HIERBAS BUENAS - From the Family of Good Herbs
GINSENG: KING OF ALL TONICS

Ginseng or ren shen literally means “human-root” because of the resemblance of its shape to the human body. Though ginseng is a medicinal herb, it is often used in Chinese food. In the Shennong Herbal (compiled between the first and second century B.C.) it is classified as a “superior medicine” suitable for long-term consumption without toxic side-effects.

Hailed as the king of all tonics, ginseng is said to have a stimulating effect on the entire body - boosting energy and stamina, allowing it to better cope with stress, overcomes fatigue, recover from weakness, and restoring health. For over two thousand years, ginseng has been prescribed by Chinese doctors as cardiac tonic and hepatic tonic.

Ginseng has a very beneficial effect on the heart and circulation. It is used to normalize blood pressure, reduce blood cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis. A study conducted in Japan in the 1970s found that rats on a high cholesterol diet showed a drop in LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and a rise in HDL (the beneficial cholesterol) after being given ginseng. It is used to treat anemia because it “nourishes” the blood. It is useful in managing diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels.

Another study in Japan found that unpurified saponins from ginseng not only inhibited the growth of cancer cells but also actually converted the diseased cells into normal cells. Thus ginseng may inhibit growth of cancerous tumors. Like dang gui (angelica sinensis), ginseng is believed to help increase estrogen levels in women, so it is often recommended to alleviate hot flashes and other unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Ginseng is also used for women with hormonal imbalance and other deficiency diseases.

The Soviet scientist I. I. Brekhman called ginseng an adaptogen because of its unique ability to normalize body functions. Its wide application has earned it the botanical name panax ginseng from the Greek word meaning panacea or “wonder drug.” Ever since Dr. Brekhman reported in 1969 on the effects ginseng extract had on soldiers under stress, ginseng has become the favorite of athletes worldwide. Many swear by it for their increased physical and mental endurance and the competitive edge it can offer.

There are many types and many grades of ginseng available. Panax ginseng comes from China and Korea, and is either dried (naturally white) or steamed and dried (which changes the color naturally to red). Red ginseng is steamed with an herbal solution and is considered superior by many herbalists. American ginseng (panax quinquefolius) hails from the State of Wisconsin.

Native Americans have used the root to relieve nausea and vomiting. Nineteenth century Eccletics recommended it as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. American ginseng is very popular in the Orient because it is very similar to panax ginseng and offers similar benefits. Also, American ginseng is said to be more cooling and less stimulating, making it more agreeable with yang conditions.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not even in the ginseng family, but has many of the same properties as ginseng. Likewise, dang shen (codonopsis) and dan shen (salvia miltiorrhiza), while sharing the common character “shen” in their names with ren shen, are not members of the ginseng family. They do have similar tonifying properties.

Ginseng comes whole, sliced, powdered, extracted, in capsules or in tea bags. The normal dosage is 5 to 10 grams daily. However, for young people with high yang energy, ginseng may cause heart palpitation or vertigo. Some people may find panax ginseng too stimulating, especially when taken before bedtime.

Ginseng is not to be used with any diseases with inflammation, burning sensation, high fever and other yang conditions such as excessive menstrual flow. If you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor before using ginseng. In most cases, American ginseng serves as a good substitute. It is to be noted that vitamin C can interfere with the absorption of ginseng. If you take a vitamin C supplement, do take it two hours before or after taking ginseng.

PCMC Herb Center carries products of panax ginseng from both China and Korea, American ginseng, and Siberian ginseng. They come as slices, extracts (simple or in combination with eucommia and reishi mushroom), capsules, and even in the form of non-alcoholic champaign.

February 1999