AMERICAN GINSENG

There are several types of ginsengs. The two most commonly used species are Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquifolius). Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), is another plant that is adaptogenic in nature like American ginseng and it is usually grouped with these two species of ginseng, that is, American ginseng and Asian ginseng. But it does not relate botanically with theses species. (7)

American ginseng is a remedy for stress and fatigue as it can enhances the tolerance to stress.

American ginseng can increase the resistance to diseases because it may help in boosting the immunity. It may also increase the physical stamina and stimulate the appetite that can be very useful for elderly persons. (2)

American ginseng is thought to be used to relieve hot flashes due to menopause, reduce fever and may provide relief from a dry cough due to smoking or other factors. In Chinese medicines, it is traditionally used as an energy boosting herb, for minor injuries, convalescent weakness, palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness, and nervousness and to promote general mental and physical well being.

Generally, all forms of ginseng are said to help in reducing stress, to improve vitality and to boost immune system. (3)

The benefits of ginseng have been known for many years and these benefits come from its ability to increase blood circulation. That, in turn, may help in enhancing the healing potential of the body.

American ginseng is mainly recognized as an aid to provide resistance to stress and functions as a supplement to fulfill body needs, so that body functions at its highest capacity. Further it may also help in making other supplements more potent.

Because of the widespread acceptance of the health benefits of ginseng, it has become the most popular herbal supplement in the world. It provides benefits to nearly all systems of the body, but be sure to consult with your health care professional before using it. (4)

In America, American ginseng was traditionally employed to help with fertility and child birth and to improve mental power and also for different ailments like headaches, respiratory problem and fevers. (5)

Because of the wide variety and quality of ginseng used in the clinical studies, it has been difficult to verify the health benefits of ginseng, as different studies have given different results. And these results are contradictory to each other. (6)

No significant adverse effects have been reported in the few clinical trials, and there are no case reports of clinical toxicities. (5)

American ginseng is traditionally used as a tonic to improve health and fight with stress. Clinical studies that have been conducted on American ginseng provide contradictory results. There is no well documented side effect or drug interaction has been reported for American ginseng.