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Ginseng, also known as Man Root and Root of Life, has been an important part of Chinese and North Korean cultures for thousands of years, primarily for its alleged properties as a stimulant. Today, ginseng is increasingly popular here in the United States as well as in parts of Europe, though these areas tend to look towards ginseng for its calming properties. Americans, for instance, tend to use ginseng as a stress reliever as opposed to a stimulant. Ginseng is native to many parts of North America, preferring northern climates for the cold winters which allow for a necessary period of dormancy. Additionally, ginseng grows best in areas of shade, requiring up to 70% shade a day. For these reasons, one may find wooded areas of northern Michigan ideal for the cultivation of ginseng.
Unfortunately for would-be farmers of ginseng, it takes up to five years for the plant to reach maturity during which time the crop is easily blighted by molds or pests. In fact, high initial costs of planting stock, susceptibility to disease, long periods of maturation, and a limited market indicate ginseng farming should be approached conservatively. Accordingly, before launching a commercial ginseng effort, it would be prudent for the prospective farmer to visit several growers and to learn as much as possible about the cultural requirements and marketing potential of this deciduous perennial herb. Because of the difficulties involved in cultivation, many persons prefer to search out and harvest wild ginseng, a fact that has led directly to over-harvesting and an implementation of legal conservation efforts.
In spite of these difficulties, Ginseng is a profitable market crop whose price is dependent upon marketable characteristics such as size, color and shape. Cultivated roots are usually heavier and more uniform than wild roots, although they command a lower price in the market. Only whole roots are acceptable in trade. Ultimately, the market price of the cured root is based on its color, size, maturity, and form. As with any crop, the value of the a ginseng crop depends on the market at harvest-time. The market for ginseng root is limited, and the prices paid for ginseng, while usually high, fluctuate greatly.
Cultivation aside, there are many ways that the herb may be ingested. For instance, the root can be used by itself in an infusion (tea), or as a part of a combination of herbal ingredients taken together either as an infusion, a pill, or a medicinal wine.
The most popular ways of consuming ginseng root are as an infusion or as an extract. The dried roots can also be sliced for consumption by themselves or in combination with other foods such as honey. Alternatively, they can be powdered and added to foods, or the powder may be packed into gel capsules.
To prepare as an infusion, bring 24 ounces of water to a boil, preferably in a non-metallic container such as an enamel or porcelain pot, and then add 1-3 grams of dry whole or sliced ginseng root.
Reduce the flame and simmer covered for 20-30 minutes. You can boil longer if you prefer, up until the water is reduced by about half.
Allow the resultant tea to reach room temperature. According to age-old Taoist thought which permeates Chinese medicine, teas should be taken at a tepid neutral temperature, though if you prefer, Ginseng may be taken hot at the time of preparation. Consume about one cup once or twice a day.
To make enough for several days, increase the amounts proportionately. The tea can be safely stored in a refrigerator for up to several weeks, and reheated if desired on the stove or in a microwave.
The roots can also be sliced and consumed. When making a tea the roots should be left in it throughout the simmering and cooling stages. When the tea is poured off the softened root can then be easily sliced.
Dried ginseng root can be softened without making tea by placing several pieces together in a microwave on medium or high for a few minutes at most. Great care must be exercised in not scorching the roots, or they will be rendered unpalatable. For this reason, one should place at least four or five roots, if not more, in the microwave. Too few roots and they may easily scorch.
After a couple of minutes or so the roots will be softened enough to be easily sliced with a sharp knife. The slices can then be consumed, a few slices at a time, by themselves or with honey.
So, any way you slice it, ginseng is an herb whose use is on the rise here in the States and elsewhere. The fact that it grows well here may mean increased revenues for Michigan farmers willing to brave the initial difficulties the cultivation of the herb presents. As far as use goes, one should further note that ginseng should not be taken by persons with chronic high blood pressure, nor should it be taken in combination with coffee as it can increase the effects of caffeine and may lead to diarrhea.
For more information on Ginseng and Ginseng cultivation, contact John Hill at:
Michigan Department of Agriculture
701 S. Elmwood, Suite #9
Traverse City, MI 49684-3185
Phone: (231) 922-5210
Fax: (231) 922-5236
and/or follow these links.
American Ginseng FAQ's
Q1 What is ginseng?
A. Ginseng is a hardy perennial plant long highly sought after for its medicinal qualities, some of which are probably both real and imagined.
Q2 How is ginseng used?
A. Ginseng has long been prized for its purported curative properties. Advocates provide numerous claims, some rather unbelievable and on the miraculous side. Claims have been made for reduced stress, enhanced blood flow, blood sugar control, slowing cell degeneration, increased longevity, increased physical stamina, quieting of the nerves, cholesterol control, strengthened metabolism, vitalized body gland functions, improved sexual functions, and many others.
Q3 What does ginseng look like?
A. Ginseng is an branchless perennial, 8 - 24 inches tall, bearing a single long stemmed flower cluster. Flowers are greenish-white. Berries are bright red. Leaves are usually 3, borne in a whorl, palmately compound. The leaflets are usually 5 (3 - 7), oblong-ovate to ovate, sharply toothed, petioled. It grows in rich woods. Flowers in June and July. Berries are ripe in August.
Q4 Why grow ginseng?
A. Ginseng enjoys great demand for export and for domestic consumption. Wild ginseng has been collected for many years for export to the Far East. It is said that many early trappers made as much money, or more, on ginseng than they did on beaver furs and other pelts. Early explorers are said to have brokered ginseng roots from the native Americans for trade to the Orient.
Q5 Where can ginseng be grown?
A. American ginseng is native to the entire state of Michigan. There are cultivated ginseng growers in the Upper Peninsula and in the northern and southern Lower Peninsula. It should grow on a proper site anywhere in the state.
Q6 What type of site does ginseng need?
A. Ginseng grows best in rich woods with about 80% or 85% "tall" shade, on a northern or northeastern exposure, and on a slope of 3% or greater. It will not tolerate wet soils, but it does need regular moisture.
Q7 Does ginseng grow wild?
A. Yes. It is not a common native plant, but it can be found pretty much statewide.
Q8 What is wild ginseng?
A. "Wild ginseng" means ginseng growing or grown in an uncultivated state or harvested from its natural habitat. Wild ginseng includes ginseng that was introduced to or propagated in its natural habitat by sowing ginseng seed or transplanting ginseng plants from other areas and performing no other standard ginseng horticultural practices.
Q9 If it is native to all of Michigan, what happened to it?
A. The species was formerly quite common. It is felt that it was over-collected for its export value, and is now quite rare. It is not a showy plant for most of the year and could easily be overlooked where it does exist. The seeds are common fare for chipmunk and squirrels. The seed is enclosed in a fleshy pulp, and it germinates best after a period of 18 months when covered by mineral soil. American ginseng grows with wild sarsaparilla, which is quite common in much of Michigan.
Q10 How common is wild ginseng in Michigan?
A. There are no surveys or data available to indicate how prevalent ginseng is in Michigan. That answer needs to be determined before there can be any collection of wild ginseng in the state.
Q11 Can ginseng be cultivated?
A. Absolutely. Ginseng has been cultivated in this country for many years. Wisconsin is the acknowledged leader and they have been growing this crop there since the turn of the century. It is said that 95% or more of this nation's ginseng is either grown in or brokered through Wisconsin. Michigan had a number of persons growing ginseng in the 1930's and 40's but the practice was discontinued years ago until a new beginning in the mid 1980's. We now have the largest Woods-grown ginseng grower in the world located in the Upper Peninsula.
Q12 What is "Woods-grown" ginseng?
A. "Woods-grown" ginseng means ginseng growing or grown in managed beds under natural shade.
Q13 What's the difference between cultivated and wild ginseng?
A. It's the same species, American ginseng, whose scientific name is Panax quinquefolius. Woods-grown ginseng takes about seven to ten years to mature. Cultivated ginseng is much faster growing and is harvestable at three years. The wild kind is more sought after by the Chinese, however cultivated ginseng is in demand as well.
Q14 Why is the digging or collection of wild ginseng controlled?
A. American ginseng is classified as "threatened" both on a national basis and by the State of Michigan. There are basically three distinct classifications, the first being "threatened," the second being "endangered," and the third extirpated or "extinct."
Q15 Why is ginseng listed as a threatened species?
A. Ginseng is threatened nationally. In 1973, the U.S., along with 24 other nations, were signers of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which was to go into effect within 90 days after the tenth nation had ratified it. This occurred on July 1, 1975. Ginseng was added to Appendix II, which consists of all species, which although not necessarily threatened with extinction may become so unless trade is subject to strict regulation.
Q16 Can ginseng be collected from the wild in Michigan?
A. No. As a threatened species, collection (the harvesting of) of wild ginseng is not allowed as determined by the Wildlife Management Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which is assigned the responsibility for the enforcement of Michigan's Threatened and Endangered Species Act.
Q17 Can I export ginseng?
A. Cultivated Michigan ginseng can be certified for export by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Export is illegal without the benefit of certification. You must have a growers or dealers license prior to sale.
Q18 Where is it marketed?
A. About 95% of the U.S. ginseng is brokered through Marathon County, Wisconsin. Much of it, when legally certified, goes to the Far East. It can only be exported legally when certified by a state certification agency.
Q19 What is it worth?
A. Wild ginseng legally collected and certified can bring $200 to $300 or more per pound dry weight. Cultivated ginseng is worth much less, ranging from $15 to $50 per pound. Woods-grown ginseng ranges from $75 to $200 per pound.
Q20 Where can I get more information about growing ginseng in Michigan?
A. You can contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Ginseng Program Coordinator in the Traverse City office at 231-922-5210.
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Michigan Ginseng
Production Statistics
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The harvesting and collection of wild ginseng has been illegal in Michigan since 1994. The Wildlife Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources administers the Threatened and Endangered Species Law of Michigan which lists ginseng as a threatened species.
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