Botanical Overview
Latin name: Panax ginseng
Family: Araliaceae
Parts used: Root
Common names: Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng, Red ginseng, Ginseng
Energetics
Panax ginseng is considered warming and moistening in nature, with a sweet and bitter taste. It has an ascending directionality and is tonifying primarily of Qi energy.
Primary Actions
- Adaptogen
- Immunomodulator
- Nervine tonic
- Stimulant
- Anti-fatigue
- Anti-inflammatory
Indications
Western
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Cognitive decline
- Stress
Syndromes
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Immune deficiency
- Post-viral fatigue
TCM
- Shortness of breath
- Poor appetite
- Spontaneous sweating
- Fatigue
Syndromes
- Qi deficiency of the Lung and Spleen
- Qi and Yin deficiency
Ayurveda
No specific traditional indications documented with confidence.
Unani
No specific traditional indications documented with confidence.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains ginsenosides, polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, and peptidoglycans which contribute to immune modulation, adaptogenic effects, and neuroprotection.
Dosage & Preparations
- Tincture 1:5 40%, 2-4 mL, 1-3 times daily
- Powder 1-3 g, 1-2 times daily
- Extract standardized to 4-7% ginsenosides, 200-400 mg daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated. Contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension and severe insomnia. Caution advised during pregnancy and lactation due to limited data. Potential interactions with anticoagulants and hypoglycemic medications exist. Overuse may cause nervousness or gastrointestinal upset.
Astrological Correspondences
Planetary ruler: Mars
Elemental ruler: Fire
Selected References
- British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Monograph on Panax ginseng (2017)
- World Health Organization (WHO) Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants Vol. 1 (1999)
- Chinese Medicinal Herbology and Pharmacology, John K. Chen & Tina T. Chen (2004)
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (2023)
- The Astrological Herbal: Recovering the Lost Language of Plants, Michael Tierra (1998)