Stuff I’d Like to Introduce about American Ginseng
The Origin of American Ginseng around the Globe
American ginseng is grown in some regions of the USA and Canada and marketed for its health promoting attributes. Commercial cultivation occurs in Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and several other states in the US. While Ontario and British Columbia represent the major growing regions in Canada.
The American ginseng root, which is cultivated (and also grows wild) in Wisconsin, is known to have many health benefits and has been an important herb in both Native American and ancient Chinese medicine. The taste of American ginseng depends on where it is grown. Wisconsin-grown American Ginseng is famous all over the world for its boldly bitter and aromatic qualities. (Source: https://realwisconsinginseng.com/)
Market & Application of American Ginseng in China
In China, American ginseng is considered a “mild” ginseng variety. Chinese consumers believe that consuming American ginseng on a regular basis can support immune system health. Currently, American ginseng is typically sold as whole roots or sliced pieces to consumers for direct consumption or to be used in tea, cocktail, soup, main course and Chinese cuisine. It’s projected that the extract of American ginseng could be applied into Chinese medicines, capsules and specialty drinks in the future.
Import of American Ginseng in China
According to the data from China Customs, in 2022, China imported around 3,610 MT of American ginseng (HTS 12112011) with a value of around 68,784 thousand USD. Industry sources report that American ginseng is mainly imported into Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Shandong provinces. Canada is the single largest supplier of American ginseng to China, holing nearly 90% of the total market share. The other supplier is the United States. Here comes the import data of recent years as followed:
On March 2nd, 2020, China launched a tariff exclusion process for individual importers. Through this process importers can apply for Section 301 retaliatory tariff exclusions on specific consignments of U.S. products. Here comes the tariff of American ginseng as followed:
Nowadays, for American ginseng, the ordinary tax rate is 70%, the treaty rate is 32.5%, the MFN rate is 7.5%, and the VAT rate is 9%. Given the fact that the treaty rate 2 applies to products originated from the United States, so the tariff for domestic traders who deal with Wisconsin Ginseng is 22.5%. (Source: Ministry of Commerce People’s Republic of China)
Differences Between Types of Ginseng
American and Canadian Ginseng are also known as Panax quinquefolius. Canadian ginseng is the most balanced of all the ginseng varieties, and is shown to have twice the concentration of ginsenosides of Korean Ginseng. Canadian ginseng is considered to be more relaxing, and known to increase the “yin” energy, and has a cooling effect on the body.
Korean Ginseng is also known as Panax ginseng. This is an Asian Root, which has a warming effect on the body. Korean Ginseng is not recommended for people with high blood pressure or hypertension. Korean ginseng is considered most suitable for males and older people.
Nutrition Value & Health Benefits of American Ginseng
The main ingredients of American Ginseng are ginsenosides and polysaccharide glycans. These are believed to provide “adaptogen” benefits that support your adrenals, balance your hormones, and help your body stay calm. Feeling calm is critical to avoid the fatigue that is often caused by the chronic stress and anxiety-ridden situations of the modern world. Adaptogenic herbs have been used for thousands of years as natural remedies and have exploded in popularity over the last couple of years.
While more research is needed, scientists know that American Ginseng contains a variety of trace minerals that can be beneficial as dietary supplements including potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), and selenium (Se). Ginseng is also known to contain Vitamin E and B vitamins such as Vitamin B7 and B12.
From boosting your immune function to reducing stress-causing cortisol levels, the strong nutrient-rich, antioxidant properties of Wisconsin Ginseng make it an excellent addition to your daily health routine.
Outlook in the Future
Following the trends of profound processing, “homology between drug and food”, and science popularization of health and wellness, medicinal herbs will embrace a promising future in comprehensive health. It’s hoped that American Ginseng can be widely applied into drinks, energy bars, dessert and etc. Additionally, it’s projected that the health care products will be dominated by young and middle-aged people, and the consumption by consumers of 30 years old and below will see a significant growth in the future.
