GINSENG
Ren Shen

 

Panax ginseng

 
 

Attributes and Domain
sweet, slightly bitter, neutral; Spleen, Lung and Heart

Major therapeutic action
Greatly supplements primary qi, nourishes the Lung and Spleen, quiets the Heart and calms the Spirit.

 Dosage
The typical proportion when added to a constitutional formula is 6:1 formula to addition (15 grams in 75-90 grams of formula). When used alone the dose is three grams twice daily.

Indications
*  Qi deficiency verging on desertion, deficiency of the Lung, Spleen and Stomach, disquieted Spirit due to deficiency of qi and Blood
*  Heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, diabetes, diseases of the digestion system, hepatitis, tumours, senility   
*  Fatigue, shortness of breath
*  Sweating, cold limbs
*  Asthma
*  Loss of appetite, distension and fullness in the chest and abdomen, loose stools
*  Diarrhoea
*  Anal prolapse
*  Palpitation
*  Insomnia

Cautions and contraindications
Overdosage of ginseng may result in fullness and distension feeling in the chest and abdomen.
Excessive syndromes, such as: initial stage of externally contracted diseases, hyperactivity of internal Heat, fullness and distension, loose stool and diarrhoea due to Dampness obstruction, food stagnation, etc.

Combinations
*  Can be combined with most other herbs or formulas where there is a deficiency of vital energy (during the recovery stage of illness after the acute symptoms have cleared or with chronic tiredness). Should not be used during the acute stage of an illness or when there are signs of heat present (redness, inflammation or fever).