Ginseng Radix Et Rhizoma Rubra
Aliases：Gāo Lì Shēn (Goryeo Ginseng); Rén Xián (Human-shaped Herb); Tǔ Jīng (Earth Essence); Yù Jīng (Jade Essence); Dì Jīng (Earth Spirit); Bǎi Chǐ Gān (Hundred-foot Pole); Jīn Jǐng Yù Lán (Golden Well and Jade Railing).
Hóngshēn (Red Ginseng) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is a qi-tonifying medicinal material, and is the dried root and rhizome of the cultivated Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (Araliaceae) after steaming. Its outer surface is reddish-brown, which is why it is called “Red Ginseng.”
Efficacy & Actions
Strongly tonifies the primordial qi, restores the pulse and arrests collapse, and supplements qi to control bleeding.
Indications
Used for collapse due to severe debility, cold extremities with faint pulse, failure of qi to control blood (bleeding due to qi deficiency), and metrorrhagia with profuse bleeding. In Western clinical practice, it may be used for heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and other conditions. In addition, Red Ginseng is also commonly used for lung-deficiency cough, chronic diarrhea, and chronic dysentery, among other conditions.
Modern Pharmacology
Antitumor: Ginsenosides possess antitumor activity; long-term oral administration reduces tumor incidence and inhibits growth. Immunoenhancement: Enhances immune function. Antioxidant and anti-aging: Exhibits antioxidant and anti-aging effects. Antidiabetic: Possesses antidiabetic pharmacological activity. Cardiovascular protection: Low doses stimulate the myocardium, high doses inhibit; improves myocardial weakness with cardiotonic effects. Nervous system effects: Low doses stimulate the CNS, high doses inhibit; regulates excitatory and inhibitory processes. Anti-fatigue: Prolongs exercise duration and reduces fatigue. Anti-hepatorenal toxicity: Exhibits protective effects against liver and kidney toxicity.
Ingredients
Saponins (Ginsenosides): The main active components of Red Ginseng, including various ginsenosides. During the steaming process, some unique components are produced, such as G-Rh2 (ginsenoside Rh2), panaxytriol, and others. Amino Acid Glycosides: Such as arginine diglycoside and arginine fructoside, among others. Volatile Oils. Sugars (Carbohydrates). Amino Acids. Trace Elements. Others: Also contains maltol and other components.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 3–9g.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in allergic individuals; use with caution in allergic constitution. Contraindicated during pregnancy (may stimulate uterus and affect fetal safety). Use with caution in hypertensive patients (may raise blood pressure). Contraindicated in yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity (symptoms: swollen gums, dry mouth, frequent nosebleeds). Avoid during colds (may retain pathogenic qi). Use with caution in bleeding tendencies or patients on anticoagulant therapy. Should not be used with Veratrum nigrum (Lilu) or Trogopterus dung (Wulingzhi) – traditional incompatibilities. Long-term or high-dose use is not recommended (may cause上火, insomnia, depression, and other adverse effects).
Selected Formulas
For senile impotence (Hongshu Shudi Tang, empirical formula) Take 10g of Hongshen (red ginseng), 30g of Shudi (prepared Rehmannia), 25g of Huangqi (Astragalus), 15g of Baizhu (Atractylodes), 15g of Bajitian (Morinda root), 10g of Shanzhuyu (Cornus fruit), 10g of Baiziren (Platycladus seed), 5g of Wuweizi (Schisandra fruit), 5g of Yuanzhi (Polygala), 5g of Rougui (Cinnamon), 15g of Gouqizi (Goji berry), and 15g of Wuyao (Lindera). Decoct in water and drink. Take one dose daily, divided into morning and evening administrations. One week constitutes a course of treatment. For general debility, tinnitus, and blurred vision (Hongshen Gouqi Jiu, empirical formula) Take 15g of Hongshen, 80g of Gouqizi, 60g of Shudihuang (prepared Rehmannia), 50g of Heshouwu (Polygonum multiflorum), and 20g of Fuling (Poria). Grind into coarse powder, place in a cloth bag, and put into a container. Add 1000ml of white liquor, seal, and steep for 15 days before drinking. Take 20ml twice daily.
Daily Consumption
Stewed (double-boiled) consumption: Slice the Red Ginseng, place it in a bowl, add an appropriate amount of water, and steam (double-boil) for 2–3 hours. Take the liquid extract orally. Chewing consumption: Take 2–3 slices of Red Ginseng and chew them slowly in the mouth until dissolved. Powder consumption: Grind the Red Ginseng into a fine powder and take 1–2g daily. Tea infusion: Steep Red Ginseng slices in boiling water and drink as a tea infusion. Wine infusion: Soak whole Red Ginseng or slices in white liquor and consume in moderation. Medicinal cuisine: Red Ginseng can be stewed together with ingredients such as chicken or meat, for example, Red Ginseng and Angelica Mutton Soup.
Medicinal Parts
Dried root and rhizome.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, protected from insects.
