American ginseng is considered to be a stress reducer, energizer and a normalizer. The name panax comes from the Greek word panacea meaning, “all healing”.

It has been traditionally used to negate the effects of fatigue and stress. It’s often used as a general health tonic to enhance a person’s mental and physical performance.

It’s a powerful adaptogen . An adaptogen is a substance that reduces the effects of any kind of stress, be it physical or mental. Roots must be at least four years old to be beneficial. The older the root, the more potent it is.

This type of ginseng is well known for it’s ability to fight physical and mental fatigue. Many athlete take it while training for a boost in strength and stamina. Students often take it while studying for tests as it helps maintain a high level of mental alertness and improves memory.

A study done in 2005 by the Canadian Medical Association Journal states that American ginseng may help prevent and treat the common cold. Participants in the study who were given American ginseng got fewer colds than the people not taking it. The people who were taking it did get a cold, their symptoms were less and didn’t last as long as the people in the control group.

Since this type of ginseng helps to regulate blood sugar levels,  it may be helpful to people with diabetes. People taking American ginseng before meals kept post-meal blood sugar levels in the normal range.

It has a very beneficial effect on the adrenal glands and other organs of the body such as the kidneys. The adrenal glands secrete hormones important to the reduction of physical and emotional stress. It is beneficial to those suffering from depression and anxiety.

American ginseng contains potent antioxidants, helping to boost the action of the immune system. It is thought that people taking it may experience less illness.