Ginseng, a precious medicinal material known as the "king of herbs", has played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. Ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Mey.) belongs to the Araliaceae family, and its dried root is an important medicinal material in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginseng is mainly produced in Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang and other places in China. These regions have become an ideal environment for ginseng growth due to their unique geographical and climatic conditions.
In ancient medical books, ginseng is praised as a holy product that "replenishes vital energy". "Shennong Bencao Jing" lists ginseng as a top-grade product, saying that it " replenishes the five internal organs, calms the spirit, calms the soul, stops panic, removes evil spirits, improves eyesight, and improves the mind and intelligence ". "Compendium of Materia Medica" also records that ginseng " treats all kinds of deficiency symptoms in men and women, fever and spontaneous sweating, dizziness and headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, spermatorrhea, frequent urination, fatigue and weakness, long-term illness, and all kinds of weakness and weakness ".
This article will give you an in-depth understanding of ginseng's origin, plant characteristics, variety differences, efficacy and modern applications, and discuss the precautions when using ginseng.
Plant Properties of Ginseng
Ginseng has unique plant characteristics and its roots have various shapes. It is mainly divided into three types: raw sun-dried ginseng, raw sun-dried wild ginseng and raw sun-dried ginseng slices .
Raw sunflower ginseng : The taproot is hammer-shaped or cylindrical, 3~15cm long and 1~2cm in diameter. The surface is grayish yellow, with sparse, intermittent, coarse horizontal lines and obvious longitudinal wrinkles. It is hard, with a pale yellow-white cross section and powdery texture. The cambium rings are brownish yellow, and the cortex has yellow-brown dot-shaped resin channels and radial cracks. It has a unique aroma and tastes slightly bitter and sweet.
Sun-dried wild ginseng : The taproot is equal to or shorter than the rhizome, and is in the shape of a herringbone, diamond or cylinder, 2 to 10 cm long. The surface is grayish yellow, with longitudinal striations, and the upper end has dense and deep ring-shaped transverse striations. There are mostly two lateral roots, and the corymbs are thin and long, clear and uncluttered, with obvious wart-like protrusions.
Raw sun-dried ginseng slices : round or quasi-round slices, grayish white with chrysanthemum patterns, powdery, light, crispy, and with a unique aroma.
Different varieties of ginseng
There are many varieties of ginseng, which are mainly differentiated according to their origin and production methods.
Changbai ginseng : Produced in the Changbai Mountain area of China, it has excellent quality and is known as the "King of Ginseng".
Korean ginseng : Produced in South Korea, it has a long history of cultivation and is of high quality, known as "red gold".
American ginseng (American ginseng) : Produced in North America, it has a cool nature and a weaker effect on replenishing qi, but a stronger effect on promoting the production of body fluids.
According to different preparation methods, ginseng can be divided into red ginseng and white ginseng:
Red ginseng : After being steamed at high temperature, it has a strong effect of replenishing qi and is suitable for people with cold constitution.
White ginseng : naturally dried, good for promoting body fluid, suitable for people with hot constitution.
Indications and Benefits of Ginseng
Ginseng has a wide range of effects, mainly used to replenish qi, consolidate the body, nourish the spleen and lungs, promote the production of body fluids and quench thirst, and calm the mind and improve intelligence. Specific indications include:
Weak body, cold limbs and weak pulse : Ginseng can greatly replenish vital energy and restore physical strength.
Poor appetite due to spleen deficiency, asthma and cough due to lung deficiency : Ginseng can nourish the spleen and lungs, and improve digestion and respiratory functions.
Loss of body fluid and thirst, internal heat and polydipsia : Ginseng can produce body fluid and quench thirst, and relieve dry mouth and tongue.
Long-term illness, weakness, palpitations and insomnia : Ginseng can calm the mind, improve intelligence, and improve sleep and mental state.
Erectile dysfunction, uterine cold, heart failure, cardiogenic shock : Ginseng can invigorate Yang Qi and improve circulatory system function.
Modern Applications
Modern medical research has found that the main active ingredient in ginseng is ginsenoside (Ginseng Saponin), which has a variety of biological activities. Ginseng is not only widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, but also shows great potential in modern medicine.
Anti-cancer : Cell and animal experiments show that certain components in ginseng can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. However, clinical research is still insufficient and needs further verification.
Anti-aging : Ginseng has antioxidant effects, can delay aging and improve skin conditions.
Enhance immunity : Ginseng can improve the function of the immune system and enhance resistance.
Improve cardiovascular health : Ginseng can lower blood pressure and blood lipids and improve heart function.
Notes
Although ginseng has many benefits, the following precautions should be taken when using it:
Differences in constitution : People with different constitutions react differently to ginseng. Red ginseng is suitable for those with cold constitution, while white ginseng is suitable for those with hot constitution.
Dosage control : The dosage of ginseng needs to be adjusted according to individual constitution and condition. Excessive use may cause side effects.
Contraindications : People with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and pregnant women should use ginseng with caution, and it is best to take it under the guidance of a doctor.
Drug interactions : Ginseng may interact with certain medications, so consult a doctor before use.
Conclusion
As an ancient and mysterious medicinal material, ginseng has amazing magical effects and wide applications. Whether it is a sacred product for replenishing qi in traditional Chinese medicine or a research object in modern medicine, ginseng has shown great potential and value. When using ginseng, we need to use it reasonably according to our personal constitution and condition to achieve the best effect. I hope this article can help you better understand ginseng and use this precious medicinal material reasonably in your daily life.
