Ren Shen (Panax ginseng)

Part Used Root
Main function Herb for Qi Defficiency (Qi Tonic)
Thermal qual. Slightly warm
Taste Sweet, slightly bitter
Meridians Entered Sp, Lu
Functions
  • Strongly tonifies Qi.
  • Strengthens Lungs.
  • Strengthens Spleen and Stomach.
  • Benefits Yin and generates Fluids.
  • Benefits Heart and calms Shen in conditions of Deficiency of Qi and Blood.
  • Cautions
  • Contraindicated in Deficiency of Yin with Heat, in Damp Heat or Excess Heat, in Liver Yang Rising.
  • Contraindicated in conditions with very high blood pressure (>180mmHg). - Overuse can lead to headache, insomnia, palpitations, and hypertension
  • Toxicity
  • Relatively safe for long term use (with appropriate breaks)
  • Symptoms of agitation, fever, dizziness and insomnia may appear after ingestion of more than 3-6g if contraindications are ignored.
  • Phyto-chemicals
  • Ginsenosides, panaxynol, panacene and often germanium
  • Western Properties
  • Tonic, stimulant, rejuvenative, sexual stimulant, hypoglycemic, anti-diuretic, adaptogenic, cardiotonic, increases protein synthesis, anti-allergic, endocrine restorative, anti-oxidant, sympathetic nervous system stimulant, stomachic, hepatoprotective, immune system stimulant and regulator, stimulates phagocytes and lymphocytes, stimulates leukocyte production
  • Notes
  • Improves mental performance/memory - Stimulates sex hormone production
  • Stimulates adrenals, increasing resistance to stress - Increases appetite
  • Causes heart to beat more strongly - Lowers blood cholesterol
  • Regulates blood pressure (up or down) except for severe hypertension

  • Copyright © 2001 John Freeman. All rights reserved.