Various forms of Ginseng have been used in medicine for more than 7000 years. Several species grow around the world, and though some are preferred for specific benefits, all are considered to have similar properties as an effective general rejuvenator. The roots can live for over 100 years.
American and Asian Ginsengs belong to the species Panax and are similar in their chemical composition.
Botanical Name: Panax notoginseng, Panax pseudoginseng San qi
Plant Family: Araliaceae
Common name: San Qi, Tan Qi, Tienchi Ginseng
Origin: China
History: Used in Chinese medicine
Plant Constituents
Contains:
- Ginsenosides (many similar to Panax Ginseng, but with differing relative amounts)
It also contains:
- flavonoids
- glycans (panaxans)
- maltol
- peptides
- polysaccharide fraction DPG-3-2
- saponins
- vitamins A
- vitamins B6 and other B vitamins
- volatile oilZinc (mineral which aids in the production of thymic hormones necessary for the functioning of the immune system)
Dosage:
- Liquid Herbal Extract (1:2) - 25-60mL/week
- Tablets as prescribed
Usage
Medicinal Parts Used: Root
Tienchi Ginseng is used for:
Blood Conditions
- hematemesis (vomiting of blood)
- hematoma (tumor like mass produced by coagulation of extravasated (escape of fluid into the tissues) blood in a tissue or cavity
- hematuria (blood in the urine)
- hemoptysis (coughing and spitting of blood as a result of bleeding from the respiratory tract
- hemorrhage and pain caused by trauma
- metrorrhagia (uterine bleeding at irregular intervals)
- moves blood through the body
- stops bleeding
- transforms congealed blood
- traumatic injury with bruising
Cardiovascular Conditions
- angina pectoris
- arrhythmia
- myocardial ischemia
- optimizes circulation
Immune Conditions
- enhances defense system balance
Other Conditions
- alleviates and reduces pain
- chest and abdominal pain
- high blood cholesterol
- may slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease
- normalizes physical functioning depending on what the individual needs (e.g. it will lower high blood pressure but raise low blood pressure)
- recovering from illness or surgery, especially for the elderly
- reduces swelling
- useful for weight loss
Action:
adaptogen [a substance that strengthens the body, helping it return to normal when it has been subjected to stress]
anti-arrhythmic
anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
anti-hemorrhagic [an agent to stop hemorrhages]
cardio-protective [an agent to protect the heart]
hypocholesterolemic [agent to lower blood cholesterol levels]
isotonic properties
sweet, slightly bitter and warm
Tienchi Ginseng is not used as a general energy tonic. While most Ginsengs are deemed to be either yin or yang in action, Tienchi Ginseng is considered to be neutral.
Precautions
Caution: Tienchi Ginseng is a stimulant and taken at high doses may cause:
- nervousness
- sleeplessness
Other side effects include:
- anxiety
- breast pain
- diarrhea
- euphoria
- headache
- high blood pressure
- insomnia
- nosebleed
- restlessness
- vomiting
- vaginal bleeding
Tienchi Gingseng:
- should be discontinued at least 7 days prior to surgery as Ginseng:
- can lower blood glucose levels which could create problems for patients fasting prior to surgery
- may act as a blood thinner increasing the risk of bleeding during or after surgery
- should not be used during pregnancy or when breast feeding
- should be taken with food to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) even in non-diabetics
Drug Interactions
Do not use Ginseng without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you taking any of the following medications:
Blood Thinning Medications
- aspirin (Ginseng may inhibit platelet activity)
- warfarin (Ginseng may decrease effectiveness)
Caffeine or other substances that stimulate the central nervous system
Ginseng may increase their effects possibly causing:
- irregular heartbeat
- insomnia
- nervousness
- sweating
Haloperidol (anti-psychotic medication)
- Ginseng may exaggerate the effects so do not take them together
Morphine
- Ginseng may block the pain killing effects of morphine.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors MAOIs (antidepressant medication) especially:
Phenelzine - Interaction with Ginseng may cause symptoms such as:
- headaches
- manic-like episodes
- tremulousness
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