What Is Panax Ginseng?

Panax ginseng is referred to as the "man root" in China because of its shape. It has also been regarded as an overall tonic for the body in traditional Chinese medicine. Much of the ancient beliefs in the healing properties of plants are based on the shape of the plant, and this was true of Panax ginseng. According to the Tillotson Institute, Panax ginseng is believed to strengthen your vital energy force known as qi or chi in Chinese medicine.

History

The word panax derives from Latin and means "cure all." It was used as early as the first century when the elderly of China used the root to improve both their physical and mental abilities and vitality. The root is mentioned in the written medical records of Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing of that same time period in his "Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica," according to Steven Foster and Rebecca Johnson, authors of "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine." Today, Panax ginseng is the most well known medicinal herb of Asia. In fact, it is considered endangered because of over-harvesting.

Description

The ginsenosides present in Panax ginseng are believed to be the constituents that cause the root's medicinal actions, according to the University of Maryland. Panax ginseng is often referred to as Asian ginseng. The plant is typically found in the mountain slopes of Asia. The root is gnarly with offshoots that look similar to legs and arms, which make the root look like a small human body. Typically, only roots that are at least 6 years old are used medicinally. The age can be identified by counting the wrinkles around the neck of the root, according to the University of Maryland.

Uses/Benefits

Scientific evidence shows that Panax ginseng may be useful in helping with erectile dysfunction, according to the University of Michigan. The root has helped to increase sperm count in a study of 46 men and increase libido in another study of 60 men, according to the University of Maryland. Traditionally, the root has been used for athletic performance, immune function, stress, diabetes and mental performance. Panax ginseng may also be useful in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to the University of Maryland.

Precautions

Overuse of Panax ginseng root may cause problems with insomnia, according to the University of Michigan. You should not consume Panax ginseng root with caffeine; otherwise, it may increase your risk of side effects. The possible side effects you may experience from using the root include anxiety, restlessness, high blood pressure, euphoria, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, breast pain, nosebleeds or vaginal bleeding, according to the University of Maryland. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid the use of Panax ginseng root. You should consult a doctor before using ginseng root with medications. Panax ginseng may interact with medications, especially those for the heart or blood pressure, stimulants or antidepressants.

Dosage

Panax ginseng is available as a fresh or dried root. It is also available in extract form. Extracts of Panax ginseng are typically recommended at a dosage of 200 to 500 mg per day, according to the University of Michigan. Traditionally, it is only used for three weeks straight, at which time a short break is taken from using the root. The dosage for fresh Panax ginseng root is 1 to 2 g daily, whereas the dried root dosage is 1/2 to 2 g, according to the University of Maryland.