Ginseng (Renshen)-Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.

Ginseng (Renshen)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Ginseng

Botanical Name: Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.

Common Name: Ginseng

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: There are many types of ginseng, including wild and cultivated. Cultivated ginseng from Jilin Province in China is the best quality. The ginseng roots are dug in autumn after being cultivated for six to seven years, and then they are cleaned, dried in the sun, steamed or baked and cut into slices.

Properties & Taste: Sweet, slightly warm.

Meridians: Spleen and lung

Functions: 1. To replenish qi, prevent collapse and strengthen yang; 2. To tonify the spleen and lungs; 3. To promote body fluids and relieve thirst; 4. To calm the heart and soothe the mind

Indications & Combinations:

1. Collapsing syndrome due to severe deficiency of primary qi, severe loss of blood, severe vomiting or severe diarrhea manifested as sweating, cold limbs, shortness of breath and weak and fading pulse. Ginseng (Renshen) can be used alone or with Prepared aconite root (Fuzi) in the formula Shen Fu Tang.

2. Weakness of the spleen and stomach manifested as poor appetite, lassitude, fullness in the epigastric and abdominal regions and loose stool. Ginseng (Renshen) is used with White atractylodes (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling) and Licorice root (Gancao) in the formula Sijunzi Tang.

3. Deficient qi of the lungs manifested as shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating and lassitude. Ginseng (Renshen) is used with Gecko (Gejie) in the formula Renshen Gejie San.

4. Diabetes or exhaustion of qi and body fluids by febrile disease manifested as thirst, sweating, irritability, shortness of breath and weak pulse. Ginseng (Renshen) is used with Ophiopogon root (Maidong) and Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi) in the formula Shengmai San. If the abovementioned manifestations are accompanied by fever, Ginseng (Renshen) can be taken with Gypsum (Shigao) and Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhimu) in the formula Baihu Jia Renshen Tang.

5. Mental restlessness manifested as palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep and forgetfulness. Ginseng (Renshen) is used with Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren) and Chinese angelica root (Danggui) in the formula Guipi Tang.

6. Impotence and premature ejaculation in men or frigidity in women. Ginseng (Renshen) can be used alone or with Pilose antler (Lurong) and Human placenta (Ziheche).

Dosage: 5-10 g (for decoction), 1-2 g (for powder), 15-30 g (decoction for severe collapsing)

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated for a person with heat signs or excessive syndromes without deficiency of anti-pathogenic factor. It should not be mixed with Black false bellebore (Lilu), Trogopterus dung (Wulingzhi) and Chinese honey locust (Zaojia). When taking Ginseng (Renshen), do not drink tea or eat turnips.