Panache Quinquefolii Radix
Aliases：Huā Qí Shēn (Flower Flag Ginseng, i.e., American Ginseng); Yáng Shēn (Western Ginseng); Xī Yáng Rén Shēn (Western Ocean Ginseng); Xī Shēn (Western Ginseng); Guǎng Dōng Rén Shēn (Guangdong Ginseng, cultivated variety).
Xiyangshen (American Ginseng) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried root of Panax quinquefolium L., a plant belonging to the Araliaceae family. It is native to the northern United States and southern Canada, hence its other name “Huaqishen” (Flower Flag Ginseng).
Efficacy & Actions
Tonifies qi and nourishes yin, clears heat and promotes fluid production.
Indications
Used for qi deficiency with yin damage, deficient heat with restlessness and fatigue, cough and dyspnea with bloody sputum, internal heat causing wasting-thirst disorder (diabetes), and dry mouth with parched throat. Modern applications also include palpitations, insomnia, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and chronic fatigue syndrome due to dual deficiency of qi and yin.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-fatigue effect: Ginsenosides in American ginseng increase exercise tolerance, reduce lactic acid accumulation, and alleviate physical and mental fatigue. Immune-enhancing effect: Polysaccharides and ginsenosides enhance macrophage phagocytosis, promote lymphocyte transformation, and boost immunity. Anti-stress effect: American ginseng shows non-specific resistance against various physical, chemical, and biological stressors. Blood glucose regulation: It improves insulin resistance, promotes glucose uptake, and serves as an adjunctive treatment for type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular protection: It exhibits anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-arrhythmic, blood pressure-lowering, and lipid-regulating effects. Antioxidant and anti-aging effects: Ginsenosides scavenge free radicals, increase antioxidant enzyme activity, and delay aging. Neuroprotection and memory improvement: It promotes nerve growth, enhances learning and memory, and shows potential benefits in Alzheimer’s disease. Antitumor effect: Ginsenosides inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, enhance the efficacy of radio-chemotherapy, and reduce its toxic side effects.
Ingredients
Saponins (ginsenosides): Main active components, including ginsenosides Rb₁, Rb₂, Rc, Rd, Re, Rg₁, Ro, etc., as well as the American ginseng-specific pseudo-ginsenoside F₁₁, etc. Polysaccharides: American ginseng polysaccharides possess immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. Volatile oils: Contain various terpenoids. Amino acids and peptides: Contain more than 17 amino acids and small molecular peptides. Other constituents: Sterols, flavonoids, organic acids, and various trace elements (zinc, selenium, iron, calcium, etc.).
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, 3–6 g (decocted separately and mixed with other decoctions); or ground into powder and swallowed, 1–2 g per dose, twice daily. Buccal Administration: Slice and hold in the mouth until dissolved. Note: Should not be used with Veratrum nigrum (Li Lu).
Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of middle yang deficiency or cold-damp encumbering the middle jiao: Not suitable for patients presenting with epigastric cold pain, loose stools, or greasy white tongue coating. Use with caution in patients with excess patterns or intense heat without deficiency: Contraindicated in conditions such as common cold with fever, high fever with thirst, and severe constipation. Use with caution in pregnant and lactating women; children should use it under the guidance of a physician. Not to be taken with radish, strong tea, or coffee: Radish depletes qi, while tannins and caffeine in tea and coffee may affect absorption and efficacy. Use with caution in individuals with allergies: A small number of people may experience allergic reactions such as rash or itching. Use with caution in patients with hypotension: American Ginseng has a blood pressure-lowering effect; it should not be used in large amounts by those with excessively low blood pressure. Avoid spicy, greasy, and raw/cold foods during the course of medication.
Selected Formulas
For qi-yin deficiency with fatigue and thirst (from Shiliao Bencao Xue) Take 3g American ginseng (Xiyangshen), 10g Maidong (Ophiopogon root), and 6g Wuweizi (Schisandra fruit). Decoct in water and drink. For fluid depletion due to febrile disease and deficient fire toothache Take 5g American ginseng, 10g Xuanshen (Scrophularia root), and 6g Zhimu (Anemarrhena). Decoct in water and drink. For coronary heart disease with palpitations and shortness of breath Take 3g American ginseng, 2g Sanqi powder (Notoginseng), and 10g Danshen (Salvia root). Decoct in water or mix with boiling water and drink. For diabetes with qi-yin deficiency Take 3g American ginseng, 15g Shengdihuang (Rehmannia root), 15g Shanyao (Chinese yam), and 12g Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes root). Decoct in water and drink. For neurasthenia with insomnia and forgetfulness Take 3g American ginseng, 15g Suanzaoren (Ziziphus seed), and 10g Longyanrou (Longan aril). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
American Ginseng Buccal Tablet: Take 1–2 g of thin American Ginseng slices and hold them directly in the mouth to dissolve, 2–3 times daily. American Ginseng Tea: Place 3 g of American Ginseng in a cup, pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Drink as a tea. It can be re-steeped repeatedly until the flavor fades. American Ginseng Chicken Soup: Take 10 g of American Ginseng, half a hen, 5 red dates, and 3 slices of ginger. Stew for 2 hours, then season with salt. American Ginseng and Honey Date Tea: Take 3 g of American Ginseng, 3 honey dates, and a pinch of rock sugar. Brew with boiling water or briefly simmer in water, then drink. American Ginseng and Lotus Seed Soup: Take 5 g of American Ginseng, 30 g of lotus seeds, 15 g of lily bulb, and an appropriate amount of rock sugar. Cook until the lotus seeds are soft. Drink the soup and eat the solid ingredients.
Medicinal Parts
Dried root.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, protected from moisture, insects, and mold.