Description
American Ginseng / Panax Quinquefolius / Xī Yáng Shēn 【西洋参】 / Huāqí Shēn 【花旗参】
In TCM, American Ginseng is a precious herb for the modern age, where stress, overwork, and chronic illness often lead to a pattern of Qi and Yin Deficiency with Deficiency Heat. Its unique ability to replenish energy while cooling and moistening the body makes it an indispensable tool, but one that must be used correctly according to TCM diagnosis to avoid exacerbating underlying Cold or Damp conditions.
Cool in nature. Sweet and slightly bitter in taste. It enters the heart, lungs and kidney meridians.
American Ginseng is to tonify Qi and Yin simultaneously, while clearing Heat and reducing Fire caused by Deficiency Heat.
Health Benefits
Tonify Qi, restore vitality, alleviates fatigue, enhances mental clarity, treats shortness of breath, nourishes Yin, promotes fluid production, relieves thirst, alleviates dryness, clears heat, treats night sweats, dry mouth and throat, hot palms, nourishes the heart, soothes the mind, reduce stress, recovery from prolonged illness, surgery or childbirth, harmonises the five internal organs, promotes overall well-being and boosts immunity.
Tonify Qi : Strengthens the body’s vital energy. It is particularly effective for Qi Deficiency of the Lung and Spleen, addressing symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and a weak voice.
Nourishes Yin : Yin represents the cooling, moistening, and substantial aspects of the body. American Ginseng generates fluids and alleviates dryness.
Clears Deficiency Heat and Fire : When Yin is deficient, the body can’t control Yang energy, leading to a type of “false” heat known as Deficiency Heat.
Ideal for individuals experiencing :
• Yin & Heat Deficiency : General signs of dryness, chronic dry coughs (e.g., long-term smokers) & thirst, dry throat, feverish that have consumed the body’s fluids.
• Qi Deficiency : Chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpitations and low resilience.
• Post-illness recovery, surgery or childbirth to regain strength.
• Menopausal symptoms related to Yin Deficiency, such as hot flashes and night sweats..
• Feeling physically and mentally drained.
• Constant late nights, over worked, work stress
• Older adults to preserve vitality and longevity, experiencing weakness and declining energy.
Precautions
American Ginseng is a “cooling” and go-to herb for a Qi and Yin Deficiency pattern with signs of Deficiency Heat.
· An acute condition : Such as common cold or flu with fever and chills.
· Yang Deficiency with Cold : Symptoms include cold limbs, aversion to cold, pale complexion, loose stools, and a clear, copious urine.
· Pregnancy and young children : Should be used only under the guidance of a TCM practitioner. All herbs are not for infants.
· Drug Interactions : Due to its effects on blood sugar and blood coagulation, individuals on anticoagulants (like Warfarin) should use it with caution and consult a doctor.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential.
· Dosage : A typical daily dose is 3-6 grams.
· It’s best to Avoid taking food and beverage that are contraindications to Qi-tonifying herbs ( Ginseng, Astragalus Root, Radix Codonopsis ) as they are considered to dissipate Qi and reduce the tonic effect of the herbs. Food such as :
· Cooling & Raw Food : raw vegetable & salad, cold drinks & ice-cream, certain fruits such as watermelon, pear & grapefruit, certain seafood such as crab and clams.
· Dampness-Producing Food : Dairy products, sweeteners & sugary food, greasy & fried food, wheat & highly processed grains & food
· Pungent & Dispersing Food & Herbs : Radish, mint & peppermint, hot spices in excess.
· Specific Food-Drug Interactions : Coffee & tea.
or strictly separate intake by several hours.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
General Dietary Advice While Tonifying Qi
When you are prescribed a course of Qi-tonifying herbs, it is a signal that your body needs focused support. Adhering to these dietary guidelines, even for a short period, will dramatically increase the effectiveness of the herbs and speed up your recovery.
1. Embrace Warm, Cooked Foods : Soups, stews, congee (rice porridge), and well-cooked vegetables are ideal. They are easy to digest and warm the Spleen and Stomach.
2. Eat at Regular Intervals : Don’t skip meals. The Spleen thrives on routine.
3. Chew Thoroughly : This is the first and most crucial step of digestion.
4. Don’t Overeat : Overeating is one of the quickest ways to injure Spleen Qi.
5. Use Spleen-Tonic Foods in Cooking : Incorporate small amounts of sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, rice, oats, and ginger into your meals.
Common Usage and Preparation
1. Tea / Decoction : Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
2. Culinary Use : Added to soups and broths for a tonic effect.
3. Powder or Capsules : Ground into a powder and taken with warm water or encapsulated. For convenient daily supplementation in smaller, maintained doses.
4. Tincture : An alcohol-based extract. Steeped in alcohol to extract its properties.
5. Chewing Slices : A small slice can be chewed slowly.
Type of Ginsengs ;
1.Korean Ginseng
TCM Nature : Warm (Yang-tonic and warming effect)
Primary Action : Strongly tonifies Qi, warms Yang (body)
Best For : Severe Yang & Qi Deficiency with cold limbs, coldness, low energy.
Common Use : Chronic fatigue, cold limbs, weak immunity
• Generally for those with a deficient-cold constitution.
2.American Ginseng
TCM Nature : Cool (Yin-tonic and cool effect)
Primary Action : Tonifies Qi, Nourishes Yin, Clears Deficiency Heat, Generates Fluids
Best For : Qi Deficiency with heat signs (e.g., stress, dry mouth, dryness, night sweats, irritability)
Common Use : Stress, fatigue with dryness/irritability
• Generally for those with a deficient-hot constitution.
3.White Ginseng
TCM Nature : Neutral to slightly cool
Primary Action : Tonifies Qi without being overly drying, generates fluids.
Best For : General, but significant, Qi deficiency of the Lungs and Spleen, sensitive to heat.
Common Use : General Qi deficiency, mild fatigue
• Individuals with a heaty constitution or who tend to get easily overheated.
· Choose Korean Ginseng if you are often cold, exhausted, and have a pale complexion. It’s for a “cold” type of fatigue.
· Choose American Ginseng if you are tired but also feel warm, stressed, have a dry mouth, or experience night sweats. It’s for a “hot” or “dehydrated” type of fatigue.
· White Ginseng is a milder, slightly cool form of Korean Ginseng.
Simple Analogy : If your body’s energy system is a car engine
· American Ginseng is like adding coolant and oil to an engine that is overheating from running too long without enough fluids.
· Korean Ginseng is like adding high-octane fuel to a cold engine that’s struggling to start.
· White Ginseng is like a steady, gentle recharge.
