Panax Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)

Whereas ginseng was formerly supposed to be confined to Chinese Tartary, it is now is known to be also a native of North America ( species Panax quinquefolium after the five-leaf formation common to the species) , and was used by the North American Indians. Chinese Ginseng is a larger plant, but presents practically the same appearance and habits of growth.

Asian ginseng, which includes Korean, Manchurian, Vietnamese and Chinese ginseng, is considered to be very "yang", or warm, and is often used for relatively limited periods of time. It contains roughly half the number of active ginsenocides found in American ginseng, which is considered to be cooler, or more "yin", and better suited for long term usage. For this reason American ginseng has become very prized in Asia, and most American ginseng is imported to Asian markets. Siberian ginseng is different again and is described separately here.

Used regularly, Ginseng can regulate the menstrual cycle, improve hormone balance and tone the uterus to improve the ability of the foetus to implant after conception.

Ginseng may help the body deal with physically and mentally stressful exposures such as heat, cold, physical exhaustion, viruses, bacteria, chemicals, extreme working conditions, noise, and pollution. By strengthening the system, it may also help prevent illness.

The anti-stress effect seems to derive from its antioxidant and steroid metabolism activity on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal endocrine function. It improves adaptation to dimished blood flow to the brain. Ginseng also produces an increase of amine nerve transmitter substances in the brain and adrenal gland