Ginseng, Dried
(also referred to as...) American / Chinese / Japanese / Korean / Siberian Ginseng Latin Name: Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, Eleutherococcus senticosus Family: Araliaceae
Description "This, with the Chinese, is the medicine par excellence, the last resort when all other drugs fail..." -- G. Stuart, 1911.
In China, where ginseng has been used for about 5000 years, it held such a high stand that no one but the emperor was allowed to collect the roots. Both native Chinese and Americans named ginseng after its shape resembling the human form. In 1718, it was discovered that ginseng was also indigenous to Canada snf the herb was first exported to China to meet the high demand. Unfortunately, this caused the plant to be rare where it used to be abundant. Ginseng, in its various forms, improves overall stamina. It is considered an adaptogen -- a substance that helps boost resistance to and relieve stress and is intended to benefit the body as a whole, as opposed to a specific part or ailment. Ginseng gives you greater energy, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, increases disease resistance, and promotes a healthy reproductive system.
Ailments / Situations Where Used The ginsengs are truly very wonderful and healing plants that should always be used and treated with respect and never abused. Since our lifestyles, diets, and spirits differ greatly, personal dosages can also vary widely and this should always be considered when purchasing any form of ginseng. People suffering from a lack of energy or stress in general can benefit from ginseng. Note that Ginseng will not remedy the cause of your stress/lack of energy, but will help you deal with this situation in the short-term while you find a viable alternative. Click each tab below for specific ginseng details, according type.
Korean or Chinese Ginseng
Panax ginseng Also called ren shen, Chinese for man's root describing the shape of the root. This is the ginseng known as panax that is grown in Korea, where most of the world's market comes from. Panax, or as it is called in Chinese, ren shen, is treated by steaming the fresh root, which turns it red, and is said to make it warmer in energy and increase its circulation stimulating properties. Ren shen is used to revitalize body and mind, strengthen in weaknesses, debility, convalescence and for fatigue and weakness in old age. This is one of the best herbs to take when you start feeling the effects of old age. Body builders, runners, and athletes in general use ren shen for endurance and strength. This may not be ideal as athletes are usually very Yang individuals, and ren shen is a Yang tonic. However, the positive aspects may outweigh the negative. Ren shen can promote weight and tissue growth, increase blood volume, increase wisdom, quiet the nerves, and promote longevity. This root benefits the digestive processes (helping to digest starch and proteins), and the lungs, treating lethargy, lack of appetite, abdominal distress, chronic diarrhea, shortness of breath, profuse sweating, tuberculosis, and palpitations. Research is also being done on its use in the treatments of diabetes and geriatric illnesses. Being an adaptogen, it helps the body adapt to stressful situations and bring about an internal balance. Ren shen also contains steroidal saponins that resemble human sex hormones and contains estriol, and estrogen that has anti-carcinogenic properties. Many herbalists believe one of the best aspects about ren shen is its high content of germanium, a trace element that has been shown to be oxygen enriching, immuno-enhancing, radiation protecting, detoxifying, analgesic and anti-carcinogenic. It is said that the presence of germanium in the body can pose a problem for cancer cells. American Ginseng
Panax quincefolium Also called xi yang shen. This type of ginseng is used mainly by the Chinese and is native to North America. American ginseng is taken as a tonic to the substances and fluids of the body. It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps moisten and lubricate the body, and is used in fevers, irritability, thirst, night sweats, dryness, and coughing of blood. This root has cooling and refreshing abilities while also strengthening the body. Older Asians drink this tea daily as a beauty rejuvenator that tones up the skin, removes patchy areas, wrinkles, and fragile capillaries. American ginseng works well in illnesses of a deficient state with weakness and debility such as AIDS or tuberculosis. The gineosides found in the ginsengs give them anti-fatigue, anti-stress, and adaptogenic properties. Siberian Ginseng
Eleutherococcus senticocus Although not a true ginseng, it is inexpensive and popular, with similar tonifying properties. Siberian ginseng has been heavily researched by Dr. I.I. Brekhman and other Russian researchers. It is known to increase energy, vitality, and endurance. Clinical studies have shown this plant's ability to help athletes and workers with better work load capacity, faster running, and quicker recovery rates during exertion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Siberian ginseng is used as a nerve tonic in nervous disorders such as stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It is a good adjunct remedy to use during menopause or chronic illnesses such as AIDS and cancer. A Russian study done in the 1960's with 2200 people showed very positive results for many conditions such as artherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, hypotension, bronchitis, cancers, and rheumatic heart disease. As for dosage with Siberian ginseng, a small dose would be sedating while a larger dose would be stimulating. The Chinese variety of this plant, the Acanthopanax has a warm energy and spicy taste ,working on the liver and kidneys. It is used to stimulate circulation, in coldness, swellings, edema, and difficult urination. If using Siberian ginseng in a capsule from health food stores, you should be aware that some are so concentrated that if taken in high doses (as is the case with bodybuilders and athletes) it can eventually affect hormone function producing extra testosterone, which could create problems in the menstrual cycles and effect secondary sex changes.
Source Root
Preparations Infusion: You can make or purchase Ginseng tea, but it is much less effective in this form due to the low concentration of herb. Supplement: Take 250 to 500mg daily or more, depending on formulation Tincture: Take 10 to 20mL daily.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings For Korean or Chinese ginseng: Ren shen should not be used in hypertension or pregnancy, or in headache, fever, or flu symptoms. It does stimulate metabolism and endocrine function and can speed up the heartbeat, encourage hunger, faster breathing, and insomnia. Avoid taking other stimulants with ren shen such as tea, coffee, and cola drinks. Eating turnips can lessen its effect. For American ginseng: There are no known serious contraindications. Ginseng is not recommended for women or children. Do not take ginseng to get a "buzz", which can occur at large doses. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, if you can feel the ginseng you took today, you took too much. Do not take ginseng if you are on Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT), supplementing with estrogen, or taking corticosteroids. If you are taking phenelzine sulfate, ginseng could cause headaches and tremulousness. Those with diabetes melltius should avoid ginseng as this herb may interfere with blood glucose levels. Ginseng can reduce blood clotting. If you are taking anti-coagulant drugs such as warfarin sodium, or are preparing for surgery, consult with your naturopath or health practitioner before taking ginseng.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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