| WILD GINSENG
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 American Ginseng panax quinquefolia DESCRIPTION Wild Ginseng Perennial North American herb with dark green leaves and a smooth stem that grows to 2 feet. The taproot is large and fleshy.  Harvest the root. It blooms from May to August with a single cluster of greenish-white flowers. Cultivated for export, it is rare in the wild. Description of Plant and Culture A perennial slow growing plant with a large spindle-shaped fleshy root and a smooth erect stem; 1-2 feet high. Root sometimes resembling human form, spindle-shaped or forked. At the top of the stem are 3 large leaves palmately divided into 4-5 occasionally, 3-7 sharp-toothed oblong-lance-shaped leaflets. In the leaf axil grows an umbel of yellow-green, scented, flowers.  June to July. Fruits 2-seeded red berries follow the blossoms. Partial shade in zone 4. Used by Native Americans for healing. Native Americans in some areas used a decoction of ginseng root to relieve nausea and vomiting. Several tribes used it as an ingredient in love potions and charms. May inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. Panax means all-healing. Tonic for mental and physical fatigue Chewing the root releases its sapogins. ACTIONS DESCRIPTION HABITAT MAGICK USE WARNINGS SOURCE(S) ALL HERBS BOTANICAL Daily Herbal Tips [A Witches' Book of Shadows] aislinfae The Herb Book by John Lust 01212002  |
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