Ginseng: The King of Herbs’ Benefits and Precautions
1. Introduction to Ginseng
Ginseng, known as the “King of Herbs,” is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Araliaceae family. The main root of ginseng is fleshy, cylindrical or spindle-shaped, with branching at the lower part, and is usually yellowish-white in color. Ginseng typically grows in the mountainous forests of Northeast China, Korea, and North Korea.
In the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ginseng holds a very high status, with a medicinal history that dates back thousands of years. Ginseng has a sweet and slightly bitter taste, is mildly warm in nature, and is associated with the Spleen (Pi), Lung (Fei), Heart (Xin), and Kidney (Shen) meridians.
2. The Six Major Benefits and Effects of Ginseng
(1) Greatly Tonifies Yuan Qi
One of the most notable effects of ginseng is its ability to greatly tonify Yuan Qi. For individuals suffering from significant Qi deficiency due to major illnesses, prolonged diseases, blood loss, or fluid loss, presenting symptoms such as pale complexion, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weak pulse, ginseng has excellent therapeutic effects. It can quickly replenish the body’s Yuan Qi and enhance vitality.
(2) Tonifies the Spleen and Benefits the Lungs
Ginseng can tonify the Spleen and benefit the Lungs, effectively improving symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal distension, fatigue in the limbs due to Spleen Qi deficiency, and shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, and fatigue due to Lung Qi deficiency. Ginseng enhances the digestive function of the Spleen and Stomach, promotes the absorption of nutrients, and also strengthens the respiratory function of the Lungs, thereby boosting the body’s immunity.
(3) Generates Fluids and Alleviates Thirst
Ginseng has the effect of generating fluids and alleviating thirst. For symptoms such as thirst and excessive drinking due to heat-induced fluid damage, ginseng can promote the secretion of saliva and gastric juice, alleviating thirst. Additionally, ginseng can be used to treat thirst and excessive drinking caused by diabetes and other diseases.
(4) Calms the Mind and Enhances Intelligence
Ginseng can calm the mind and enhance intelligence, providing good therapeutic effects for symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia with vivid dreams, and forgetfulness. Ginseng can regulate the function of the nervous system, relieve tension, promote sleep, and improve memory and cognitive abilities.
(5) Regulates Blood Pressure
Ginseng has a bidirectional effect on blood pressure. For patients with hypertension, ginseng can dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure; for patients with hypotension, ginseng can constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Ginseng maintains blood pressure stability by regulating the cardiovascular system’s function.
(6) Enhances Immunity
Ginseng contains various active components, such as ginsenosides and ginseng polysaccharides, which can enhance the body’s immunity and improve disease resistance. Ginseng promotes the production and activity of white blood cells, enhances the phagocytic function of macrophages, and inhibits the growth and spread of tumor cells.
3. Three Groups of People Who Should Avoid Ginseng
(1) Patients with Excess Heat Syndrome
Excess Heat Syndrome refers to the presence of excess heat evil in the body, characterized by high fever, irritability, thirst, constipation, and dark yellow urine. Ginseng is warm in nature and has a warming and tonifying effect; therefore, patients with Excess Heat Syndrome should avoid ginseng as it can exacerbate the internal heat evil and worsen their condition.
(2) Patients with Damp-Heat Syndrome
Damp-Heat Syndrome refers to the presence of damp-heat evil in the body, characterized by bitter mouth, dry mouth, yellow greasy tongue coating, yellow urine, and sticky stools. Ginseng, being warm in nature, can easily promote dampness and generate heat, thus worsening the symptoms of Damp-Heat Syndrome. Therefore, patients with this syndrome should avoid ginseng.
(3) Adolescents and Children
Adolescents and children are in a stage of growth and development, with abundant Yang Qi, and generally do not require tonics like ginseng. If adolescents and children consume ginseng, it may lead to precocious puberty and endocrine disorders. Therefore, ginseng is not recommended for this group.
4. Precautions for Consuming Ginseng
(1) Should Not Be Eaten with Radishes
Ginseng tonifies Qi, while radishes disperse Qi; their effects are opposite and should not be consumed together. If ginseng and radishes are eaten simultaneously, the Qi-tonifying effect of ginseng will be weakened by the radish, affecting its therapeutic efficacy.
(2) Should Not Be Drunk with Tea
Tea contains a large amount of tannic acid, which can combine with the active components in ginseng to form precipitates that are difficult for the body to absorb, thus reducing ginseng’s medicinal effects. Therefore, during the consumption of ginseng, strong tea should be avoided.
(3) Should Not Be Consumed in Excess
Although ginseng is a precious medicinal material, it should not be consumed in excess. Overconsumption of ginseng may lead to adverse reactions such as heat, nosebleeds, dizziness, and palpitations. Generally, the dosage of ginseng should be determined based on individual constitution and condition, and should not exceed 3 grams.
In summary, ginseng is a very precious medicinal herb with multiple benefits and effects. However, it also has specific applicable populations and contraindications. Before consuming ginseng, one should consult a physician and use it appropriately based on their constitution and condition to avoid adverse reactions.