Ginseng Plant

According to historians, the ginseng plant was first discovered in the mountainous regions of northern China, around 5000 years ago. Initially, this plant was used for culinary purposes, but, later, its therapeutic properties were identified. It is believed that this plant has been used as a popular herb, for the last 3000 years. It has a very prominent place in traditional Chinese medicine, as it is used in the treatment of various diseases. The resemblance of the shape of ginseng roots to the human body, strengthened the belief in its therapeutic properties. It is the fleshy roots of the ginseng plant, which is most valued for its medicinal properties, but the leaves are also used, albeit sparingly. It has been observed that the leaves are not as effective as the roots, which are also highly priced.

Ginseng Plant Information

Wild ginseng is found in some of the mountainous regions of Asia, especially China. There are eleven species of ginseng, which belong to the genus Panax and family Araliaceae. These slow-growing plants with fleshy roots grow in regions with cooler climates. The most valued among the various ginseng plants are the Panax ginseng, otherwise known as Asian ginseng and Panax quinquefolius, which is also known as the American ginseng. While the Siberian ginseng is considered a different plant, which has some of the properties of the ginseng plant, the Korean ginseng or red ginseng is Panax ginseng that has been heated or steamed and marinated. Korean ginseng is considered the most effective one among the various types of ginseng.

Physical Features

Even though there are many types of ginseng, the American and Asian ginseng are the most valued ones and are used widely. Both Asian and American ginseng plants are almost similar in appearance. These slow-growing plants usually grow in the slopes of ravines and in well-drained mountainous hardwood forests. Ginseng plants are perennials with small rhizomes, which are attached to fleshy whitish roots. These aromatic plants have single stems, that develop from the rhizome, every year. The palmate compound leaves (with five leaflets) of a ginseng plant are arranged in a single whorl. The leaves are oblong and serrate, with their length ranging between six to fifteen centimeters. The solitary stems of these plants produce one flower cluster each. The flowers are greenish-white in color and develop bright red berries with seeds. Ginseng plants grow to a length that ranges between eight to thirty centimeters.

Ginseng Plant Uses

Ginseng, being very popular for its medicinal properties, are commercially cultivated in many parts of the world. Owing to the ever rising demand for ginseng, wild ginseng has become so rare that it is almost endangered. The ginseng plant is mainly used for its therapeutic properties. It is widely accepted as a herbal medicine and is an important constituent in traditional Chinese medicine. It is used in the treatment of diabetes, sexual dysfunction in men, to lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar, etc. It is found effective as an aphrodisiac and stimulant too and is very popular as an anti-aging supplement. Ginseng benefits include its use in cosmetics and also in energy drinks, like the ginseng tea. It is also added to soups. But, over consumption or improper use may cause ginseng side effects too.

As mentioned earlier, wild ginseng plants are rare nowadays, and so, it is commercially cultivated. Ginseng plant care is not very difficult or messy, if you have a basic idea about these plants. However, it take almost four to five years for the roots to grow properly and so, harvesting can be done after this period only.