Page 154 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

American Ginseng,
Panax quinquefolius

American ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng, is in
the Araliaceae (Ginseng/Ivy) Family. It is native to
eastern North America and cultivated widely else-
where. Its aromatic root forks as it matures.

Identification: Plants grow 6 to 18 inches (15
cm to 45 cm) tall. Its leaves are palmate and
divided into 3 to 7 (usually 4 or 5) lance-shaped,
sharp-toothed leaflets. The flowers are whitish-
greenish, and fruits are pea-sized red berries with Photo by John Carl Jacobs, CC by SA 4.0
two seeds each. and monitoring blood sugar levels. Increase the dosage
one drop at a time, as needed, up to 5 drops per meal,
The neck of the rhizome shows scars left by each year’s depending on the potency of your tincture. American
growth. Counting the leaf scars ages the root. Its ginseng contains a class of compounds called ginseno-
medicinal compounds, called ginsenosides, increase in sides, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflamma-
concentration as the root ages. In general, harvest tory properties, two important factors in the progres-
roots 4 years or older. sion of diabetes. American ginseng also promotes the

Medicinal Use: Panax species have a well-deserved secretion of insulin, necessary for regulation of blood
reputation as powerful adaptogens. They help the body sugar levels.
recover from the effects of stress and adrenal fatigue, Ginseng helps lower high blood pressure in diabetics.
much like Reishi or Ashwagandha. It is also used as an Regular use gives some protection to the heart and ret-
aphrodisiac and for erectile disfunction. American gin- ina from diabetes-induced damage.
seng is a relaxant, while the Asian version, P. ginseng,
is said to be more stimulating. The mature root and Cold and Flu: American Ginseng helps fight the
leaves can be chewed, powdered and put into capsules, common cold and flu when taken regularly. People
extracted in alcohol as a tincture, or made into a tea. who take ginseng daily report fewer colds and less se-
vere cold and flu symptoms.
Diabetes: Ginseng has many benefits for diabetics.
American ginseng helps regulate blood sugar. Taking Tonic for Fatigue, Stress, Memory, and
take 2 to 5 drops of American Ginseng tincture before Concentration: American ginseng has properties
each meal helps prevent post-meal spikes in blood that boost energy and stamina and reduces fatigue
sugar levels. It is recommended starting with 2 drops caused by failing health and everyday stresses. It also
betters cognitive performance, and enhances memory.

Erectile Dysfunction: American ginseng is an ef-
fective treatment for erectile dysfunction when taken
on a regular basis. Favorable results are only seen
when the herb is taken daily over the long term. It
seems to work by opening up necessary blood vessels
for improved blood flow.

Other Uses for American Ginseng: Since
Panax is a tonic and reduces the stress on the body, it
is effective for use in many different diseases and con-
ditions. It is said to raise the spirits and to improve
sleep, mood, and general outlook on life. It is also an
antispasmodic.

153