Ginseng

(Panax Ginseng, P. Quinquefolius)

Also called: Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng, Chinese ginseng, oriental ginseng, ginseng root (P. ginseng); American ginseng (P. quincluefolius).

Ginseng has been regarded as something of a "wonder drug" for at least 5,000 years.
Originating in China where it has long been used to strengthen the vital energy, or Qi, of the body.
The herb was known to Arab physicians by the ninth century, mentioned by Marco Polo in the 13th and introduced into modern Europe in the 17th century when a delegation from the King of Siam visited Louis XIV at Versailles and presented him with a root of "gintz-æn".

Source: Asian ginseng is cultivated in China, Korea and Japan; American ginseng is wild-harvested in eastern North America.
Ginseng has always been an expensive and highly prized herb that had, ideally, to be gathered in the wild using roots that were several years old.
The pale 'white' ginseng comes from roots of up to 5 years old, ' red' ginseng comes from older roots, sometimes 10 years old or more for the better grades.
The finest of all is the black ginseng which comes in various grades ranging from 15 to 25 year old roots.
Today most ginseng is cultivated and it is an important cash crop.

Part used: Root.

Actions: aphrodisiac, reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels, immune stimulant, stimulant, tonic

Medicinal Uses: Fatigue, mental dullness, convalescence, athletic performance, aphrodisiac, tonic.
The plant is rich in steroidal compounds which are very similar to human sex hormones -- hence its reputation as an aphrodisiac.
The Chinese consider it best suited to the older people, preferring other energy tonics for those under 40. It is regarded as more suitable for men than women since it raises yang energy.
The Chinese also believe it acts on the lungs and spleen and so can be helpful during recovery from chest problems such as asthma - and digestive disorders.

As a general tonic it is ideally taken for a month in late autumn when the weather is changing from hot summer to cold winter and the body needs to adapt to the new environment
Can also be taken whenever there are problems due to tiredness and overwork.

Forms available: For Asian ginseng, teas, capsules, extracts, tablets, tinctures; some products standardised to 5 to 15 per cent ginsenosides. For American ginseng, capsules, tinctures.

Usage: A wide choice of over-the-counter products is available: typical dose is 600 mg of the root extract daily.

Caution: Ginseng is best avoided in pregnancy although it may be taken then in small quantities for short periods.
May interact with caffeine containing drinks and horseradishand anti-coagulant drugs.
Do not take this herb if you have high blood pressure, heart palpitations, insomnia, serious asthma or high fever.
With high doses or long-term use, some people experience over-stimulation or stomach upset.