American Ginseng Info, root for energy

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Ginseng Information

There are two major types:
Korean or Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng)
North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)

Ginseng is a herbaceous perennial herb belonging to the Aralia family. Korean ginseng is a native of Eastern China, and American ginseng is a native of North America. The root of both species is highly prized for medicinal properties. Traditionally, the crop has been harvested from the wild. Its high value has led to excessive exploitation resulting in the virtual extinction of the plant in its native habitat both in Asia and North America. As a result, ginseng is being developed as a horticultural crop on both sides of the Pacific. Ginseng's high price on the world markets, despite increased production, has created worldwide interest in this crop.

Uses
Medicinal use of ginseng in China can be traced back 4000 years. North American Indians were also using American ginseng for medicinal purposes well before it was commercially developed in the 18th century. Both species have distinct medicinal uses in Chinese medicine. The name Panax means "cure all" or "all healing".

The active ingredients in ginseng that give the plant its medicinal properties are the saponins, commonly called ginsenosides or panaxosides. Many ginsenosides have been isolated and identified. Most are found in the root, however, quantities vary considerably from plant to plant.

The major use of ginseng is in Asia. While ginseng has not yet been recognised by Western pharmacology it is being used widely in herbal, health food, and cosmetic applications.

Growing environment
The native habitat of the two ginseng species is the open, broad-leaved woodlands in hilly areas between latitudes 36⁰ and 48⁰N. Korean ginseng has a natural range from northern China to Siberia including the Korean Peninsula while American ginseng occurs in an area around the great lakes from Quebec and Manitoba south to northern Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Most commercial production occurs in areas that experience a continental-type climate with cold winters and dry summers. This climate ensures that the plant experiences sufficient winter chilling to allow uniform emergence in the spring while the dry summers help prevent the spread of disease.

The preferred soil type is free draining with no hard pan. Sandy loams to clay loams are preferred. Organic matter and fertilizers are often added to the soil before planting at rates that vary considerably from grower to grower.

In its native environment ginseng grows under high levels of shade provided by the forest canopy and quickly loses vigour and dies if the shade is removed. Shade can be provided by wooden lath, shade cloth or by growing the crop commercially under a forest canopy. Most shading systems provide between 75% to 90% shade.

Processing and quality
After harvesting, the roots are tumble-washed in water. Roots are then either placed in a drier or cool stored for up to eight weeks prior to drying. In North America, drying is often carried out in modified tobacco kilns. All growers have their own drying recipes but, as a general rule, roots are dried at 38⁰C for 10-14 days. The root is considered dry when it can be cleanly broken, is no longer spongy and has a moisture content of 8-10%.

Markets
Hong Kong is currently the major world centre for ginseng trade. Between 1983 and 1987 more than 86% of the North American ginseng crop was marketed in Hong Kong with most of the crop then being exported to China. While American ginseng is always sold as white ginseng (raw, dried root) Korean ginseng can also be sold as red ginseng (boiled or steamed root then dried). Red ginseng is produced in Korea and production is closely regulated by that government.

Is There a Difference Between Asian & North American Ginseng?
Yes!........
Asian ginseng (also known as Chinese or Korean ginseng) has a hot, stimulating effect (yang) on the body. Women who are pregnant, menopausal or postmenopausal, or anyone who has high blood pressure should use Asian ginseng only under the care of a competent herbalist.

In contrast, North American ginseng is an adaptogen that has a cooling, calming effect (yin) on the body. The cooling properties of North American ginseng make it a better overall yin tonic that can be taken every day, over an extended period of time. It has an accumulative effect on the body that imparts a sense of calm and well being and tends to normalize body functions.

Ginseng is a dietary supplement intended solely for nutritional support. Ginseng has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent a disease.

Medical Disclaimer
The information provided is for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication.

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