Ginseng is easily one of the most famous herbs with a long and rich history. When people talk about ginseng, they almost always refer to the Asian kind, Panax Ginseng. Although this is a beautiful medicinal plant, we are lucky to also have a ginseng species that is native to North -America.
American ginseng, or Panax QuinquefoliusIs native in the eastern hardwood forests of North -America, from as far north as Quebec to Noord -Florida in the south.
Just like his Asian family member, it has a long history of use. Indian communities used it for various complaints, from health problems for women, airways to digestive complaints and as a daily tonic. For many it was considered a type of panacea that was used for any kind of discomfort when everything else failed (Moerman, 1998).
In 1716, Jesuit priest Joseph Lafitau was the first to record the use of American Ginseng and introduced it to the world (Taylor, 2006). It was soon asked a lot from Asia and a thriving international trade began. At its peak, the US exported no less than 750,000 pounds. A year to China. Together with Fur, Ginseng became one of the largest North American exports.
Nowadays there is still a lot of demand for and fresh roots can sell hundreds of dollars per pound to Asia. That is why American Ginseng is now threatened in the wild and it is mentioned by United Plant Savers as a “in danger” factory and export is regulated by the Treaty on international trade in endangered species (CITES).
American Ginseng is best known for being adaptogenicWho support the adrenal glands, help your body to deal with general stress, relieve fatigue and support optimum energy levels, as well as a healthy immune system.
Although in some respects it is comparable to his Asian family member, it is not so warming, drying or stimulating and is considered milder and more moisturizing. American Ginseng has a mild taste and can easily be added to smoothies and food, such as the next smoothie recipe to support the overall health and energy levels.
Energy boost Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of orange juice or almond milk
- 1 ripe banana
- ¼ cup entire yogurt with grass (optional)
- ¾ cup of frozen berries of your choice
- 2-3 tablespoons of protein powder of your choice
- 1 tablespoon of powdered American ginseng
- 1 tablespoon of powdered goji berries
- 1 tablespoon of dried nettles
- Honey to taste
Route description:
Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until well mixed. Feel free to adjust the quantities to taste. Enjoy immediately. Note: Due to the endangered status, make sure that all American ginseng you buy is cultivated or grown.
References
Moerman D. (1998) Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press: New York. Taylor D. (2006) Ginseng: the divine root. Algonquin Books: Chapel Hill.
Erin Smith has been working with plants for 25 years and is a medical herbalist and ethnobotanist. She is the maker of Plant Passionate Living, an interactive program designed to help people find more health and vitality through a deeper relationship with plants. Erin is the founder and director of the Center for Integrative Botanical Studies.
Only for educational purposes. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease or to sell a product.
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