How to consume American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

American ginseng is a commonly used tonic herb known for its effects of nourishing Qi and yin, clearing heat, and promoting body fluid production. It can be consumed in various ways, and the following are some recommended methods:

1. Direct consumption by holding in the mouth or chewing: High-quality American ginseng can be directly chewed and swallowed, but the dosage should be controlled to avoid overdose.

2. Steeping in hot water for tea: Slice or crush American ginseng into small pieces. Take 3–5 grams each time, place into a cup, pour boiling water over it, and steep. It can be re-steeped several times until the flavor becomes weak.

3. Grinding into powder and mixing with water: Grind American ginseng into powder and mix with hot water. Stir well until fully dissolved before consumption. This method allows better release of the active ingredients in American ginseng.

4. Steaming or stewing: American ginseng can be steamed or stewed together with other ingredients such as chicken or lean meat, allowing its properties to fully infuse into the food and enhance its nutritional value.

5. Decoction: American ginseng can be decocted together with other traditional Chinese herbs in a ceramic pot. Commonly used herbs for combination include Ophiopogon Root (Mai Dong), Solomonseal Rhizome (Yu Zhu), and Schisandra Fruit (Wu Wei Zi).

Although American ginseng offers various health benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. For example, individuals with cold constitution or weak spleen and stomach should use it cautiously. Pregnant women and children should use it only under the guidance of a physician. Additionally, American ginseng should not be taken together with Veratrum (Li Lu) or Myrrha (Wu Ling Zhi) to avoid adverse reactions.