Herb of the Week: Ginseng

Everyone tosses around the word "ginseng" willy-nilly but did you know that there are marked differences between the three major types of ginseng? All are considered adaptogens (herbs that help the body rebalance from stress) though but some have more specific workings. All are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Let's start by taking a look at Panax Ginseng (Asian/Chinese/Korean Ginseng) which is the most commonly used and most researched of the ginsengs. It's used to boost energy, improve mental function, and support the immune system along with helping relieve stress, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and balancing blood sugar.

Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng) is milder than it's Asian cousin but it also helps to boost energy, relieve stress effects on the body, to improve brain functions, etc. But, you won't really see it listed to help with erectile dysfunction but it can be helpful for women experiencing menopause.

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng) was historically discovered and used by Russia for their Olympians for a long time to help their athletic bodies recover faster and it also carries pretty much the same health benefits as the other two ginsengs minus the reproductive side of things. Plot twist -- this isn't a real ginseng (the Latin name might have given it away, lol). Another difference is that Siberian Ginseng contains eleutherosides while the panax ginsengs contain ginsenosides.

Now that you know a little bit more about the ginsengs used around the world, what do you think their witchcraft benefits are? Use them in spells/rituals to attract love, good fortune, may be used to enhance psychic abilities or speaking with those beyond the veil. Also look at using it for spells to improve vitality or protection.

The corresponding card from my "The Herbal Astrology Oracle" deck for ginseng, corresponds to The Magician.

For more in-depth knowledge of this oracle card, consider purchasing this beautiful deck!