Ginseng (Sang)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Panax quinquefolium
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Roots
Chemicals this herb contains:
Arabinose
Camphor
Gineosides
Mucilage (See Glossary)
Panaxosides
Resin (See Glossary)
Saponin (See Glossary)
Starch

KNOWN EFFECTS

Stimulates brain, heart, blood vessels. Decreases blood sugar. Increases secretion of histamine. Decreases eosinophils in blood. Increases corticosteroid content of blood.

Miscellaneous information:
A favorite Chinese remedy used for almost everything. A native plant in the state of Georgia, USA.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats biological "stress." Is used as an aphrodisiac. Increases mental and physical efficiency. Treats impotence. Treats anemia. Treats hardening of the arteries. Reduces depression. Treats diabetes. Treats ulcers. Treats edema.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dosage.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Generally regarded as safe when taken in appropriate quantities
for short periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS