American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.)  

Herbalists consider ginsengs to be adaptogens- substances that improve an organism's ability to cope with chronic stress. ⁷   The effect is nonspecific and increases resistance to physical or psychological trauma and disease. ⁷   Western medicine has no similar analog to adaptogens besides a good diet and adequate sleep.  Some researchers contend that adaptogens, like ginseng, act on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to modulate the body's reaction to stressors. ^8,9    Other herbal properties include: stimulant, demulcent, stomachic, nervine, aphrodisiac. ¹   Traditionally, herbalists use American ginseng for  indigestion ¹ and loss of appetite ² and to improve vitality and concentration in old age. ¹⁰  

More recently, people use ginseng to improve athletic performance, to improve mental task performance, and to manage blood sugar  in Type 2 diabetes. ³   Researchers have studied other species of ginseng, notably Panax ginseng, for its effects on cancer prevention, fatigue, resistance to infection, male and female reproductive systems, and respiratory system. ^3,11

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