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Ginseng
(Panax quinquefolium)
American ginseng, five fingers, five-leafed ginseng, redberry
 Description:
A 1-2 foot perennial. The fleshy root sometimes resembles
a human form. Leaves are palmately, divided into 4-5 sharp-toothed,
oblong-lance-shaped leaflets. The plant is topped by a
solitary simple umbel of greenish-yellow flowers. The
fruit is a small, red, edible, drupe-like berry. Only
use roots that are 5 years, or older. Found growing wild
in eastern North America, now, mainly under cultivation.
Medicinal:
The red berry is edible. It is a demulcent, panacea, stimulant,
and stomachic.
This North American ginseng has similar uses to the Oriental
kind, but is less stimulating and more relaxing. Useful
in fevers, inflammatory illnesses, hemorrhaging and blood
diseases. Helps promote mental and physical vigor, promotes
appetite and digestive problems. Used by women for normalizing
menstruation and easing childbirth. Use the root, collected
after flowering, and dried. Make into a tea, to your taste,
and as needed. Note: It should not be taken continuously.
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