American Ginseng

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), the North American cousin of Asian ginseng, is native to the hardwood forests of Wisconsin and Canada.

Of the same family, it nonetheless shows a radically different profile: cooler, more moistening, less supplementing in the raw.

Grown under strict rules (often as simulated wild culture), its ivory-white streaked roots are thinly sliced and dried.

Its Chinese name Hua Qi Shen speaks of its provenance, “the land of flowers” (the United States).

A material of the Qi supplementing register that does not warm. Traditionally used for constitutions where the Qi is weary but where a deficiency of the Yin also stands, with a sense of heat and inner Dryness.

Unlike Ren Shen, which can overheat constitutions of deficient Yin, Xi Yang Shen feeds them twice over.

A herb of choice in the modern setting, where overwork often comes with dryness.

• Infusion or short decoction (Pao Fu 泡服): 3 to 6 g, water at a simmer, 10 to 15 minutes — the preferred method, since prolonged heat lessens its action
• Slices to chew: 1 to 2 slices held slowly in the mouth for a gradual release
• Modern use: valued through intense periods of intellectual work and for constitutions of deficient Yin

To be avoided in cases of deficient Yang with deep cold or of very cold constitutions.

Classical incompatibility with Li Lu (Veratrum). Start with a small quantity to judge how it suits you.