Co. Directories Events Market Asia Archives Search Home Market Asia and RAP Archives U.S. Established as Major Ginseng Supplier Bob Galinsky, RAP Anyone who has been in a U.S. health food store in the last 20 years should be familiar with ginseng root. These stores generally carry a wide range of ginseng products, including pills, capsules, powder, liquid extract, jams, jellies, teas, and soft drinks, all of which are said to increase the energy and vigor of the consumer. In the last 10 years, the United States has also become one of the world s most important producers and suppliers of ginseng root. Ginseng is a perennial aromatic herb.
Asian ginseng is considered to be more yang or heating, and is supposed to stimulate the metabolism.
Asian ginsing is used to fight infections and to treat diabetes, insomnia, fatigue, nearoathenia, and sexual impotence. This type of ginseng, from China or Korea, is commonly found in U.S. health food stores. American ginseng, in contrast, is considered to be yin or cooling, with a relaxing effect on the body and the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems. Some studies have shown that American ginseng may reduce cholesterol levels and perform functions similar to insulin. American ginseng, which is considerably more expensive than its Asian counterpart, is usually preferred in tropical climates and during warm weather in temperate zones.