Herbal KnowledgeOct 10, 2022

American Ginseng Vs Asian Ginseng

What's the Difference?

Ginseng is a popular herb in both traditional Chinese and Western herbalism. If you’ve ever tried Asian Ginseng, you may have experienced its energizing effects. American Ginseng is a similar herb—but there are some key differences you should know about.*


American Ginseng

They’re Different Species

These two types of Ginseng aren’t just grown in different locations. They’re actually different species. Both American Ginseng and Asian Ginseng are prepared from the roots of Ginseng plants, but American Ginseng is Panax quinquefolius and Asian Ginseng is Panax ginseng.


In the 1700s, missionary Joseph-Francois Lafitau noticed a plant species growing in North America that looked very similar to the Ginseng he had seen in Asia. He speculated that the plant had slowly migrated across the Bering Land Bridge. In 2019, Smithsonian botanist Dr. Jun Wen confirmed that theory using DNA testing. That study also revealed that American Ginseng wasn’t brought to North America by humans, it slowly traveled on its own, adapted to its new surroundings and became an entirely new species.1

Country of Origin

Country of Origin

We source our American Ginseng from North America. This area has the perfect climate for American Ginseng and is referred to as the “Ginseng belt.” Our grower is one of the few following Certified Organic growing practices. All of the roots are spaced far apart to prevent fungus and meticulously cared for by hand. We pay a premium for this high-quality Ginseng, but we think it’s more than worth it! Our Asian Ginseng is just as special. It’s also Certified Organic and is grown in its native habitat in China.

Country of Origin

Spectrum of Energy

There are several herbs you can take to support energy, but these herbs are on a spectrum of how energizing they are. For most people, Asian Ginseng and Rhodiola are two of the most energizing herbs. American Ginseng falls slightly below those two. As an adaptogen, American Ginseng is considered moderately energizing. If you’ve tried Asian Ginseng and found it too energizing, give American Ginseng a try!*