Ginseng information 2

Ginseng refers to a group of adaptogenic herbs from the plant family Araliacae. Commonly, ginseng refers to "true" ginseng, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, or Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) or "Eleuthero" for short. Medicinal preparations are made from the roots of the plants. Panax ginseng has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years as a tonic indicated for its beneficial effects on the central nervous system, protection from stress ulcers, increase of gastrointestinal motility, anti-fatigue action, enhancement of sexual function and acceleration of metabolism. Siberian ginseng did not really come into the picture as a botanical remedy until the 20th century. Found in the northern regions of the former Soviet Union, the roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus were sought out as a cheaper substitute for the expensive Oriental ginsengs. Soviet researchers found Siberian ginseng to be an excellent tonic to enhance athletic performance as well as to strengthen the body during times of stress. Modern herbalists consider Siberian ginseng to be a more neutral, less stimulating adaptogen than its cousin, Panax ginseng. Several other "ginsengs" are used as adaptogenic tonics throughout the world; among them are Panax quinquefolium (also known as American ginseng) and Ashwagandha, sometime called Indian ginseng, (although not a true ginseng). American ginseng is the most similar to "true" ginseng and is actually prized in the Orient where it is thought to provide a "cooler" invigoration than the native ginsengs.

ginseng seed

Ginseng and other Woodland Wild Herbs
Over 4,000 ginseng plants planted in Glensfork woods!
[Article published in the _Adair Progress_ May 8, 1997]
Four thousand ginseng seed have been planted in the wild woods on 13 farms in the Glensfork Kentucky area. Pre-sprouted seed were obtained from a grower in Tennessee. While we had intended to make some seed available to landowners and diggers for planting, the pre-sprouted condition and the lateness of the season caused us to plant them quickly. In the future we will continue efforts to make ginseng seed available at cost, either in the Autumn or the Spring. The Ginseng Cooperators Group started last year as a nonprofit association of diggers, consumers and landowers/growers who want to sustain the wild herbs industry in Adair County for future generations. A total of $55 was issued to eight landowners in October 1996 as commission on sale of wild ginseng and goldenseal harvested from their woods. Some landowners chose to donate their shares to the GCG by not cashing their cheques; these donations are registered as credit towards GCG membership fees, or seed. $70 was invested in seed. In five years time this investment will grow to at least $4,200 value, an increase of 600%. While it is difficult for any one farmer to prevent a ginseng patch from being stolen, by making the wild ginseng crop a public asset it cannot be stolen, but only shared; as our grandmothers and grandfathers shared the bounty of the wild woods for generations before. The landowner has the right to limit access and control the harvesting of wild herbs on his or her land. GCG wishes to thank all the diggers, consumers, traders and woodland-owners who help sustain the wild herbs industry in Adair County. -30-

American Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, San, Redberry, five fingers, man root, divine root, Root of life

Ginseng Panax Quinquefolium
Other Names: American Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, San, Redberry, five fingers, man root, divine root, Root of life
Habitat Perennial herb, native to Eastern N. America found from Maine to Georgia, west to Oklahoma and Minnesota, growing in rich soils in cool woods. Cultivation: Ginseng requires a deep moist humus rich soil in a shady position in a woodland, growing well on north-facing slopes and in deep cool woodland areas. Seeds should be sown in a shady position in a cold frame or greenhouse, and spend least their first winter there. Plant into their permanent positions in late summer or early spring. It has a large, thick, fleshy, whitish, root, growing 3 to 4 inches in length, specimens have been found twice this size. Most roots are spindle shaped with smaller appendages. The stem is simple and erect, on average about 1 to 2 foot high, bearing three to five large, palmate, leaves in a whorl atop the stem, each leaf is long stalked, divided into five finely-toothed, short petiole, leaflets, and a single, terminal umbel, with a few small, yellowish or light green flowers which grow on a short stalk from the center of the whorl of leaves. The fruit is a cluster of bright red berries. Flowers bloom in June and July. Gather the roots in Fall after the berries or seeds have fallen away. Dry for later herb use. The wild supply is quickly being diminished due to over harvesting for export to china and other countries, in some areas it is illegal to harvest during certain months of the year.

Properties Ginseng herb has a long history of use as an alternative medicine going back over 5,000 years, and appears on several continents (origin unknown), it is and was used extensively in Native American medicine. The root is adaptogen, cardiotonic, demulcent, panacea, sedative, sialagogue, stimulant, tonic and stomachic. Ginseng has been studied over the past 30 years in many countries, it’s remarkable ability to help the body adapt to mental and emotional stress, fatigue, heat, cold, and even hunger is confirmed and documented! The major constituents in Ginseng are Triterpenoid saponins, Ginsenosides (at least 29 have been identified), Acetylenic compounds, Panaxans, and Sesquiterpenes. Taken over an extended period it is used to increase mental and physical performance. It is medicinal and therapeutic for the whole body. A very powerful medicinal herb, it both stimulates and relaxes the nervous system, encourages the secretion of hormones, improves stamina, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels and increases resistance to disease. The ginsenosides that produce these effects are very similar to the body’s own natural stress hormones. It is used in the treatment of debility associated with old age or illness, lack of appetite, insomnia, stress, shock and chronic illness. Ginseng also increases immune function, resistance to infection, and supports liver function. The leaf is emetic and expectorant. The root is candied and used as a an edible medicinal kind of candy.Ginseng stimulates and increases endocrine activity in the body. Promotes a mild increase in metabolic activity and relaxes heart and artery movements. Stimulates the medulla centers and relaxes the central nervous system. CAUTION: Don't take Ginseng and Ginseng mixtures with Coffee as it will accelerate the caffeine effects on the body and can cause diarrhea. Ginseng is said to be highly good for the metabolism, and promotes general well being. It has a reputation as an aphrodisiac, but this seems to be totally based on the fact that it relaxes the overly tense person a bit. If you suffer from back pain or TMJ adding this to a tea of Catnip and slippery elm may help. It is also presumably useable as an ingredient in a meade or magewine.

Folklore The roots are called Jin-chen by the natives of China, meaning 'like a man,' in reference to their looking like the human form. The American Indian name for the plant, garantoquen, has (strangely) the same meaning and uses, seeing how each race had no knowledge of the existence of the other. The American Indians attributed much magic power to Ginseng. The Seminole Indians using it as a Love Medicine, rubbed it on the body and clothes to bring back a divorced wife.
Dosage This seems to vary, some say 1000 mg. a day, others more or less! I just break off a small piece of the dried root (aspirin size) and swallow it with the daily vitamin.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron Copyright 2000

Ginseng information

The most ask questions we get is how much is ginseng selling for? And, When they do get ready to harvest the roots, Who do they take it to to sell it? Where can they find a dealer? Well, I'm sure the price for good quality, dry ginseng will be different within 7 or 8 years when you get to a point to sell your roots but over the last 3 or 4 years it has been going anywhere from around $250 to $500 per pound... Who do you sell it to? That is the hard question! 1st I would try to keep it in your own State that you live in. It is a protected plant but its ok to grow your own but when you start taking it out of your home State you will have to purchase a license. If you can't get a fair price for your harvest and you have alot of rootlets getting licensed will be your best choice to get a higher price... Its not hard to find a dealer to sell to. Its hard to find one that will give you a fair price for good quality roots. When you sell it to a dealer. He takes it to another dealer and that dealer takes it to someone else. It passes hands maybe 5 times before it gets to be exported to China. Everyone tries to find someone higher up the ladder so they can bypass the middle man but this is almost impossible also because they are interested in more than the small grower can supply. They are interested in Tons! If you sell it for say-- $300 /lb by the time it gets to exported they will probably be paying 4 or 5 times that for it. That doesn't sound real but it is true and you think you are making good money at $300 bucks a pound. Beginning this year alot or growers all around the Appalachian Mt. area are planning to form coorperations. They will have a grading system so you know what you have and you will have a good ideal what your ginseng is worth without someone picking through it and telling you it is low grade. You will probably have to pay a small percentage fee for your roots to be sold but it will bypass alot of hands and you will get a very good price. Not to harm the dealers. Just to get a fair price. Well, I'll write more on this later but so far I have heard nothing but good news for the smaller growers and wildcrafters. More later!

How To Grow Ginseng
Info about planting, harvesting, and growing your own herbal garden or Ginseng patch. If it is your 1st time don't start out spending alot of money on a large amount seeds or roots. Start small and plant more and more each year. The most important thing is to START and to plant seeds or roots EVERY year. Each year you will have more and more ginseng roots and seeds and you will become even more interested in it. Also, if you plant every year, when you do begin to harvest, you will have a harvest every year.
GINSENG is a fleshy rooted herb, native to well drained, cool, shaded hardwood forests. Ginseng does not grow in full sunlight, so the natural place to plant it is in hardwood forests, where the trees provide the needed shade. Ginseng is a perennial plant, but unlike other perennials, lies dormant some years and does not grow new tops every year. The root does not die, but lies dormant until the following year. Ginseng is one of the most sought after herbs on the market. The future for growing ginseng looks promising for many years as more and more is being used now in the United States in addition to the Orient. All Health Food stores, Drug stores, and even the small gas stations now sell it in capsules, powdered, etc. The demand keeps going up every year.
Highly prized by Asian cultures as an aphrodisiac and a cure for everything from impotence to lack of concentration. It relieves fatigue, mental and nervous exhaustion. The Chinese have always placed a high value on ginseng and millions have used it for centuries. Western people have remained skeptical of its use because the Chinese people prepare and use this herb in superstitious ways. Carrying a dried root in their pocket for good luck is one of these superstitions. It is said that the use of ginseng will add a decade of years to a human life. The most desired root for this purpose is one in the shape of the human body. These roots have been known to bring their weight in gold. The Chinese put the highest value on ginseng. It's used only by the wealthiest, and will bring several hundred dollars per pound.
One year old plants will have 3 leaflets, looking like a strawberry plant. The 2nd year usually 5 leaflets, and the next years it begins to branch out with two, three, and four prongs with three to five leaflets in each prong. It grows in the wild about 1 foot tall, which blooms in the summer. When it ripens in the fall or late summer with bright red berries, each berry usually having 2 seeds. The seeds may be kept in damp sand for 1 year and used for replanting or sold. In its wild, natural state, it grows in cool, shady, hardwood forest that takes about 6 to 8 years to grow to the point where its roots are large enough to harvest. About 4 or 5 years if it is cultivated using fertilizers and pesticides but wild ginseng gives a much better price.
Growers cannot expect to reap the rich rewards of the harvest overnight. Ginseng is a slow growing plant that takes years to grow. But in a few years you will be well started for a huge profit. It is impossible to get a full picture of growing ginseng in any book. Everyone is different and has different plans. We hope that we can give you some ideals without making too many mistakes. Feel free to ask any question at any time. The most important thing is to START and to plant seeds or roots EVERY year. Each year you will have more and more ginseng roots and seeds and you will become even more interested in it. Also, if you plant every year, when you do begin to harvest, you will have a harvest every year. Its OK to start small to get some experience growing ginseng. Thatกฏs the best way and it will not cost you a lot of money. In 4 or 5 years you will start to have your own seeds to plant. Your small hobby or venture will be getting bigger and bigger every year.

How To Grow Ginseng In Hardwood Forest:

Ginseng can be planted in any hardwood forest or backyard that is mostly shade. Plant seeds or roots in the Fall from Sept. 1st through February and it will sprout up in the spring. It can grow in any soil except southern Florida. If you live in the USA or Canada and not sure if you can grow it, you can look at the

zone map. For American Ginseng, zones 3 through 7 is fine. Zone 2 and 8 is border line. Ginseng will not grow in a open field like corn or soy beans. It needs about 80% shade and the rotten leaves makes the perfect place.
Seeds can be planted individually throughout the woods, which is nature's way. The closer it grows in its natural environment, the more it has the characteristics of wild ginseng. When planted under lath sheds or other artificial shade, the roots are heavier in weight, are shaped differently, and they grow faster. The Chinese do not value the artificial shade grown roots as highly as the natural grown wild ginseng, but the roots being usually twice as heavy means that you get twice as many pounds and it sells for about 1/4 of the price per pound of the wild or less. The plant is the same in either case, but the difference in value comes in how it is grown.

Another method being used more extensively the last few years is to find a well shaded place in the woods and rake all the leaves to the side and broadcasting the seed lightly, then rake it in a little and cover it with mulch or use the leaves that you raked to the side, but don’t use OAK leaves because they are too big and tough for the new plants to come up through. This method is much less time consuming than planting in rows. When planting in larger amounts it is best to grub out the brush where you are going to plant.
When planting in rows, plant the rows 8 to 10 inches apart and the seeds about 4 to 6 inches apart in the rows. Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. As soon as planted, seeds should be covered with woods dirt. Seeds must never be left to get dry or they won't grow. After being planted and covered, then cover them with about a 1inch of mulch so the plant can come up through in the spring. That should be all you have to do to keep it growing, the next fall should take care of the mulching its self from the leaves falling if you picked a good natural forest area. Rotted leaves are best for mulch, never use straw or hay. It has too many other seeds in it that will grow like grass, weeds, and clover seeds. Mulch helps prevent heaving by frost and keeps ground from drying out and baking. It is good to leave some mulch on all the time. When planted throughout the forest, this is usually taken care of by nature by the leaves falling in the fall. Growing it commercially is good too, but involves quite a lot of expense, time, etc., but is profitable if one wants to make a business of growing it but remember you will only get a fraction of the price of wild-stimulated ginseng.

If you decide to grow ginseng in your backyard, pots, or in the woods keep it in a mostly shady area. Plant the seeds and cover it with about 1 inches of rotten leaves or mulch. Plant the seeds in the fall and they will sprout up in the spring. If you plant seeds in small plastic trays or peat trays you can transplant them when they become a couple of inches high. When planting in pots, use pots that are at least 8 inches deep and use only plastic not the clay pots. Clay pots seem to dry out more easily than plastic.

DIGGING AND DRYING ROOTS
Dig roots in the fall as the above-ground parts die back. Ginseng roots do not grow straight down. Their usually at about 45 degrees in the ground. Carefully expose the under-ground stem at the base of the above-ground portion, and follow it until it joins the top of the true root. Remember that the taproot may be forked and that it has many diffusely branched rootlets. Expose the whole root and wash as soon as possible but do not scrub. A little soil left around the root rings may enhance its value.
Spread cleaned roots on a piece of old ply wood or screen rack in the shade for drying. Donกฏt put them directly in the sun to dry. The sun will discolor the roots to some degree. Turn them frequently and provide adequate aeration. Drying time varies with root size and drying techniques. Large roots require three or more weeks to dry at room temperature or outdoors but small roots dry in a few days. I dry them until they just start to snap when you bend enough to break them. Do not oven dry or put them in the microwave. Drying is to fast and will discolor the roots. Store the dried roots in a dry, airy, rodent-proof place until ready for sale.

How To Straitify Seeds
In the fall when you harvest your seeds. You can leave the pulp on. Dig a hole in a good well drained shady area about 1 foot deep, 3 feet wide, and as long as you want. Line the sides and bottom with brick or large rocks to keep moles and mice out. Their is no need to cement the blocks because you want it to be able to drain. You can even bury a 5 gallon bucket with plenty of drain holes drilled in it if you have a small amount of seeds to stratify. Line the bottom with 1 inch of sand, then a 1 inch layer of seeds, then another layer of sand. Keep adding a layer of sand and a layer of seeds until you get to the top. Make sure the top layer is sand and cover it with a sheet of old plywood.