Ginseng Root Powder (USA)

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a close relative to Asian ginseng (P. ginseng), perhaps the most recognized medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine. When Jesuit missionaries discovered American ginseng growing in Canada in the eighteenth century, it caused a veritable gold rush. The two plants are chemically and botanically similar with fleshy, forked roots that resemble the human form.

In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is considered a cure-all tonic, particularly for the elderly, that strengthens and revitalizes the whole body. American ginseng is associated with cooling, yin properties that complement the warming, yang energy of Asian ginseng. Western herbal medicine promotes both plants as adaptogens that improve the body’s natural defenses and combat stress and fatigue.

American ginseng is now rare in the wild and difficult to grow. The roots are harvested after several years and ground into a fine powder. Although typically encapsulated, ginseng root powder may also be added to soups and drinks. It tastes subtly sweet, sweeter than Asian ginseng, with a mild bitter aftertaste.