Botanical Overview
Latin name: Panax quinquefolius
Family: Araliaceae
Parts used: Root
Common names: American ginseng, Five-leaf ginseng
Energetics
Panax quinquefolius is characterized by a cooling temperature and moistening quality. It has bitter and sweet tastes with descending and centered directionality. It is tonifying and primarily influences the qi and fluid aspects in the body.
Primary Actions
- Adaptogen
- Immunomodulator
- Nervine
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
Indications
Western
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Stress
- Cognitive decline
- Immune deficiency
Syndromes
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Immunodeficiency
- Stress-related disorders
TCM
- Dry mouth
- Thirst
- Restlessness
- Weak pulse
Syndromes
- Yin deficiency of the lung and stomach
- Heat signs with deficiency
Ayurveda
No well-documented traditional uses established.
Unani
No well-documented traditional uses established.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains ginsenosides, polyacetylenes, polysaccharides, arabinogalactans, and essential oils contributing to its adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Dried root decoction 1–3 g 1–2 times daily
- Extract standardized to ginsenosides 200–400 mg daily
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% ethanol 2–5 mL 1–3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated. Caution with anticoagulants, hypoglycemic agents, and immunosuppressants. Avoid in pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Use cautiously in hormone-sensitive cancers and autoimmune diseases. Possible mild insomnia or nervousness in some users.
Astrological Correspondences
No established planetary or elemental rulers documented with sufficient evidence.
Selected References
- American Botanical Council: American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), 2013
- European Medicines Agency (EMA), Community herbal monograph on Panax quinquefolium L., radix, 2013
- Attele AS et al., Pharmacology of Panax quinquefolius: A review, 2020
- PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2004
- Bensky D, Gamble A, Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, 1993