Panax ginseng (Ginseng, Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng), Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng less warming) 116

Family: Araliaceae

Part Used: Root

Active Constituents:

Glycosides, flavonoids, polysaccharides, saponins (ginsenosides), Beta-sitosterol, vitamins (B's), volatile oils

Medicinal Actions:

Adaptogenic, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, circulatory stimulant, nutritive

Medicinal Uses:

1)Panax is a supreme adaptogenic tonic.

2)It is useful to treat both symptoms and causes of debilitation in both males and females. It is specifically indicated for people who can no longer adapt to stress, mental, emotional and/or physical.

3)Panax is derived from the greek, panacea, meaning "cure for all". In Chinese medicine, it is known as a Qi tonic.

4)The phytosterols have effect on the adrenal hormones, are said to extend the half life of cortisol and to increase available DHEA. Some of the effect on adrenals is thought to be due to stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, stimulating release of ACTH and other hormones. The pituitary-hypothalamic stimulation is thought to be responsible for the increase in levels of endorphins and enkephalins measured in some rat studies. For this action, it is thought to be useful in treating patients who have been taking the steroidal anti-inflammatories restoring adrenal balance. Has effect on memory since affect on the pituitary.

5)The old USSR used Panax in their athletic programs, noting an increase in oxygen availability and thus, greater endurance in their athletes.

6)They also noted an increase in fatty acid metabolization inside the muscle of athletes.

7)Many studies have been done showing the enhanced mental functioning in persons taking Panax. Performance and accuracy increased during long term testing. Some studies have shown increased activity in the CNS and increased metabolic activity in the CNS with panax ingestion.

8)It has anti-depressant activity in persons with depression due to neurasthenia, weakness or depletion.

9)It is considered to be a supreme tonic for those recovering from chronic illness, surgery or long-term stress.

10)Other endocrine effects have been noted. Specifically, panax can stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas and increase sensitivity to insulin in the receptor sites, causing a hypoglycemic effect in diabetics or Syndrome X.

11) Since it also increases cerebral vascular flow, it is indicated for use when treating diabetes. It has been shown to increase interferon production by immune cells. This may be a secondary effect. Good for hyperlipidemic.

12)It has also been used to reduce side effects when treating patients with morphine or opiate addiction.

13)Good for treatment of AIDS patient

14)With in one week pt. Could feel more heat since ginseng is heat producing.

NOTE: Quinquefolium is more moistening than panax ginseng and also less warming

Panax ginseng, cont.

Korean ginseng is said to be more warming than American ginseng. American ginseng is also thought to be more moistening. (per Sharol Tilgner, ND). Do not excede 20 percent since could change and altering affect immediately to cortisole.

Pharmacy:

Decoction: @2 tsp-2 TBl of root/2 cups water Depend on people X 15-30 (simmer slowly for 20 minutes) minutes drink BID-TID.

Tincture (1:5, 1:1): 20-60 drops BID-TID

Capsules or SE: 100 mg QD - TID