ratio of ginsnosides are somewhat different in American and Asian ginseng. The extent to which this affects their medicinal properties is unclear. A recent preliminary trial with healthy volunteers found no benefit in exercise performance after one week of taking American ginseng.

Standardized extracts of American ginseng, unlike Asian ginseng, are not available. However, dried root powder, 1-3 grams per day in capsule or tablet form, can be used. Some herbalists also recommend 3-5 ml of tincture three times per day.

American Ginseng has been used by many for:

Cerebral and Nervous System Conditions

• influences neurological reactions
• stimulates the central nervous system
• boosts energy levels
• enhances and restores memory
• enhances concentration and cognitive abilities which may be impaired by improper blood supply to the brain
• increases protein synthesis and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain
• insomnia
• reduces the effects of stress
• removes both mental and bodily fatigue

Cardiovascular Conditions

• improves overall cardiovascular activity
• decreases triglyceride levels
• dissolves tumors
• improves performance
• relieves pulmonary complaints

Female Conditions

• improves sexual function
• increases estrogen levels in women
• menopausal symptoms

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• stimulates the appetite

Glandular Conditions

• benefits the endocrine system, especially the pituitary and adrenals
• increases natural killer cell activity
• prevents adrenal hypertrophy

Immune System Conditions

• aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for correct functioning of the immune system
• stimulates the immune system

Liver Conditions

• reduces total cholesterol level
• relieves nausea and vomiting

Male Conditions

• improves sexual function
• reduces impotence
• stimulates the gonads
• Respiratory Tract Conditions
• colds
• chest problems

Other

• diabetes
• insulin-like activity
• maintains excellent body functions
• prevents excess corticosteroid production in response to physical, chemical or biological stress
• radiation and chemotherapy protection
• reduces the effects of aging
• stimulates the production of interferons

American Ginseng is for people who have:

• chronic fever
• excess craving
• excess hunger
• hot flushes
• thirst