Interesting. I was always under the impression (from what I had read on the subject) that American root was--if not "inferior to", at least less desirable--than Asian or Siberian.
‘Siberian ginseng” (Eleutherococcus sentocosus) is not ginseng. It does exhibit some of the same properties as the true ginsengs, but it is not ginseng, plain and simple. Don't believe what you read. It is a marketing ploy to sell a much less valuable product at higher prices to the unknowing consumer. In the business, it is called ‘Eleuthero’.
I have been active in ginseng research for the past 20 years, given numerous lectures and was president of the ESGGA for six years (Empire State Ginseng Growers Association). Mrs. panax and I have traveled far and wide throughout New York State, as well as surrounding states conducting learning seminars on this subject.
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) does command high prices from Asians. Chinese ginseng is “hot” or gives you an quicker energetic rush, if you will, while American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) has a more mellow long-lasting effect on the endocrine system without giving you the jitters like coffee would.
At one time, Panax ginseng was abundant throughout Asia, but it has been mostly extirpated from their woods due to a Billion people digging it for 5000 years. Incredible prices have been paid for true Asian WILD ginseng due to its scarcity. They now grow most of it in a cultivated manner under artificial shade cloth, adding chemicals that are proven carcinogens as well as human feces for fertilizer. American ginseng is also cultivated without the use of human poop, but is still the second most sprayed on crop in America. Wild American ginseng of high quality has always brought high prices. The Chinese and Koreans cherish the older wild roots we have and will pay premium prices for roots over a hundred years old.
Both Asian and American contain the same group of ginsenosides, but at different levels, some higher, some lower. Much research as been conducted on the comparison between the two and it was found that American ginseng is higher in certain ginsenosides than the Asian variety. Both are beneficial to humans if used correctly.
Few people are aware that American ginseng was one of the first exports from our newly formed country and helped fund our revolution. Robert Morris (one of the 56 signers of the Constitution) was heavily involved in the ginseng exporting business to Canton, China back in 1784. John Jacob Astor also made lots of money exporting ginseng. Daniel Boone was involved in the collection and sale of this precious American commodity. He hired local Indians to harvest the roots from the woods and then brought them up the Ohio River by barge to Philadelphia for export to China. It is reported that on one trip his barge was capsized with 12 tons of root lost. He repeated the trip the following year with an equal amount. He made incredible profits from his venture, which funded his explorations.
American ginseng is just as beneficial as Asian ginseng. If you use ginseng, make sure it is not from Wisconsin (cultivated and heavily sprayed). It is of low quality and may be worse for you than you can imagine. Buy wild certified roots if you can afford them.
Again, Siberian ginseng is NOT ginseng!
Take care.......panax
If you’d like to learn more check out our website at www.catskillginseng.com
Here’s a good article from AP. A few years back, but still relevant.
http://www.catskillginseng.com/html/articles/buffnews.htm