Fresh American Ginseng
The beautiful white American ginseng is on harvest. Its roots have been growing in calcium rich soil on the eastern slope of a hill under poplar trees near wild ginger, bloodroot and green ferns. There are prongs spreading outward from the central taproot each prong with five green leaves. Bright red berries shine from the center prong like jewels in sunshine.
The white, moist and lightly fragrant roots are protected by law. To insure the precious species, it is illegal to harvest American ginseng before five years growth or not at all in certain states including Tennessee. If the taproot is picked the plant dies, but separate roots are taken usually after seven or eight years of growth. Harvesting mature ginseng is relatively easy and done with a trowel. It is illegal to dig up the taproot until a plant has 3 or 4 prongs. Harvesting younger plants prevents them from producing seed to reproduce themselves.
American Ginseng: A natural health Tonic
The medicinal properties of wild American ginseng are awe-inspiring. Both American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, L.) and Asian ginseng (Panax Ginseng) may boost energy, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, promote relaxation, treat diabetes, and manage stress and sexual dysfunction. But American ginseng is especially recommended to ease common discomforts of diabetes:
- Chronic thirst
- Chronic hunger
- Dry irritated skin
- Stressed internal organs
- High blood sugar mood and energy swings
The Yin and Yang of Ginsengs
Whereas Asian ginseng, (aka red Korean ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Panax ginseng,) is warming and stimulating, TCM classifies American ginseng as a “yin” tonic that is moistening, adaptogenic and rejuvenating. It helps to balance physical and mental functions. It is cool, calming, and non-stimulating—making it ideal for today's busy, fast-paced, stressful lifestyles.
American Ginseng and Beauty
Fresh or dried American ginseng supports rehydration to not only reduce chronic thirst and dry mouth but dry skin and wrinkles. Our natural fluids released by yin foods and herbs underlie strong, healthy hair, lustrous skin and firm nails. Youth is juicy, bold, and resilient like the hearty white root that soaks up valuable minerals such as calcium from the soil, slowly matures in warmth and sunshine through summer and is harvested in September.
American Ginseng and the Brain
Panax quinquefolium fresh American Ginseng effectively regulates our immune response and hormonal changes due to stress, thus maintaining homeostasis. In addition to suppressing the occurrence of psychological diseases such as anxiety and depression, it also prevents stress-associated physiological diseases. Experiments have shown that it improves cognitive function. Studies on American ginseng published by NIH national institutes of health report::
- Ginseng is traditionally used to protect the nervous system.
- Ginseng is effective in memory improvement, and in the direct prevention of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
- Chronic stress can trigger …diseases because of abnormal immune responses and hormonal disorders. However, regular ingestion of ginseng has both preventive and therapeutic effects on several human diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus (DM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction (ED), and allergic asthma. These diseases can be more prevalent in patients with depression and anxiety, in comparison to healthy individuals. …because of their physical pain, or indicate that depression and anxiety predispose to secondary physical illnesses.
How to Eat Fresh American Ginseng
Wing Hop Fung has received its annual large shipment of American ginseng from Wisconsin, which has the best terrain, climate and rich soil for growing it. The roots are carefully packed to preserve tender freshness and flavor. The entire root can be cooked in soups, made into tea or medicinal liquor, or eaten raw.
To make a tea, grate or slice the root, steep it in boiling water for 5-10 minutes as you would any tea. It contains no caffeine.
- A stronger tea can be made by simmering the root in water for 15 minutes. Raw honey or lemon can be added to the cooled tea. Enjoy chewing the root after cooking the tea.
- Make a pleasantly mild tasting medicinal liquor by steeping the root in brandy or vodka for about two weeks.
- Soak the root in spring water in a glass jar kept in your refrigerator. Sip the semi-sweet tonic daily as needed and replace the water each time so that the root stays fresh.
- Crunch a bite of the root when you notice your skin is dry and stressed.
- Crunch a bite of the root before you go out in very hot weather to help prevent heat stroke or weakness.
There are many ways to enjoy the wonderful benefits of fresh American ginseng the revitalizing panacea known and loved for centuries.
