Based on German Commission E monograph and American Botanical Council information material and summarized by Bernd Wollschlaeger, M.D., Diplomate American Board of Family Practice.

Product:

Ginseng comes from the Chinese "ren shen", which means " essence of the earth in the form of a man". So named because some roots have limb-like branches resembling arms and legs.

It is considered by Orientals to be an overall body tonic substance. It’s held in highest esteem in China, where it has been applied for thousands of years as a rejuvenating substance.

• Saponins, or ginsenosides or panaxosides (panax=panaceea=cure all), are the chief constituent in Ginseng.
• Other ingredients are polysaccharides, some vitamin B, and minerals.
• Used as adaptogen ( substance that enables the body to cope with stress) and balance the body.
• American ginseng is considered to have more cooling (yin) properties. Reduces the heat of the lungs and respiratory system. Antagonizes the effects of the Chinese ginseng, which has "hot" (yang) properties. Siberian ginseng is different from other ginseng forms and considered stimulating immune system.
• Many complex components in ginseng have opposing effects.

• Analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
• Anticonvulsive and tranquilizing effects.

• In elderly patients ginseng increased capacity to perform visual and acoustic reaction tests.
• Can increase and decrease blood pressure.
• Can decrease blood sugar levels.
• Reported estrogenic activity and used for menopausal side effects.

• Hypersensitivity to ginseng preparations.

• High dosages can cause headache.
• Reported cases of vaginal bleeding.
• Increase in blood pressure.

• Do not recommend treatment during pregnancy.
• Estrogen-dependent tumors (i.e., breast cancer, etc.)
• Ginseng can act either as stimulant or depressant. Avoid in depression and anxiety states.
• Can increase or decrease platelet adhesiveness and blood coagulation (Bleeding).
• Can cause heart rhythm disturbances.

• Avoid if you are using anticoagulants (Coumadin etc.)
• Avoid if you are using antidepressant medications of the MAOIs type.
• Vitamin C can interfere with the absorption of ginseng.

• Standardized extract in a recommended dosage of 400mg three times daily (capsule).
• Available as tincture and tea.

• Varies according to indication.
• Do not recommend use without contacting physician experienced in botanical medicine.

• Do not exceed 5 gram daily.
• Heavy users of ginseng can experience hypertension, nervousness, and anxiety.
• Toxic signs include diarrhea, euphoria, and skin eruptions.