Ginseng

Clinical Notes. P. ginseng=sweet, bitter, warming P. quinquefolius=sweet, bitter, cooling, moistening TCM (P. ginseng)=qi tonic (stronger than P. quinquefolius), enters lung and spleen meridians and used to tonify qi, spleen, lung, calm shen, treat impotence, use for those w/ fatigue and lu/sp deficiency including SOB, dyspnea, asthma, spontaneous sweating, nausea, anorexia, sallow complexion, diarrea TCM (P.

indications. Ginseng is traditionally indicated for: Infertility (male), Diabetes, Prophylaxis, Depression (d/t neurasthenia, weakness, or depletion), Syndrome X, Illness (chronic), Stress (chronic), Cancer, Fatigue, Burnout, Depression, Immunodeficiency, Recurrent infections, Stress, Hyperglycemia, and 6 further conditions.

dose-reference. Reference preparation/dosing for Ginseng: P. ginseng=steaming root will make it more stimulating, dose usually matched to the natural diurnal rhythm in the morning and early afternoon; Decoction=1-3 tsp/c BID-TID; Tincture (1:2-1:3)=2-5 ml BID-TID; Standardized extract=std to 4-7% ginsenosides 100-200 mg qd-BID; Powdered=0.5-3 g/day

safety-cautions. Ginseng - Contraindications: Pregnancy category A=avoid 1st trimester, Lactation category C, Acute inflammatory conditions, P. ginseng=acute stage of infection, deficiency of yin with heat, in damp heat or excess heat, and in liver yang rising, P. quinquefolius=acute stage of infection, excess fire w/ stagnation or in stomach damp-cold | Side effects: May need to adjust med dose if concurrent w/ oral hypoglycemic, Insomnia, Nausea, Vomiting, High doses (P. ginseng)=Ginseng abuse syndrome including hypertension, nervousness/anxiety, euphoria, skin eruptions, diarrhea, nosebleeds, tremors, headache, palpitations, dizziness.