Ottawa Ginseng

About Ginseng and How to Use

North American Ginseng is known for its medicinal properties. It is commonly used to strengthen the body's immune system and increase one's energy and endurance.
There are several ways of farming ginseng. Ottawa Ginseng's plants are grown on a small farm outside Ottawa, in a natural forest setting - without fertilizers, pesticides, or fungicides.
It takes many years for ginseng roots to be old enough to harvest. The age of roots can be estimated by counting the number of notches at the tip of the ginseng root. Each notch represents a year of growth, much like rings on a tree trunk. We try to keep the notches on all our roots to proof their age.

The easiest way to use ginseng root is to cut a small slice or chunk to make a cup of ginseng tea. You can add more water later for a second cup and/or eat the ginseng afterward. You may just chew it and swallow it when it becomes soft.

You can put the whole ginseng root in a bottle of wine, brandy, or whiskey and set for about 1-2 months, then drink a cup or a shot a day. As ginsenocides are 100% disolved in alcohol, this is a good way to take ginseng.

The traditional Chinese way is to make ginseng chicken soup. You may add 20 grams of fresh roots or 5 grams of dried roots to a whole chicken. Bring the water to a boil and then simmer for 45 minutes. Add a little salt (depending on taste) and a few slices of ginger root in the water.

The average dosage is about 2 grams of fresh root or 1/2 gram of dried root per day.