Ginseng

Perennial herbaceous plant up to 50-70 cm tall. The root is fleshy, cylindrical with branches, not often bizarre in shape, aromatic. The stem is thin green, leafy. Leaves in a whorl at the top of the stem are long-petiolate, palmately complex, their number is 2-5; the lower leaflets on the petioles are smaller than the upper ones, oval, with a pointed apex and a wedge-shaped base, finely serrated along the edge. Flowers numbering from 5-16 are pink, rarely white, in the apical umbel. The fruit is bright red, two-seeded. Blooms in July. Fruits in September.

Grows in virgin broad-leaved, coniferous forests in collaboration with Korean cedar. Grows singly, sometimes forms “families” up to 100 plants or more. Grows in the Far East. Introduced into culture.

Medicinal raw material is the root of plants aged at least 5 years.

Ginseng root contains a number of physiologically active substances, in particular, glycosides panaxaponin, panoquilon, panaxosides A and B, ginsenin, which apparently also belongs to glycosides, panaxic acid (a mixture of palmitic, stearic, oleic and lenoleic acids), etc. ., vitamins B1 and B2, ascorbic acid, phosphoric acid, iron, manganese. In addition, the root contains resinous substances, starch, phytosterol fatty oil, pectin substances, cane sugar.

The roots of wild and cultivated ginseng are used fresh and canned – in sugar. Often used in combination with antlers and other medicinal plants.

 

The effect of ginseng on the body is due to its stimulating effect on the cortex and subcortical formations of the brain.

Ginseng increases the strength and mobility of the main cortical processes, enhances positive conditioned reflexes, facilitates the development of conditioned reflexes and strengthens differentiation.

It has been established that products from the root have a positive effect on the blood picture, increase gas exchange, stimulate tissue respiration (especially of the brain), increase the amplitude and reduce the frequency of heart contractions; accelerate the healing of wounds and ulcers. Ginseng extract, taken orally, increases the secretion of bile, the concentration of bilirubin and bile acids in it, increases the light sensitivity of the human eye in the process of dark adaptation. It is the most powerful causative agent of the central nervous system, superior in action to the mixture of prozerin with phenomin; unlike in the aftermath, it does not have a phasic action and negative consequences in the aftermath, does not disturb sleep, increases efficiency in conditions of night wakefulness, etc.

The beneficial effect of ginseng on the body is explained by the content of biologically active substances in it. So, the glycoside panaxaponin is credited with an exciting effect, this glycoside also has the ability to tone the heart and blood vessels. Panaxic acid actively affects the metabolism. Panacea has an analgesic and calming effect on nerve centers. Panavilon stimulates the endocrine apparatus. Ginzenin regulates carbohydrate metabolism, causes a decrease in blood sugar levels and an increase in glycogen formation.

The intake of ginseng root products is accompanied by an increase in physical, mental performance, an increase in body weight, an improvement in well-being, sleep, appetite, and mood. Unlike other stimulants such as phenamine, there are no negative consequences when taking ginseng.

In scientific medicine, ginseng is used as a tonic for hypertension, physical and mental fatigue, as a result of severe long-term illnesses, impotence, reduced work capacity, lack of appetite, functional disorders of the cardiovascular system, sexual dysfunction, especially with hypofunction of the gonads, diabetes, nervous mental illnesses of a functional nature, such as: neurosis, neurasthenia, psychasthenia. Ginseng products are also shown for chronic hypo- and anacid gastritis. The intake of these products contributes to a more rapid recovery of the functional state of the liver in Botkin’s disease.

In Russia, 10% alcohol tincture and ginseng root powder are approved for use.

Assign products inside, before meals. Tincture is taken 15-25 drops 3 times every day, powder – 0.25-0.3 g 3 times every day.

When taking ginseng products, it must be remembered that the indicated doses are average and, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient and the nature of the disease, can be increased or decreased.

When treating with ginseng, it is recommended to prescribe half doses for the first 10 days. With repeated courses of treatment, the dose can not be reduced. In the absence of the effect of ginseng treatment, the dose should be increased in accordance with the individual characteristics and the condition of the patient. Treatment should be carried out in courses of at least 30-40 days. To obtain a more lasting effect, it is recommended to carry out 2-3 courses of treatment, and in some cases even more. Breaks between courses – 2-3 weeks.

Application

Pour a root weighing 40-50 g with cold boiled water sweetened with sugar for 3-4 hours, chop, dip in 0.5 liters of 40% alcohol and leave for 17-20 days in a dark place. Take once every day, 30 minutes before meals, 10 ml, without drinking water. Top up the amount of alcohol you have drunk within 2 weeks. The course of treatment is 90 days with two breaks of 10 days each. Such a course of treatment can be repeated only after a year.

With an overdose and a very long course of treatment without interruption, side effects are observed in the form of headaches, insomnia, palpitations, etc.

Ginseng root is credited with the ability to prolong life and youth, which is why some recommend its use to healthy individuals, starting at the age of 40. Chinese doctors believe that ginseng enhances the immunobiological properties of the body and, with long-term use, has an anti-inflammatory effect.

In Chinese folk medicine, ginseng is used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of tuberculosis, rheumatism, diabetes, and as an expectorant for certain bronchial diseases, debilitating night sweats, hemoptysis, anemia, hysteria, general prostration, and many other diseases.

In Korea, ginseng leaves are also used for medicinal purposes to accelerate the healing of wounds and ulcers.

Five-leaf ginseng growing and cultivated in North America, and creeping ginseng in Japan have a similar, but much weaker effect.

Application

Tincture: 50%; 15-25 drops 3 times every day for 1/2 hour before meals.

Powder: 1 powder (0.25 g) 3 times every day 20-30 minutes before meals.