Classed under yin tonics because of its ability to tonify lung yin, American ginseng treats dry cough, inflammation, irritation and insomnia. Asian ginseng is considered a yang tonic in Chinese pharmacopia. Modern research has found Oriental varieties have a higher proportion of glycosides, the exception is Japanese ginseng which is closer to American ginseng. American Ginseng is more expensive than Asian ginseng.
Used for centuries by the Native Americans American ginseng went largely unnoticed by early settlers because its long-term restorative qualities were lost among the short-term instant eliminating purging type herbs.
Make your own American ginseng tincture, it is cheaper and healthier than herbal pills.
| Common Name | American Ginseng root |
| Latin Name | Panax quinquefolius |
| Family | Araliaceae (Ginseng) |
| Parts Used | Perennial- older root +5 year old picked in the Fall |
| Target Organs | endocrine, adrenals, immune, nervous, lungs, digestion, stomach, reproductive systems |
| Common Uses | Endocrine tonic: for fatigue, stress, malabsorption, Nervous system tonic: debility, exhaustion, insomnia, convalescence
Immune: tonic, boost nourish, Digestion: stomach upset Liver: cleanser and protector High cholesterol and diabetes support. Lowers blood fats, lowers sugar levels Heart: protects and nourishes |
| Properties | restores and strengthens, Adaptogen, adrenal tonic, immune tonic, male/ female reproductive tonic, antiallergenic, antihepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, aperient, cardiac , hypertensive, hypolipidemic, nervine, anxiolytic, relaxant, anti-toxic, stomachic, pancreatic, diaphoretic, antineoplastic, vasodilator, warming carminative, blood pressure normalizer |
| Constituents | Essential Oil 3%: saponin glycosides: ginsenoside, panaxosides 5-7%; camphor substance, arabinose, starch, glucose, panaxin, panacic acid, panacene, panaquilin, ginsenin, sapogenin, sitosterols, mucilage, polysaccharides, 18 amino acids, resin, trace minerals: copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, manganese |
| Cautions | Do not use with high fever or damp cold indigestion |
| Dosage | Tincture: 1-4ml Decoction: 3-10g 3 x a day empty stomach –
3 weeks take 1 week off cycle |
