Panax ginseng

Asian Ginseng

Asian Ginseng is one of the most economically, and historically important plants. It has been used for thousands of years and appears in the first known Chinese Materia Medica (thought to have been written during the Han Dynasty, 220 BCE). Ginseng root is native to the northern mountainous regions of Korea, China, and parts of the Russian Federation. Cultivation of Panax ginseng in Korea started around 11 B.C. by transplantation of wild ginseng. Panax ginseng cultivated in Korea (Korean ginseng) is harvested after 4-6 years of cultivation, and it is classified into three types depending on how it is processed: (a) fresh ginseng (less than 4 yr old; can be consumed in it’s fresh state); (b) white Ginseng (4-6 yr old; dried after peeling); and (c) red ginseng (harvested when 6 yr old, and then steamed and dried). For these purposes we will discuss the use of "white ginseng." Panax is derived from the latin "Pan" or All, and "Akos" or Cure. The sound-Gin stands for the word Man in Chinese, and Seng for the term essence or that which underlies all outward appearances. Ginseng roots physically resemble the human body. According to Chinese beliefs, Ginseng is the representation of the essence of earth that dwells in a root.

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What is Asian Ginseng Used For?

This herb is a perfect example of the function of a "tonic" herb, an herb that is used for nutritive, restorative, long-term purposes. Herbalists classify it as an adaptogen. An adaptogen must have a normalizing effect, enhance homeostasis and counteract negative effects brought about by stressors. It must also have a wide range of safety with a broad range of therapeutic effects without causing any major side effects. This herb has been used to support normal immune function, to revitalize energy levels. The German Commission E Monograph for Panax ginseng reads; "As tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue." It is official in the Pharmacopeia of Austria, China, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland and Russia.

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Highlights

What is Asian Ginseng Used For?

This herb is a perfect example of the function of a "tonic" herb, an herb that is used for nutritive, restorative, long-term purposes. Herbalists classify it as an adaptogen. An adaptogen must have a normalizing effect, enhance homeostasis and counteract negative effects brought about by stressors. It must also have a wide range of safety with a broad range of therapeutic effects without causing any major side effects. This herb has been used to support normal immune function, to revitalize energy levels. The German Commission E Monograph for Panax ginseng reads; "As tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue." It is official in the Pharmacopeia of Austria, China, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland and Russia.

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Active Constituents of Asian Ginseng
Triterpene saponins known as ginsenosides. The root contains 2–3% ginsenosides of which Rg1, Rc, Rd, Rb1, Rb2, and Rb0 are quantitatively the most important.
Parts Used
Root
Additional Resources
Dorling, E. and A.M. Kirchdorfer. 1980. Do ginsenosides influence the performance? Results of a double-blind study. Notabene Medici 10(5):241246. Foster, S. and Y. Chongxi. 1992. Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. 102112. Yun, Taik-Koo, MD; Brief Introduction of Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer; J Korean Med Sci 2001; 16(Suppl): S3-5 ISSN 1011-8934
Important Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.