Ginseng (ginseng in tagalog)

(Panax ginseng) Part used: Root. Properties: Alterative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic. What it affects: Heart and circulation, general effects on the whole body.

Preparation and amount: Decoction: Simmer 15-60 min. Use about 1/4 oz. of herb to 1 pint water. Take 4 oz. 3 times daily. Tincture: 20-60 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: 1/2 – 2 tsp. 3 times daily. Powder: 2-5 #0 capsules (15-30 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, ginseng is especially used for feverish and inflammatory illness, for hemorrhage, and for blood diseases. Women take it for everything from normalizing menstruation to easing childbirth. It strengthens the adrenal and reproductive glands. It promotes lung functioning, enhances immune function, and stimulates the appetite. It helps digestive disturbances. It is mildly stimulating to the central nervous system and the endocrines. It is useful for bronchitis, diabetes, infertility, lack of energy, and stress. It protects against the effects of radiation exposure and helps in withdrawal from cocaine. Because it is a demulcent, the tea taken hot is effective for colds, chest troubles and coughs. It helps to normalize blood pressure, tone the heart, increase circulation and reduce cholesterol. It reduces blood sugar, which is helpful for diabetics. It nutritional qualities help alleviate anemia.

Note: Only use thoroughly dried roots. The value of ginseng is overblown, but it is still a useful herb. Do not take it at night, for it will keep you awake.

• Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng) is thought to be far better than the North American variety. But, in reality, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is essentially the same as the Chinese version! So much so, that the bulk of the U.S. crop (most of which is grown under cultivation in Wisconsin) is shipped to Europe and Asia, to supplement the supply from the Orient (which is primarily in Korea).