Where To Find Ginseng – American, Asian and Siberian Varieties

The two most widely used types of ginseng plants are Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). These are vining, herbaceous plants with medicinal roots.

Siberian ginseng is also used for its therapeutic potentials, but is not a true ginseng species. Siberian ginseng is actually a woody shrub plant called Eleutherococcus senticosus.

Along with E. senticosus, Asian and American ginseng are considered to be adaptogens in Chinese medicine. They are used to prevent and treat a wide array of ailments and disease.

Both Asian and American ginseng are sources of more than 200 plant chemicals (phytonutrients). Some of these include ginsenosides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides glycans, peptides, polyacetylenes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Each species contains different amounts of these active molecules. This causes differences in their apparent therapeutic potentials.

Panax Ginseng

Adaptogen

Energy

Immune Function

Well- Being

How It Works:

• Boosts energy & mental focus
• Supports immune system & restores balance
• Improves mood, sleep quality & endurance

Dosage:

Between 100 - 400 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

Top Panax Ginseng Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Where to Find American Ginseng

American ginseng is a perennial plant that grows in certain North American deciduous forests; especially those along the eastern seaboard of the United States.

Due to increasing worldwide demand and overharvesting, some populations of American ginseng are endangered.

Panax quinquefolius is a 5-leaflet plant that develops red berries in autumn. Mature plants will have at least three stem “prongs”.

In the autumn when the berries are ripest, the leaves will turn yellow. The red berries and yellow leaves are key field markers that ginseng hunters look for.

American ginseng plants can be difficult to find for beginners. Young hickory tree saplings and Virginia creepers often confuse new ginseng hunters.

Panax quinquefolius seems to prefer well-drained terrain with little opposing ground cover. Some, but not excessive undergrowth seems favorable.

Where Does American Ginseng Grow?

Woodlands with plenteous shade and mineral-rich soils are favorable for American ginseng growth. Most American ginseng is found in the Appalachian range of eastern United States.

It also grows throughout other regions which provide distinct warm/cold climatic cycles.

This plant occurs naturally in an area spanning between Minnesota, Quebec, Georgia and Oklahoma. American ginseng root is also cultivated in other countries to fulfill demands of local and export markets.

In the United States, you can find ginseng in Wisconsin, West Virginia, Virginia, Vermont, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, Missouri, Minnesota, Maryland, Kentucky, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Arkansas and Alabama.

Each of these states regulates ginseng harvesting and serious penalties apply to those who break harvesting laws.

In Canada, harvesting American ginseng is not permitted by individuals. Panax quinquefolius is classified as an endangered species in Ontario, Quebec, and nationally.

While the US exports much of its ginseng to China and other countries, ginseng root export from Canada is prohibited.

Benefits of American Ginseng

Some research suggests that American ginseng is effective for strengthening immunity, resisting stress, reversing aging effects, reducing risks for cancer, improving mental performance and increasing overall well-being. It is both a stimulant and a diuretic.

Some popular uses for American ginseng extract include fighting infections, stimulating appetite, improving digestion, controlling blood glucose levels, protecting the heart and combating ED (erectile dysfunction).

Other uses include treatment for anemia, fatigue, fever, gastritis, hypertension, schizophrenia, HIV/AIDS, convulsions, headaches and ADHD.

The above list of American ginseng uses is not exhaustive. Panax quinquefolius is also included in various cosmetic, soap, soft drink, oil and extract products.

Where to Find Asian Ginseng

Asian ginseng grows prevalently in cooler regions of eastern Asia; including Bhutan, Korea, Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, northeastern China and eastern Siberia.

Like American ginseng, there are various uses for Panax ginseng which have yet to be validated clinically. However, there are several uses backed by research.

Asian ginseng is rated as possibly effective for Alzheimer’s disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cognitive functioning, ED, Influenza, MS (multiple sclerosis)-related fatigue, premature ejaculation and sexual arousal.

Where to Find Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng is often referred to as eleuthero. It is native to several countries in northeastern Asia. Some of these include certain provinces in China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, North and South Korea, Russia and eastern Siberia.

Finding Siberian ginseng is most successful in coniferous mountain forests. It forms a low-based undergrowth and is often found in thickets, or along the edges of the forests.

Siberian ginseng also seems to prefer oak groves and the feet of cliffs. It is not believed to grow well in high altitude riparian woodlands.

Benefits of Siberian Ginseng

Although it is not botanically related to Asian and American ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus is also considered an adaptogen in traditional Chinese medicine.

It is used to reduce damage from stress, slow down aging, lower blood pressure, balance lipids and increase capacities for work.

Siberian ginseng is rated as possibly effective for treating bipolar disorder, herpes simplex ii and the common cold. It also shows promise for improving athletic performance, cognitive performance, CFS, heart disease, influenza, osteoarthritis and quality of life.

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