American ginseng - Roots
Processing
After the harvest, fresh American Ginseng roots are washed with care, sorted and dried at a low temperature. This all to make sure that the content of active ingredients (ginsenosides) remain on a high level. It also secures the uniform beige color of the tissue in the root.To create so-called 'main roots', all secondary little roots (also called slender tails or prongs) are cut off manually. After that the remaining roots are sorted into their own category for length or width. Roots that approximate a spherical shape have more value.
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Examples of different sizes and types of the American Ginseng root. |
The roots can be sorted according to standardized measures, but upon request we can sort them conforming to any size or shape you desire.
Composition of the roots
Despite common belief, it is not always the case that roots with a longer growth period are better than younger roots. The level of active ginseng-ingredients does increase gradually as the root ages, but it is the circumstances under which the plant develops that determine its ginsenosides levels.Different roots from one and the same piece of land with the same number of growth years and the same level of ginsenosides can have very different shapes and sizes. Therefore the larger roots don't necessarily have better qualities than the small ones.
The distinction between first and second grade is mostly based on visual aspects. Ginseng roots with (spots of a) divergent color, some damage or unattractive growth patterns are usually marked 'second choice'. The level of ginsenosides in first and second grade roots is equal and so is their strength.
Packaging
Normally any bulk quantities are packed in plastic bags in cardboard boxes or barrels.If desired, smaller quantities can be packed in transparent plastic boxes.
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In smaller quantities American Ginseng roots can be packed in transparent plastic boxes. | |
Properties
Different parts of the American Ginseng roots contain different levels of ginsenosides. The tiny hair-roots or fibers contain 2 to 3 times more ginsenosides than the main roots. |
Average content of individual ginsenosides in various parts of the American Ginseng roots in one batch. . |
Know that the mutual levels of the individual ginsenosides in the fibers slightly differ from those in the main roots. Due to this, theoretically the fibers could have a slightly different effect on the body.
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The relationship between the individual ginsenosides is slightly different between the various root parts. |
The taste of the American Ginseng root can be qualified as bitter-sweet. As the level of ginsenosides rises, the root's bitter taste intensifies and the sweet taste declines.
Dried American Ginseng roots are rock-hard. Carefully heating them in an oven or microwave softens them, allowing them to be cut with a knife.
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Woodsgrown American Ginseng roots were grown in forests under natural circumstances. |
The active ingredients in Ginseng roots (ginsenosides) are heat-resistant, and are not damaged or lost in the heating process.
Dosage
For optimal therapeutic results of American Ginseng roots it is advised to take 30-60 mg of pure ginsenosides daily.The smaller American Ginseng whole roots with slendertails / prongs, but without the fibers (product code: WRM/SO) contain an average level of about 4-5% ginsenosides. This would mean that a daily intake of about 1-2 grams of the root would be sufficient.
Practical experiences have demonstrated that activity and effects of Ginseng do not decline proportionally as the daily dose is lowered.
There is no dangerous (damaging) maximum daily dose, but 7 mg ginsenosides is considered as a minimal dose. If you take less than 7 mg a day it will most likely not contribute anything.
When mixed with other medicinal herbs, a lower dose of American Ginseng might be sufficient.
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