Chinese herbs

American ginseng

Also called: panax quinquefolius, xiyangshen, huaqi

A North American ginseng popular in Hong Kong and China.

Why people take it
Energy, colds, blood sugar.
What the evidence says
Some evidence for preventing colds and lowering blood sugar.
How it is usually taken
Usually 1 to 3 g of root a day.
Be careful
May add to diabetes medicines; interacts with warfarin.
Medicines it can interact with
May lower sugar with diabetes medicines and reduce the effect of warfarin.

Other chinese herbs

Dong quaiHorny goat weedSchisandraJujubeChrysanthemum teaGynostemmaEucommiaRehmanniaPolygonum multiflorumPuerariaPanax notoginsengEjiaoPearl powderHawthorn berry (shanzha)Monk fruit

Common questions

What is American ginseng?

A North American ginseng popular in Hong Kong and China.

Why do people take American ginseng?

Energy, colds, blood sugar.

Does American ginseng work?

Some evidence for preventing colds and lowering blood sugar.

How much American ginseng do people take?

Usually 1 to 3 g of root a day.

Is American ginseng safe?

May add to diabetes medicines; interacts with warfarin.

Does American ginseng interact with medicines?

May lower sugar with diabetes medicines and reduce the effect of warfarin.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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