American Ginseng

Panax quinquefolius; ARALIACEAE

We have all heard of the wonderful herb, ginseng, It has been used by the Chinese for over five thousand years. In orthodox medical circles, it is respected and known as an adaptogen. The ginseng root is known as Panax Ginseng in the Orient, and Panax Quinquefolium in North America. The root was highly prized and even thought of as magic or sacred because it resembled a human figure. Ginseng is a perennial. Each year the top of the plant dies while the root continues to grow. The age of the root can be determined by the number of rings that can be counted on the neck of the root. Ginseng should not be collected before it is seven years old.

Ginseng has been used as a tonic, and has a reputation for being a root for long life.  Ginseng contains, besides panaquilon, the following active principles: ginsenin, panaxic, panacen, and panaxin. Each of these has a specific effect on the human body. Panaxin stimulates (the) brain and acts as a tonic for the cardiovascular system. Panaxic acid affects metabolism and acts as an aid to the heart and blood vessels. Panaquilon stimulates endocrine secretion and raises the amount of  hormones in the blood. Panacen kills pain and tranquilizes the central nervous system (cerebral  hemispheres and medulla oblongata). Ginsenin is an anti- diabetic substance.”

Recent scientific studies in China and the USSR have shown ginseng to be effective against a variety of stress: high environmental temperature, hemorrhagic shock, and histamine shock. Edema (retention of water) swelling is reduced through the administration of ginseng root. Ginseng root increases circulation by making the heart muscle  contractions stronger during circulatory failure.