American Ginseng, Panax quinquefolium

Family:

Araliaceae

Part Used:

Root and leaf.

Energetics & Taste:

Sweet, bitter, neutral- slightly warming.

Habitat:

Native to the eastern United States and Canada. A woodland plant that grows in moist forest soils. Unfortunately, due to overharvesting, ginseng is endangered and rare in the wild. You should only purchase cultivated American ginseng and never wild harvest.

Ethnobotany/Historical Uses: If you grew up in the eastern United States, you’ve likely heard the term “ginseng hunter,” a nod to the plant's economic significance for many. American ginseng is a plant of great importance, used ceremonially, spiritually, and medicinally by Native Americans for protection, affection, respiratory ailments, digestive issues, earaches, female reproductive issues, sores, painful eyes, and arthritis, among other uses.

The discovery of American ginseng dates back to 1716, when a Jesuit priest in Montreal recognized its similarities to Asian ginseng, which was becoming scarce due to overexploitation. By 1784, American ginseng began being exported to China as a substitute for Asian ginseng, a trade that continues today.

By the 19th century, American ginseng populations had dwindled significantly. Although some Indigenous people planted seeds after harvesting, this practice was not widespread. Cultivating ginseng is challenging, requiring at least seven years to grow, with high mortality rates and particular growing conditions. Wild ginseng, fetching between $500 and $1,000 per pound, remains more valuable than cultivated varieties, leading to poaching and further depletion.

This overharvesting, combined with habitat loss, has endangered American ginseng. Despite these challenges, it remains a cornerstone of folk medicine, valued as an alternative and tonic, especially in southern traditions.

Modern-Day Uses/Key Benefits: American ginseng influences the HPA (Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis and SAS (sympathoadrenal system), supporting the endocrine, immune, and nervous system. As an adaptogen, it modulates the body's response to stress, creating a healthy stress response. It’s indicated for adrenal exhaustion from lack of sleep and chronic stress that leads to physical, mental, and emotional burnout. It lowers cortisol and is helpful when there is a lack of energy and endurance, which many seek out. It is prized as an effective sexual tonic for both men and women. In TCM, it is used for Qi deficiency as a tonic to restore vitality. As an immune amphoteric, it helps balance the immune symptoms, which can be helpful in autoimmune diseases and allergies. Additionally, American ginseng is effective in managing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, as the HPA axis also regulates the pancreas. Although not as commonly used for digestive issues, ginseng can support conditions involving impaired nutrient absorption and indigestion.