Ginseng is a species of plant that grows a thick, fleshy root resembling the shape of a human figure, hence its nickname, the “man root". Some people confuse it with ginger, which also produces a thick root, but they are two entirely different herbs.
Ginseng roots are known to have many health benefits and are frequently used in herbal medicine to treat illness and improve overall health. They have been used in both traditional Native American medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for hundreds of years.
While the wild plants are an endangered species due to poaching and overharvesting, it can still be found in Appalachia and other temperate forests across North America. However, ginseng is also cultivated across central Wisconsin due to the region’s ideal soil and climate. This supplies the growing demand without driving the plant to extinction. It is highly recommended to avoid purchasing wild ginseng to conserve the plant in its natural habitat.