Three herbs are labeled as ginseng: American Ginseng, Asian Ginseng, and Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng). While all similar, they each have a slightly different energy and category for use. All three ginsengs are classified as adaptogens, which means they help your horse’s body manage stress by supporting communication between the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems as well as supporting regulation of the HPA axis. Ginseng grows well in woodlands with the roots being harvested from 5 to 7-year-old plants. Each has a similar bushy look with five leaflets, with the center three being a bit larger than the outer ones.
Eleuthero, Eleutherococcus senticosus, commonly called Siberian Ginseng, has a slightly warm to neutral energy and a sweet to slightly bitter flavor. Eleuthero is a mild tonic that strengthens the function of the endocrine system, calms the nervous system, and supports the immune system. It is often included in cancer formulas to support conventional treatment and reduce side effects. Due to eleuthero supporting increased energy, vitality and endurance, this is a good herb to include in blends for performance horses.
While this is a milder adaptogen, be aware when using it with sensitive horses as it can be stimulating. It is also important to get this herb from a reputable source that tests, as sometimes other adulterated herbs have been found.
Asian Ginseng Panax ginseng, is a tonic remedy. In Chinese medicine, it is called Ren Shen, which means “man root,” so-called for the root’s multi-limbed resemblance to
Katharina Lohrie
Panax ginseng
Panax Ginseng
It can also be included in blends of herbs if your horse has lung deficiencies such as asthma with wheezing. Asian ginseng is an immune amphoteric, meaning it has a normalizing effect on the immune system, consider it for autoimmune conditions and immune deficiency issues. In sensitive horses, dosage may need to be decreased to prevent overstimulation.
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius, is a cooling and moistening plant with a sweet and bitter flavor. Ginseng has a nourishing and moistening effect throughout the body. As an adaptogen, American ginseng improves immune, endocrine, and nervous system function. It is often included in herbal blends to strengthen immune function, for dry coughs, allergies, insulin resistance, and improving resistance to upper respiratory infections. Like many adaptogens, American ginseng
Eric Burkhart
American Ginseng
American Ginseng
is a supportive herb to use for conventional cancer treatments.
The leaf of the American ginseng was often included in Native American Cherokee tribe herbal blends to help strengthen and harmonize the blend.
American ginseng has been overharvested and is currently considered an endangered plant. Only purchase ginseng that has been organically cultivated in the woods and avoid wild American ginseng. Like the other ginsengs, be aware of using with a sensitive horse and adjust dosage accordingly.
The beautiful woodland plants of ginseng have a long history of being used for overall strengthening support. Each type of ginseng offers an array of benefits to your horse and can be a supportive choice when needed.
[bio subhead] About Andrea Baldwin
Andrea Baldwin is a Clinical Herbalist with training in various herbal traditions, including Western, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic and Native American. As a lifelong horse advocate, she believes that herbs and other holistic modalities, when used thoughtfully, offer the gentlest and most powerful way to bring balance to your horse. Andrea is the co-author of Equine Herbal and Energetics and founded EquiBotanical to empower others to restore balance in mind and body through education of the traditional uses of our plant allies. www.equibotanical.com.