Panax quinquefolius

Panax quinquefolius is a slow-growing perennial reaching 0.3 m (1 ft) tall by 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) wide. Hardy to UK zone 3. Flowers in June. Hermaphrodite. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acidic, neutral, or mildly alkaline pH. Grows in full shade to semi-shade and prefers moist soil.

Description

A perennial herb. It grows up to 30 cm high. It spreads to 50 cm across. It has an aromatic branched rootstock. The leaves have short stalks. The leaves are divided into 3-7 leaflets that have teeth along the edge. The leaflets can be 15 cm long. The flowers are small and green-white. The fruit are red berries.

Edible Uses

A tea can be made from both the leaves and roots. The aromatic root is also candied and used as a masticatory.

Traditional Uses

A tea is made from the leaves and roots. The root is candied and chewed. The root is steamed for 4 hours over boiling water before drying and packing.

Medicinal Uses

This North American species of ginseng is said to have similar properties to Oriental ginseng (P. ginseng), though with a milder action, making it more likely to be prescribed for younger patients. It is cultivated in parts of America as a medicinal crop and is frequently harvested from the wild. The root is considered adaptogen, cardiotonic, demulcent, panacea, sedative, sialagogue, stimulant, and stomachic. It is used to treat chronic cough, low-grade fever, spontaneous or night sweating, and fatigue from chronic consumptive disease. Taken over an extended period, it is said to increase mental efficiency and physical performance while helping the body adapt to high or low temperatures and stress. Large doses are said to raise blood pressure, so some caution is advised. The root is harvested in autumn and dried for later use. Ginseng has a history of herbal use spanning over 5,000 years and is highly regarded in Oriental medicine for promoting health, general vigour, and longevity. The root is also alterative, carminative, emetic, and expectorant. It stimulates and relaxes the nervous system, encourages hormone secretion, improves stamina, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and increases resistance to disease. It is used internally to treat debility associated with old age or illness, lack of appetite, insomnia, stress, shock, and chronic illness. Ginseng is not normally prescribed for pregnant women, patients under 40, or those with depression, acute anxiety, or acute inflammatory disease. It is typically taken for no more than 3 weeks. Excess use can cause headaches, restlessness, raised blood pressure, and other side effects, particularly when combined with caffeine, alcohol, turnips, or bitter and spicy foods. Roots are preferably harvested from plants 6–7 years old and can be used fresh or dried. A dose of 10ug/ml of ginseng saponins has been shown to be significantly radio-protective when administered prior to gamma-irradiation. The leaf is emetic and expectorant.

Known Hazards

Individuals requiring anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin, should avoid use of ginseng. It is not recommended for individuals with impaired liver or renal function, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Other adverse effects include headaches, anxiety, trouble sleeping and an upset stomach. Through the cultivated procedures for American ginseng, fungal molds, pesticides, and various metals and residues have contaminated the crop, leading to health concerns.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It requires a deep moist humus rich soil. It should be in a shady position. It needs a well-drained slightly acid soil. It suits hardiness zone 3-9.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada*, China, Europe, France, Germany, Korea, Myanmar, Netherlands, North America, SE Asia, Tasmania, USA*,

Cultivation

Requires a deep moist humus rich soil in a shady position in a woodland. Requires deep shade, growing well on north-facing slopes and in woodland. Often grown as a medicinal plant, though considered to be inferior to Korean ginseng, P. ginseng. It is exported from N. America, mainly to Hong Kong. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root.

Propagation

Sow seed in a shady position in a cold frame, preferably as soon as it is ripe, otherwise as soon as it is obtained. Germination can be very slow and erratic. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a shady position in a greenhouse or frame for at least their first winter. Ensure pots are deep enough to accommodate the roots. Plant out into permanent positions in late summer. Alternatively, propagate by division in spring.

Other Uses

None known.

Other Information

It is cultivated commercially.

Notes

It is important as a medicinal herb and also added to soups. It has anticancer properties.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Five finger's root, Genseng, Garantogen, Garantogere, Grantogen, Jinshard, Manroot, Ninsin, Sang, Tartar root, True ginseng, Xi yang shen, Wild ginseng

References (23)

• Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 757
• Bremness, L., 1994, Herbs. Collins Eyewitness Handbooks. Harper Collins. p 199
• Esperanca, M. J., 1988. Surviving in the wild. A glance at the wild plants and their uses. Vol. 1. p 53
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 26
• Gouldstone, S., 1983, Growing your own Food-bearing Plants in Australia. Macmillan p 169

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