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Habitat
Perennial herb, native to Eastern N. America found from Maine to
Georgia, west to Oklahoma and Minnesota, growing in rich soils in cool woods.
Cultivation: Ginseng requires a deep moist humus rich soil in a shady position in a
woodland, growing well on north-facing slopes and in deep cool woodland areas. Seeds
should be sown in a shady position in a cold frame or greenhouse, and spend least
their first winter there. Plant into their permanent positions in late summer or
early spring. It has a large, thick, fleshy, whitish, root, growing 3 to 4 inches in
length, specimens have been found twice this size. Most roots are spindle shaped
with smaller appendages. The stem is simple and erect, on average about 1 to 2 foot
high, bearing three to five large, palmate, leaves in a whorl atop the stem, each
leaf is long stalked, divided into five finely-toothed, short petiole, leaflets, and
a single, terminal umbel, with a few small, yellowish or light green flowers which
grow on a short stalk from the center of the whorl of leaves. The fruit is a cluster
of bright red berries. Flowers bloom in June and July. Gather the roots in Fall
after the berries or seeds have fallen away. Dry for later herb use. The wild supply
is quickly being diminished due to over harvesting for export to china and other
countries, in some areas it is illegal to harvest during certain months of the year. |
Properties
Ginseng herb has a long history of use as an alternative
medicine going back over 5,000 years, and appears on several continents (origin
unknown), it is and was used extensively in Native American medicine. The root is
adaptogen, cardiotonic, demulcent, panacea, sedative, sialagogue, stimulant, tonic
and stomachic. Ginseng has been studied over the past 30 years in many countries,
it’s remarkable ability to help the body adapt to mental and emotional stress,
fatigue, heat, cold, and even hunger is confirmed and documented! The major
constituents in Ginseng are Triterpenoid saponins, Ginsenosides (at least 29 have
been identified), Acetylenic compounds, Panaxans, and Sesquiterpenes. Taken over an
extended period it is used to increase mental and physical performance. It is
medicinal and therapeutic for the whole body. A very powerful medicinal herb, it
both stimulates and relaxes the nervous system, encourages the secretion of
hormones, improves stamina, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels and increases
resistance to disease. The ginsenosides that produce these effects are very similar
to the body’s own natural stress hormones. It is used in the treatment of debility
associated with old age or illness, lack of appetite, insomnia, stress, shock and
chronic illness. Ginseng also increases immune function, resistance to infection,
and supports liver function. The leaf is emetic and expectorant. The root is candied
and used as a an edible medicinal kind of candy.Ginseng stimulates and increases
endocrine activity in the body. Promotes a mild increase in metabolic activity and
relaxes heart and artery movements. Stimulates the medulla centers and relaxes the
central nervous system.
CAUTION: Don't take Ginseng and Ginseng mixtures with
Coffee as it will accelerate the caffeine effects on the body and can cause
diarrhea.
Ginseng is said to be highly good for the metabolism, and promotes
general well being. It has a reputation as an aphrodisiac, but this seems to be
totally based on the fact that it relaxes the overly tense person a bit. If you
suffer from back pain or TMJ adding this to a tea of Catnip and slippery elm may
help. It is also presumably useable as an ingredient in a meade or magewine.
Folklore
The roots are called Jin-chen by the natives of China, meaning 'like a man,'
in reference to their looking like the human form. The American Indian name for the
plant, garantoquen, has (strangely) the same meaning and uses, seeing how each race
had no knowledge of the existence of the other. The American Indians attributed much
magic power to Ginseng. The Seminole Indians using it as a Love Medicine, rubbed it
on the body and clothes to bring back a divorced wife.
Dosage
This seems to vary, some say 1000 mg. a day, others more or less! I just
break off a small piece of the dried root (aspirin size) and swallow it with the
daily vitamin.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2000
More info on Ginseng
Wild Ginseng
Laws & Growing Info
Ginseng Seeds Roots Herbal Plants and herbs
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