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Plant
Remedies Ginseng
Ginseng panax spp
The word ginseng is said to mean ‘ the wonder
of the world’. Used in China for over 5000 years, ginseng (P.ginseng)
was known to 9th century Arab physicians. Marco Polo wrote of
this prized wonder drug. Ginseng became widely used by wealthy Europeans
for exhaustion and debility. The plant grows in rich woods throughout
eastern and central North America.
There are three varieties of which the root is
used, P. ginseng, P. Notoginseng of Korean or Chinese origin and P.
quinquefolius American ginseng.
Constituents
Steroidal glycosides,
saponins, volatile oil, vitamin D, acetyleneic compounds, sterols
Character
Chinese herbal
medicine regards it as sweet, slightly bitter
Action
It traditionally acts
as a tonic, stimulant, can reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, can
stimulate the immune system. It can be useful in loss of appetite and
digestive affections.
Application
P.ginseng
Tincture Traditionally used for diarrhoea
related to weak digestive function. Can be used for asthma and chronic
coughs, combine with walnut and ginger.
Powder Traditionally used in a capsule or
tablet in 500mg – 4 doses as a tonic
P.quinquefolius
Tincture This can be taken as a tonic or
combined with herbs, such as elecampane and mulberry bark for chronic
coughs and weak lungs.
P.notoginseng
Powder This is traditionally used in
capsules or tablets in 1 – 2g doses for wounds, bleeding or pain. It can
be combined with slippery elm for the pain of stomach ulcers.
Cautions
Avoid P.notoginseng in pregnancy as it may effect
the foetus. Although P.ginseng is generally safe, side effects have been
reported: avoid high doses or prolonged use in pregnancy and hypertension.
Avoid other stimulants such as tea, coffee and
cola drinks when taking P.ginseng
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This page was last updated on 14 December 2006 23:14:01
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