Ginseng, a rather ordinary looking perennial, once thrived in the woodlands of Asia and North America.  Because of its preference for cool climates, hillsides and deep forests, it became know as; the plant that hides from man.  Because of its strength-giving powers and commercial value, it has been over harvested.  There is very little wild ginseng left in the world.

Today, 99% of all ginseng is commercially grown.  Wisconsin produces approximately 90% of the ginseng grown in the United States, over 2 million pounds annually.  Ninety-five percent of this valuable crop, considered the best in the world, is exported to Asia.

Similarly, there's a product on the market called Wild Red American Ginseng or Red Dock (Rumex Bymenosepalus).  This plant is not ginseng nor is it related to ginseng. It is not a member of the Panax family.

Korean Red Ginseng is a true ginseng.  It is Korean ginseng that has been processed in a special way to produce a red tinge.  It is usually of high quality and has a special appeal in Asia. 

China White or Panax Notoginseng, however, is a less-valued ginseng with low potency.  It has been used to treat nose bleeds, bruises and blood problems.

Best American Ginseng Co. guarantees its ginseng at the 9% ginsenoside level.  That's potent!  But the truth is our root often tests at over 11% ginsenoside levels. Today, many manufacturers promote their ginseng products by say Standardized or Standardized Ginsenosides Levels but look closely at the label.  Many products are standardized at 5%, 2% or less.  That's not very good.

Health Benefits of Ginseng

In China, ginseng is classified as a kingly herb, a mild herb with no harmful side-effects that can help the body maintain peak health.  Many Asians view ginseng as a regenerative elixir that, if taken over a period of time, can not only increase health and vitality, but can also prolong life.  It is believed that ginseng makes the body more resistant to disease, prevents decline in potency in older men, restores virility, increases general vitality, negates some of the effects of stress and gives seriously ill patients strength, energy and stamina. 

While most evidence of ginseng's effectiveness is more suggestive than conclusive, it does appear that ginseng helps facilitate metabolic equilibrium.  Russian research shows that ginseng:

• stimulates physical and mental activities in tired and weak individuals.
• strengthens and protects the human organism when under prolonged strain.
• stimulates and improves the working of the brain without the effects of a stimulant.
• increases energy and physical endurance.
• stimulates the functioning of the endocrine glands, including the sex organs.

In America, ginseng is being used to increase vitality, raise energy levels, improve athletic performance, build stamina and treat certain health problems.  Researchers are investigating claims that ginseng can help adjust blood pressure, reduce blood sugar and may be advantageous in the treatment of cancers, tuberculosis, diarrhea, kidney degeneration, rheumatism, shock and depression.

Some quality research has shown that specific ginsenosides can stimulate the brain, sedate the central nervous system, balance certain metabolic processes, improve muscle tone, stimulate the endocrine system and help balance hormone levels.  Research also suggests ginsenosides may be anti-tumor and anti-viral. 

Although ginseng is not a drug or a stimulant, many who use it, agree that if taken for a period of time, ginseng can increase feelings of well being, relieve fatigue and weak conditions and strengthen body functions.  Reputable studies in Japan and the United States have shown that ginseng may help reduce cell damage, thus, help counteract age-related changes.