Ginseng Plant Information

Ginseng plants come in three basic varieties that grow wild in nature. The various parts of the ginseng plant are useful for different purposes, and combined plant parts are also used for teas and medicinal purposes. The technical name of the American plant is Panax quinquefolius, and the name of the Asian version is Panax ginseng. The name ginseng comes from the Chinese words "ren shen," which mean "man" and "herb."

History

• Ginseng was first discovered in the northern Manchurian mountains of China about 3,000 years ago. Initially, it was used as a food. The root, as the Chinese name suggests, resembles the body of a man, and eating it was thought to expel evil spirits and create happiness, energy and long life.
  Emperors in China were known to revere the ginseng root (see Reference 1). They offered to pay the root's weight in gold, which caused a new industry to rise up at that time. Ginseng today is still revered for its medicinal properties; and it still sells for very high prices, going for about $400 a pound, depending on the type of root purchased.

Types

• American and Korean ginseng are the two basic natural types of ginseng. There is also a Siberian type, but this has been discovered to not be a true ginseng.

Geography

• The vast majority of modern-day ginseng that is grown in the United States is produced and harvested in Wisconsin. Wisconsin ginseng plants are said to be some of the most superior in quality and potency. Wisconsin ginseng is even exported to Asian countries.

  American ginseng plants are marketed on both the wholesale and retail levels in different categories. Wild ginseng is the preferred variety. There are also wild-simulated, woods-grown and cultivated varieties. See Resources below for further specific ginseng plant category information.

Identification

• Ginseng plant roots are gnarled and knotted. They look somewhat woody, and have growth rings on the root that can be used to verify their age. They have tassels around the neck part of the root. Roots take years to grow and cultivate. Roots that are older are larger in size, and said to be more potent. Ginseng plant leaves are a lush green color; they resemble ivy leaves.

Uses

• The technical name for the plant, panax, comes from Greek and means "all healing." Every component of the ginseng plant is used in different ways. The roots are most prized and are used in medicines for their oils, ground into powder for capsules. The entire plant is used in the making of teas.

  The ginseng plant is described as an adaptogen---a substance that is non-toxic and that reinforces the entire body's resistance to stress. It is said to make a person feel refreshed and energized. Ginseng increases memory and learning abilities.

  Ginseng has been recommended as a treatment for such ailments as hangovers, weakness after childbirth, poor athletic performance, stress and impotence.