ABSTRACT
American ginseng, scientific name Panax quinquefolius, is a close relative of Chinese ginseng, and belongs to the Araliaceae family, which is the same as Siberian ginseng. American ginseng was used medicinally by many Native American tribes as a health stimulant and sexual tonic and for various health problems including headaches, female infertility, digestive problems, fever, and earache. American ginseng is classified as an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps the body adapt to stress and improves immune response. Chinese herbalists consider American ginseng to be a cooling herb, so it can be used as a tonic and immune strengthener for people who are overstressed or suffer from hot conditions like high blood pressure, excess nervous energy, or ulcers. Of the traditional ginsengs, American ginseng is probably the least used and researched variety. Americans have never been large consumers of American ginseng.
