It may surprise many Americans to know that there is one American herb that can only be found on the American continent and yet it is more popular in China than it is in the United States?

That herb is American Ginseng, a precious root that grows natively in the northeastern United States and part of Canada. It is widely used in Asia to promote mental and physical performance.

On Feb. 22, 1784, a cargo ship named Empress of China officially launched the US export to China when it sailed out of New York Harbor loaded with American Ginseng, silver coins, furs and other goods. The nearly 30 tons of American Ginseng aboard this ship was owned by John Jacob Astor, who became America’s first tycoon (the equivalent of a multi-billionaire). On Aug. 23, the ship sailed up the Pearl River in South China to Canton (now called Guangzhou). After the ship’s triumphant return from China, a congressional resolution was passed to encourage more such ventures. Taxes and profits from this trade helped launch the United States government.

Between 1820 and 1903, the United States exported a total of 17 million pounds of American Ginseng to China.

Famous Early Americans and American Ginseng:

Today, American Ginseng in China is as popular as ever. People consume it in every possible way – as a tea substitute, in drinks, in soups, in capsules, as pills and as chewable “candy.” One of the most popular ways that Chinese people consume American Ginseng is extracted in alcohol. Alcohol extracts many important constituents from Ginseng that water alone cannot extract. American Ginseng is a very popular gift during holidays. Chinese tourists visiting the US are always on the lookout for 100% authentic American Ginseng to bring home as souvenirs and gifts.

In recent years, the United States produces about 750,000 pounds of cultivated American Ginseng each year, and 80% of that is exported directly to Asia. 95% of the American crop comes from Wisconsin, the modern authentic (Di Tao) source for cultivated American Ginseng.