Synonyms
Panax pseudoginseng, aralia plants, power root, gilgen, sam root, panax root, human rootThe plant is native to the primeval forests of North Korea, but also to China and Siberia. There the plant was already used as a universal remedy 5000 years ago (hence the name, Panax comes from the Greek and means “panacea”). Ginseng/Panax is now grown in cultures all over the world.
It is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 60 cm high and loves shady places. The rootstock grows to about 12 cm long and 2 cm thick and usually grows in two bunches. From this, a stem is formed which is up to 60 cm long and has maple-like leaves, which are hairy on the underside and strongly serrated on the edge. At the end of the stem an umbel-shaped inflorescence appears with up to 50 small, whitish-green flowers with 5 petals, similar to our ivy. Scarlet-red drupes with white seeds are formed from it.
Ingredients
Saponins, triterpenes, ginsenosides, vitamins of the B-complex, little essential oil
Medicinally used plant parts
The root is dug when the plant is between 6 and 8 years old. The older the plant, the better its healing power. It is cleaned and dried in the air.
The roots are offered unpeeled, peeled or steamed and then dried. To meet the worldwide demand for this drug, it is widely cultivated in crops. Growing ginseng is difficult and requires a lot of care and time.
Curative effects and application
The drug has a general stimulating effect. It supports the formation of red blood cells and the build-up of body protein, improves brain performance, retentiveness and concentration, as well as physical and mental resilience in overstrain and old age. Positive effects in adult-onset diabetes and mild depression during menopause have also been reported.
A stimulating effect in case of decreasing sexual activity and impotence could not be sufficiently proven. No direct effect on the cardiovascular system. Ginseng preparations are commercially available as geriatric and tonic.
In any case, the correct concentration and quality of the drug extract are important. An increased quantity rarely has an increased effect. A combination of ginseng extract with high-quality vitamins probably makes the drug more effective.
For the layman, therefore, it is important to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Ginseng also plays a role as a food in Asia. It is processed into a variety of soups, drinks, syrups and even liquor. In Korea it is used as a substitute for coffee.
