Ginseng

Details

For thousands of years, ginseng has been viewed as a magical root, with a wide range of medicinal properties. Introduced to Wisconsin in the early 19th century, production has expanded to the point that Wisconsin now accounts for over 90% of all American-grown ginseng. Suited to growth in cooler climates, it is a perennial plant and the roots can take up to five years to reach full maturity. The roots are often shaped like a human—legs, arms, head and all. Be sure to check Wisconsin DNR guidelines before foraging for wild ginseng as regulations are strictly enforced to promote sustainable harvesting practices. The harvest season depends on the region, but in Wisconsin, wild ginseng may be harvested from September 1 to November 1, and may be sold through March 31 of the following year.

Nutrition: There is evidence to suggest that ginseng helps protect the heart, reduce blood pressure, and may even reduce the effects of Type II diabetes and slow the growth of cancer—probably due to its high antioxidant properties. Traditional Chinese medicine describes ginseng as promoting Yin energy and calming the body.