Ginseng
(Panax ginseng)
Also know as Chinese or Korean ginseng
Botanical Information
A small perennial herb of deep forests of the eastern U.S. with three symmetrical branches at the top of the stem, each palmately compound with five coarsely-toothed sharply-pointed leaflets.
Working with Ginseng
Part(s) Used
Root
Herb Forms
Teabag, tablet, capsule, beverages, chewing gum, bulk herb, powder.
Long known as a panacea, ginseng is considered excellent for people over 50 to improve vitality and sexual energy. It is also indicated for digestive problems with symptoms such as gas or malabsorption or a feeling of fullness, even after eating only small meals. For the elderly, it is useful for debility, weakness, chronic fatigue, lethargy, and convalescence. This is a good herb to take for chronic infections related to immune weakness. It is one of the most important Chinese medicinal herbs used in all deficiency diseases to tonify the lungs and the stomach and strengthen the digestion. Because your digestion is the source of daily vitality, by improving its efficiency, the immune system and hormonal balance are also strengthened. The red and white varieties of Panax ginseng are described below:
1. Panax ginseng (white varieties)–unsteamed, dried Chinese or Korean ginseng and its preparations are useful for many of the conditions quoted above–it is not excessively warming as are red varieties and can be better-tolerated by young people.
2. Panax ginseng (red varieties)–steamed, dried Chinese or Korean ginseng and its preparations are used for cold, deficient conditions of the lung and digestion. They are often added to modern herbal and dietary energy supplements and sports supplements. It is reputed to increase male and female hormone production, improve sexual vigor in the elderly, and lead to increased energy. It is inappropriate for young people under 40, as it is too heating and stimulating.
3. Panax quinquefolius, or American ginseng is an excellent energy and adrenal tonic for all ages that is a cooling ginseng used for people with long-standing conditions with such symptoms as chronic lower back pain, ringing in the ears, night sweats, fatigue, and chronic infections of any kind.
Ginseng has a taste of SWEET, BITTER and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
Contraindicated in hypertension.
Conditions treated with Ginseng
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
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Condition
Treatment Support
hormone stimulant, tonic
Application
tincture, tea, tablet, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
hormone regulating
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule, tea
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.