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American Ginseng Herbal Remedies

American ginseng is an excellent herb for people who have chronic fatigue, depression, and general weakness due to overwork and stress. It balances hormones and protects the adrenals. American ginseng is also useful for digestive weakness and irritable bowel syndrome. In Chinese medicine it is considered a "yin tonic." It is less warming and stimulating than red ginsengs, which should not be taken by young people or when there are signs of heat, such as headaches and rashes. American ginseng has a taste of SWEET, BITTER and a temperature of WARM.

American Ginseng Proper Dose

TypeDossage
American Ginseng Decoction1 cup 2-3 x daily
American Ginseng Tincture1-3 droppersful 2-3 x daily

American Ginseng Reference Information

Latin NamePanax quinquefolius
Other Names
Part UsedRoot
Herb FormsTinctures, tablets, capsules, teas, bulk herb, powder. Buy organically-grown or woods-grown as a first choice.
AffectsDigestive system, Endocrine system, Nervous system
CautionsNone noted.
Botanical InfoAn upright three-pronged plant with up to five leaflets on each prong. Produces red berries in the fall. Grows in deep hardwood forests of the eastern U.S.

Supporting Research

Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.

Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.

Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.

McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.

Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.

Wehrbach, M. 1987. Nutritional Influences on Illness. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press.

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