This article is part of a series giving information about herbs and their medicinal properties. We are going to look at American ginseng in this article. You will find out what this herb is, how you can use it and the conditions that could be helped by American ginseng.
What is American Ginseng?
American ginseng is a perennial herb that grows wild in the east of North America. It can be recognised by its dark green leaves and clusters of red berries. There are various different types of ginseng and the American variety is probably the one that has been used and research the least. Having said that it is still a very popular remedy in Chinese medicine.
How to use American Ginseng
If you are looking for American ginseng there are a number of different remedies you can purchase. You can buy it in the form of powders, capsules, liquid tinctures and the whole root. If you are looking to buy a whole root the best one to go for is wild ginseng although this is the most expensive.
If you purchase the whole root there are a number of things you can do with it but the easiest is to prepare a tea. When you are making this you should slice the root and boil it for at least 45 minutes to get the maximum benefits and if possible avoid metal post. At least 2 teaspoons full of the root should be used for each serving of tea. In addition you can make a tea from the powder or you can use the root to make your own tincture.
Uses of American Ginseng
American ginseng is thought to be a cooling herb for that reason it can be used to treat conditions that are considered to be hot including stress, high blood pressure, nervousness and ulcers. It is believed by the Chinese to be a balancing herb that is better for both women and children. Often American ginseng is used to treat chronic fevers and to help people recover from infectious diseases. In addition it is also thought to strengthen the lungs and so can help with tuberculosis, bronchitis and asthma as well as a loss of voice.
Side Effects and Precautions
American ginseng may not be advisable for pregnant women and so should only be used under the supervision of your doctor. In addition if you are looking to buy American ginseng you should ensure it comes from a reputable source. It is actually quite an expensive herb and so you may come across companies selling a fake version of the herb and the safety may be questionable.
American ginseng is thought to be a very gentle herb and so side effects are rare. Normally side effects occur when people take American ginseng in too large doses or in combination with Korean ginseng. In addition there may be problems with people who have allergic reactions or health conditions that may not agree with the herb. If you have any concerns you should discuss it with your doctor.
Currently American ginseng is not known to interact with any other medication but that may be due to the lack of research on the herb. If you are taking medication and are concerned you should consult your doctor before taking American ginseng.
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