Ginseng
"The root of life"
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Ginseng |
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American
ginseng Panax quinquefolium is believed to invigorate, rejuvinate and
revitalize the human system, while research suggests a scientific basis for
the use of ginseng as an adaptogen or general body tonic. Presently American
ginseng is the most valuable herbal medicinal root crop in the USA and Canada.
The expanding market value and steady demand for woods grown ginseng offers
an attractive economic opportunity for woodland owners with suitable site conditions
for cultivating this perennial root crop.
While
the plant can be relatively difficult to cultivate, it is a proven commercial
crop that grows in eastern North American woodlands and favors north- or east-facing
slopes and well-drained, humus-rich, light-textured loam soils. Shade of 70
to 90% is required.
The reader considering going into production is referred to these growers guides: (1) Beyfuss, 1999. (2) Persons, 1994
For additional information about American ginseng production in New York state and the Northeast see the website of Greene County Cooperative Extension with whom ginseng specialist Robert (Bob) Beyfuss is associated: www.cce.cornell.edu/greene/ and the website of the Empire State Ginseng Growers Association (ESGGA) managed by Scott Harris: www.catskillginseng.com
For further information:
http://www.unl.edu/nac/afnotes/ff-3/ff-3.pdf
http://www.unl.edu/nac/afnotes/ff-4/ff-4.pdf
(1) The Practical Guide to Growing Ginseng, by Bob Beyfuss, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Greene County, HCR#3, Box 906, Cairo, New York 12413. (2) Persons, W.S., 1994. American ginseng: Green Gold. Bright Mountain Books, Asheville, NC.