Ginseng (Ren Shen) is a very common tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), renowned as the “King of Herbs.” It grows in mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests at altitudes of 500 to 1100 meters, where the temperature difference between day and night is small, making it quite precious.
Effects and Functions of Ginseng
1. Hematopoiesis
Ginseng or its extracts have both protective and harmful effects on hematopoiesis in the spinal cord, capable of increasing the number of blood cells, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin concentration in both normal and iron-deficiency anemic animals. It can also enhance blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and blood cells in patients with iron-deficiency anemia.
2. Tonifying Vital Qi
Ginseng is a precious tonic that significantly replenishes vital Qi, stabilizes pulse, and is suitable for conditions caused by excessive sweating, frequent diarrhea, major bleeding, or prolonged illness leading to Qi deficiency, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weak pulse.
3. Regulating the Central Nervous System
Ginseng can regulate the central nervous system, improving the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain; it enhances both mental and physical work capacity, increases work efficiency, and has anti-fatigue effects.
4. Antioxidant Properties
Ginseng contains various antioxidants, including ginsenosides, ginseng polyacetylenes, and ginsenoside Rg3. These compounds have anti-lipid peroxidation effects, forming the basis for its anti-aging properties.
5. Improving Thirst
Chronic diseases often deplete the body’s Qi and blood, leading to fatigue. Ginseng has excellent tonic effects on the body’s constitution and can also improve symptoms for those who experience frequent thirst.
6. Improving Cardiac Function
Ginseng can increase myocardial contractility, slow the heart rate, and enhance cardiac output and coronary blood flow, providing protection against myocardial ischemia and arrhythmias. It has a significant impact on cardiac function, cardiovascular health, and blood flow. Ginseng exhibits notable anti-hypoxia effects, and its preparations can effectively combat sinus bradycardia. Ginsenosides can accelerate lipid metabolism and significantly lower high cholesterol levels.
7. Treating Impotence
In TCM, ginseng is generally used as a tonic to nourish vital Qi; studies have shown it enhances gonadal function. Ginseng tincture has significant efficacy for impotence due to paralysis or premature ejaculation, but is ineffective for psychological impotence; it also has some therapeutic effects on cortical and spinal impotence caused by neurasthenia.
Can Ginseng Tea Be Consumed Daily?
Ginseng tea should not be consumed daily.
Ginseng is inherently warm and has strong tonic effects, commonly used to regulate symptoms of Qi and blood deficiency, poor appetite, and more. However, prolonged consumption of ginseng tea can easily lead to excessive internal heat, which may cause common issues like nosebleeds in mild cases, and potentially harm organs such as the spleen in severe cases.
Therefore, while ginseng tea can be beneficial for health, it is essential to consider one’s physical condition and consume it in moderation to avoid adverse reactions.