Ginseng Radix Et Rhizoma
Aliases：Ren Xian、Gui Gai、Shen Cao、Tu Jing、Di Jing、Huang Shen、Xue Shen、Bang Chui, etc.
This translation follows WHO International Standard Terminologies (2022) and Chinese Pharmacopoeia conventions.
Efficacy & Actions
Greatly tonify original qi, restore the pulse and rescue collapse, tonify the Spleen and benefit the Lung, generate fluids and nourish Blood, calm the spirit and benefit intellect.
Indications
Debility with impending collapse, cold extremities and faint pulse, poor appetite due to spleen deficiency, wheezing and cough due to lung deficiency, thirst due to fluid damage, internal heat with wasting thirst disorder, deficiency of both qi and blood, chronic illness with debility and emaciation, palpitations with insomnia, impotence and uterine coldness.
Modern Pharmacology
Regulation of the central nervous system: Ginsenosides Rb₁ and Rg₁ exhibit bidirectional regulatory effects on the central nervous system (inhibitory and excitatory, respectively), improve learning and memory, and combat fatigue. Enhancement of immune function: Ginseng polysaccharides and ginsenosides enhance the phagocytic function of macrophages and increase immunoglobulin levels. Anti-stress and anti-shock: Increase the body’s tolerance to harmful stimuli (physical, chemical, biological) and raise blood pressure. Protection of the cardiovascular system: Strengthen cardiac contraction, dilate blood vessels, protect against myocardial ischemia, antiarrhythmic effects, and anti‑atherosclerosis. Regulation of endocrine and promotion of metabolism: Enhance the function of the pituitary‑adrenal cortex system, promote the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, and regulate blood glucose and blood lipids. Antitumor effects: Ginsenosides Rh₂, Rg₃, etc., induce apoptosis of tumor cells and inhibit metastasis. Antioxidant and anti‑aging: Scavenge free radicals, increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and delay aging. Hepatoprotective effects: Promote hepatocyte regeneration and reduce chemical‑induced liver injury. Bidirectional regulatory effects: Exhibit bidirectional regulation on blood pressure, blood glucose, and central nervous excitability, depending on the body’s status.
Ingredients
Ginsenosides (main active components): Ginsenosides Rb₁, Rb₂, Rc, Rd, Re, Rg₁, Rg₂, Rh₁, Ro, etc. Over 60 types have been isolated. Ginseng polysaccharides: Ginseng starch, pectin, etc., with immunomodulatory effects. Volatile oils: Ginseng sesquiterpenes, panaxynol (ginseng alcohol), etc. Amino acids and peptides: Contains more than 10 types of amino acids and ginseng peptides. Others: Organic acids, vitamins, and trace elements (zinc, iron, copper, manganese, selenium, etc.).
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 3–9 g in decoction (large doses up to 15–30 g may be used under medical supervision); ground into powder, 1–2 g each time; or used in pills, powders, extracts, or wine preparations. Emergency use: For critical cases with collapse, a large dose (15–30 g) may be decocted alone and taken as a single concentrated dose – as in Dushen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction). Precautions: Contraindicated in cases of excess patterns, heat patterns, or early‑stage external contraction (e.g., common cold with fever). Should not be used together with Veratrum nigrum (Lilu) or Trogopterus faeces (Wulingzhi) – according to the “Eighteen Incompatibilities” and “Nineteen Incompatibilities” theories. During the course of medication, avoid radish (which reduces the qi‑tonifying effect) and strong tea (tannic acid may interfere with absorption).
Contraindications
Absolute contraindications: Avoid use in cases of excess patterns (high fever, irritability, constipation), heat patterns (bleeding, oral sores), and early‑stage external contraction (common cold, fever). Use with caution in: Patients with hypertension (small doses may lower blood pressure; large doses may raise it). Pregnant women and children should use with caution. Incompatibilities with other Chinese medicinals: Should not be used together with Veratrum nigrum (Lilu) or Trogopterus faeces (Wulingzhi) – according to the “Eighteen Incompatibilities” and “Nineteen Incompatibilities” theories. Dietary incompatibilities: Avoid radish (reduces qi‑tonifying effect) and strong tea (tannic acid affects absorption). Also avoid spicy, greasy, and fatty foods. Adverse reactions: Overdose or long‑term use may cause “ginseng abuse syndrome”: insomnia, palpitations, hypertension, skin rash, diarrhea, etc.
Selected Formulas
1. Depletion of Original Qi (Collapse pattern) Tonifies original Qi, restores the pulse and rescues collapse. Indicated for shortness of breath, mental fatigue, and faint pulse due to profuse sweating, severe diarrhea, massive bleeding, or chronic illness. Used alone: Dushen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction). With sweating and cold limbs: Combine with Fuzi (Prepared Aconite) – Shenfu Tang (Ginseng and Aconite Decoction). With sweating, warm body, and thirst: Combine with Maidong (Ophiopogon) and Wuweizi (Schisandra) – Shengmai San (Pulse‑Activating Powder). 2. Qi Deficiency of the Lung, Spleen, Heart, and Kidney Lung Qi deficiency (shortness of breath, wheezing): Combine with Wuweizi (Schisandra), Suzi (Perilla Fruit), and Xingren (Apricot Seed) – Bufei Tang (Lung‑Tonifying Decoction). Spleen Qi deficiency (fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, loose stools): Combine with Baizhu (Atractylodes) and Fuling (Poria) – Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction). Spleen failing to control blood: Combine with Huangqi (Astragalus) and Baizhu – Guipi Tang (Spleen‑Restoring Decoction). Dual deficiency of Qi and Blood: Combine with Danggui (Angelica) and Shudihuang (Prepared Rehmannia) – Bazhen Tang (Eight‑Treasure Decoction). Heart Qi deficiency (palpitations, severe palpitations, insomnia, poor memory): Combine with Suanzaoren (Sour Jujube Seed) and Baiziren (Arborvitae Seed) – Tianwang Buxin Dan (Emperor’s Heart‑Nourishing Pill). Kidney Qi deficiency (kidney failing to receive qi, deficient wheezing): Combine with Gejie (Gecko), Wuweizi (Schisandra), and Hutaoren (Walnut). Kidney deficiency with impotence: Combine with Lurong (Deer Antler), etc. 3. Dual Injury of Qi and Fluids in Febrile Disease, and Wasting‑Thirst Disorder (Xiaoke) Febrile disease with thirst and a large but weak pulse: Combine with Zhimu (Anemarrhena) and Shigao (Gypsum) – Baihu Jia Renshen Tang (White Tiger Decoction plus Ginseng). Wasting‑thirst disorder (diabetes) with dual deficiency of Qi and Yin: Often used in compound formulas. 4. Strengthening Vital Qi to Eliminate Pathogenic Factors For external contraction due to Qi deficiency or interior excess with debility, combine with exterior‑releasing or purgative herbs.
Daily Consumption
Ginseng Chicken Soup Ingredients: 5–10 g ginseng, 1 hen, 5 red dates, 10 g goji berries. Preparation: Blanch the chicken, then stew it with ginseng, red dates, and goji berries for 2 hours. Action: Greatly tonifies original qi, nourishes deficiency and strengthens the body. Ginseng Tea Ingredients: 3–5 g ginseng (sliced). Preparation: Steep the sliced ginseng in boiling water, cover and let infuse for 10 minutes, then drink as tea. Action: Supplements qi, refreshes the mind, and relieves fatigue. Ginseng Congee Ingredients: 3 g ginseng (ground into powder), 50 g japonica rice. Preparation: Cook the rice into congee, then stir in the ginseng powder and cook for a short while. Action: Fortifies the spleen and supplements qi; used for poor appetite due to spleen deficiency. Ginseng Wine Ingredients: 30 g ginseng, 500 ml white liquor (baijiu). Preparation: Seal and steep for 15–30 days. Usage: Take 10–15 ml daily. Action: Warms and tonifies qi and blood; suitable for deficiency‑cold constitution.
Medicinal Parts
This product is the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza species.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, protected from mold and insects