Panax quinquefolius
Common Name: American ginseng, five fingers, tartar root, red berry, man’s health, little man, mountain climber
Family: Araliaceae
Chinese Medicine Name: Xi yang shen
Parts Used:  Root and (less frequently) leaf
Actions:  Adaptogen Aphrodisiac Cardiotonic Immunomodulant Tonic
Taste:  Slightly bitter Sweet
Energy: Cooling (white ginseng) Moistening 
 
According to WebMD American Ginseng may help with building Immunity, regulate blood sugar, improve focus, and reduce inflammation.  
 
The Eclectics used American ginseng extract as a mild sedative and nerve tonic, for cerebral anemia, and for indigestion caused by nervousness (Ellingwood, 1919). Chinese medicine practitioners adopted the root as a yin tonic and used it in preparations for dry conditions like dry mouth, dry coughs, asthma, diabetes, fatigue, and gastritis (Winston & Maimes, 2007).