Sorry about the break in posting! I was a little caught up in life but I am back in the game now! You can look forward to a few posts on Mabon in the coming week. My cousin specifically requested ginseng and so this post is for her!
Panax Ginseng
Gender: Male
Element: Fire
Planet: Saturn, Uranus
Zodiac Sign: N/A
Celtic Zodiac/ Date: N/A
Lunar Month: N/A
Tarot: N/A
Rune: N/A
Ogham: N/A
Crystal: N/A
Deities: N/A
Associated Festival: N/A
Chakras: Third Eye
Birth Month: N/A
Meaning: the wonder of the world
Type: perennial herb, with a large, fleshy, very slow-growing root
Grows in Zone: 3-9 depending on variety
Plant for Bees?: No
Natural pesticide?: No
Poisonous/ Toxic: No
The word ginseng is said to mean ‘the wonder of the world.’ Ginseng is the most famous Chinese herb. It is the most widely recognized plant used in traditional medicine. Various forms of ginseng have been used in medicine for more than 7000 years. Several species grow around the world, and though some are preferred for specific benefits, all are considered to have similar properties as an effective general rejuvenator. The Greek meaning of Panax – All Healing. The Chinese named ginseng “ren shen”, or “man root,” for the human-like shape of its root.
It has a mucilaginous sweetness, approaching that of liquorish, accompanied by some degree of bitterness and a slight aromatic warmth, with little or no smell. The stem is simple and erect, about a foot high, bearing three leaves, each divided into five finely-toothed leaflets, and a single, terminal umbel, with a few small, yellowish flowers. The fruit is a cluster of bright red berries. Ginseng starts flowering in the fourth year, and the roots take 4-6 years to reach maturity.
Ginseng is distinguished as Asiatic or Chinese ginseng. It is a native of Manchuria, Chinese Tartary, and other parts of eastern Asia, and is largely cultivated in China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. The plant also grows in rich woods throughout eastern and central North America.
Uncovered approximately 7,000 years ago in the mountainous of Manchurian China, Ginseng was probably first used as a food, however quickly garnered the attention of the traditional medicine community, for its restorative and healing powers. Species of Ginseng can also be found in the United States, Canada, Korea, Vietnam and the far east of Russia.
Ginseng is an adaptogen, or adaptogenic herb, meaning it has restorative and rejuvenating qualities and increases our immunity along with improving the function of bodily systems. China was the first country in the world to mention Ginseng in written text, described in the book Shen-Nung Pharmacopoeia, 196 AD.
Li Shizhen, a herbalist of 1596, described the use of ginseng as a “superior tonic” for patients displaying chronic illness and for patients who were experiencing convulsions, as Ginseng has confirmed muscle relaxant properties. The harvest and trade of American ginseng has been a booming business for centuries. Even today its dried roots can fetch as much as $600 a pound.
Long before North America was colonized, various Native American peoples used ginseng in medicine. Ojibwe Midewiwin, spiritual leaders skilled in medicine, used the root for digestive troubles and pain relief. Muscogee people used a poultice of the root to staunch bleeding and a tea to treat respiratory conditions and fevers. The Meskwaki people of the Great Lakes region have used it as both an aphrodisiac and as a panacea, a “universal remedy for children and adults.”
Native Americans used ginseng both as a digestive tonic and to soothe headaches, whereas Traditional Chinese Medicine used ginseng to boost energy and vitality, manage diabetes, and support sexual health.
According to Taoist legend, ginseng is the greatest source of chi the plant kingdom offers. Several varieties of the herb exist, each with its own unique qualities–some energize and heat, while others rejuvenate and cool–so, in effect, there is a type of ginseng for everyone. They traditionally believe it to be a source of earth chi, the crystallization of earth essence into the shape of man and a gift to mankind from the gods.
Although they are rare, roots that are over a century old are occasionally found in the Chang Bai Mountains of northeastern China, which is said to produce the best ginseng. The wild roots are tied with a string and then carefully unearthed in order to preserve the “ginseng spirit” within, which is said to spiritually serve those who consume the root.
Wild Manchurian ginseng: This form of ginseng is said to have the highest vibrational chi. It’s found in the Chang Bai Mountains, and its roots are strong–and costly because of their rarity. Historically, this type is the premier “chi tonic” of emperors and Taoist holy men and women. It is said to be a spiritually transformational herb that aids those who consume it to grow beyond their repeated mistakes.
Spirit ginseng: A semiwild variety of Manchurian ginseng, nurtured behind fences for 10 years. Because it is only partly wild, it has less chi, yet it is believed to have abundant spiritual qualities. Spirit ginseng seeds are also used to cultivate Shiu Chu (first pick) ginseng on lower-altitude farms. Shiu Chu ginseng. The highest-grade farm-cultivated type. It usually has a golden reddish color from being steamed with other, more invigorating, herbs. It has warm, chi-strengthening qualities and is the variety of choice for enhancing mental and creative energy.
Korean ginseng: There are several kinds, based on the age of the root and the method of processing before sale; the highest grade available is Korean Heaven Grade. Like Shiu Chu, it has a dark red color from being steamed with other herbs–in this case, heating herbs such as cinnamon bark and aconite, which enhance physical vitality and sexual vigor.
American ginseng: This type grows in northeastern American mountain regions and Canada, where it is also known as “pearl” ginseng due to its small, rounded shape. Though mostly cultivated, its wild roots are superior, though expensive. It’s also the only type of ginseng known to have cooling properties, so it is commonly used by people with warm constitutions.
Siberian ginseng: This is actually a distant relative of ginseng. It grows in Siberia, not surprisingly, as well as northeastern China. Although not a true ginseng, it is still an excellent chi and blood tonic; it enhances oxygenation of the blood, which increases stamina and alleviates altitude sickness, thus making it popular among climbers and other endurance athletes.
Widely considered a healing panacea in the ancient system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the root of the ginseng plant has deeply rejuvenating, restorative and strengthening effects that work to elevate the health of all bodily systems: mind, body, spirit and beyond
The mythical emperor Shen-nung (‘the godlike farmer’) is known as the first person to use ginseng. This emperor was blessed with a transparent abdomen through which he could judge the healing properties for himself.
Today, many folks are turning to ginseng as a natural remedy to elevate energy, enhance memory, decrease inflammation, boost sexual function, and more. In fact, ginseng is among the most popular and best-selling natural remedies in the world because of its many health benefits.
Viewed more valuable than Gold by multiple Chinese Emperors, and a wonder of the nutritional world, Ginseng is a superior herb with astronomical health benefits. It is not uncommon for high prices to be paid for ginseng today around the world — a half-acre ginseng garden worth in the region of $100,000.
Perhaps the most spectacular health benefit of ginseng is its ability to extend the lifespan of those who take it regularly by generally reducing the incidence of disease in the body, known in the medical community as a reduction in all-cause mortality. In ancient China, Ginseng root was widely used as a longevity tonic by Daoists and emperors seeking immortality. Today, researchers are testing those historical claims by conducting some fascinating studies on humans. Perhaps the most notable of which is a Korean study started in 1985 with 6,282 subjects aged 55 and over. The group of participants was divided into four groups, male panax ginseng users, male non-ginseng users and the same split for females.
After 18 years of collecting mortality data, some interesting findings emerged. The results showed a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (death by all causes) among males, but not females. However, it wasn’t all bad news for women, as those who regularly used ginseng enjoyed a significant reduction in cancer-specific mortality, which is still quite an impressive health benefit.
In Asia, a diet for which ginseng was considered to be essential for reaching a high age. Li Ching-Yuen or Li Ching-Yun was a Chinese herbalist, martial artist and tactical advisor, known for his supposed extreme longevity. He claimed to have been born in 1736, while disputed records suggest 1677, implying an age at death of 197 and 256 years, respectively when he passed in 1933. On a diet of only vegetables and herbs he survived for many years. Those herbs included goji berry, wild ginseng, he shoo wu, gotu kola, rice wine and lingzhi. He became teacher of martial arts at the age of 71 in the Chinese armies. It is believed that he has been married 23 times during his life and that he was a father to over 200 children.
According to a 1930 New York Times article, Wu Chung-chieh, a professor of the Chengdu University, discovered Imperial Chinese government records from 1827 congratulating Li Ching-Yuen on his 150th birthday, and further documents later congratulating him on his 200th birthday in 1877. In 1928, a New York Times correspondent wrote that many of the old men in Li’s neighborhood asserted that their grandfathers knew him when they were boys, and that he at that time was a grown man.
Until the 19th century, the Jesuits were the only Europeans in China. In 1713 the French Father Jartoux wrote about a plant that was called ‘orhota’ by the Tartars. This plant would possess wonderful powers. It happened to be Panax ginseng. This news reached another missionary, Joseph Lafifau. It occurred to him that the forest areas that were described as the habitat of the ginseng, were rather similar to the environment he was working in himself. He decided to look for Canadian ginseng, which he found in the forests near Montreal. The plant was known by the Iroquois Indians as ‘garentoquen’. It appeared to be the species of American ginseng.
It appeared that many Indian tribes had known the plant for ages and that it was part of their medicine. The Chippewa tribe called the plant shte-na-bi-o-dzhi-bih, what means man-root. The plant would work life-enhancing and analgesic. Because the root has the shape of a human, they took the part of the root that looked the same as the body part in pain.
Now ginseng is a protected herb in China and Russia: exporting ginseng seeds is banned in China, and harvesting wild ginseng is illegal in Russia. Natural white ginseng is often steam- processed to produce “red ginseng” with different, higher medicinal potency.
The older the root, the greater the concentration of ginsenosides, the active chemical compounds, thus the more potent the ginseng becomes. Ginseng roots can live longer than hundreds of years. To get the best ginseng, splurge for older, higher-quality roots.
Ginseng in an antiviral antioxidant immune booster. It has been shown to enhance mental performance when used in combination with Ginkgo Biloba. It can be used to reduce stress and anxiety and helps to combat low energy and fatigue. It is a stimulant that helps regulate blood pressure and is a blood normalizer. It strengthens the heart, immune system, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, spleen, and improves memory and mental clarity. Today, many people turn to ginseng to support healthy brain function, increase mental acuity, and enhance memory. Ginseng stimulates and supports cognitive function and concentration.
Ginseng benefits brain health, cognitive function, and memory. Although more research is needed, there is evidence that American ginseng root is a great brain food that could help your brain function at its best. Ginseng acts as a tonic for the nervous system and is a potent pick me up. You can buy ginseng tea or take it as a concentrated liquid. Avoid using other stimulants such as coffee while you are taking ginseng as these can overload your system.
Panax ginseng contains a number of different ginsenosides that have sometimes paradoxical effects, for example, some types of ginsenosides are stimulating while others are calming and can help those suffering from insomnia. While this may seem illogical, it’s actually one of the plant’s greatest benefits—that is, that it is intelligent, or rather adaptogenic, meaning that it works to bring the body into greater balance and harmony. Adaptogenic herbs, of which ginseng is one of the ultimate, have different effects depending on the baseline state of health in that moment. For example, if someone is stressed out and anxious, they will likely find ginseng to be centering and calming; whereas if they are depleted and fatigued, the plant will tend to have more uplifting and energizing properties.
However, where the benefits of ginseng on brain health really get interesting is when it comes to neuroprotection and preventing and reversing age-related cognitive decline. In a number of animal studies, it has been shown to protect and repair neurons in the brain and nervous system that control a number of important functions throughout the body.
But perhaps most impressively, panax ginseng has been shown to have significant positive effects on Alzheimer’s, in some cases measurably reversing the disease. One study done among people with Alzheimer’s disease at the Department of Neurology at the Clinical Research Institute in South Korea showed that taking ginseng root daily for 12 weeks improved mental performance significantly.
The majority of the most common modern health issues are directly related to chronic inflammation in the body. Chronic stress, poor dietary habits, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the chronic inflammation, considered the underlying cause of many health issues, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), autoimmunity, and even asthma.
While there are many foods with strong anti-inflammatory qualities (such as blueberries, cumin, and turmeric to name just a few), ginseng is among some of the most the potent and effective choices to keep your inflammation at bay.
Ginseng is also a powerful sexual tonic, increasing libido, performance and pleasure for both men and women. For men, ginseng’s benefits include boosting libido, increasing pleasure and treating erectile dysfunction, by increasing nitric oxide production similar to prescription medications like Viagra. Panax ginseng has similar benefits for women, most notably increasing libido, pleasure and sensation, also in part due to its oxygenating effects throughout the body.
Ginseng may be an ingredient to consider as a natural way to help lower blood sugar levels in those struggling with type 2 diabetes (or pre-diabetes). One study looked at a group of 19 participants with type 2 diabetes. Each participant received two grams of Korean red ginseng per meal (or six grams per day), or a placebo, for 12 weeks, in addition to their current anti-diabetic regiment. The results of the study show improved glycemic control (the delicate balance of insulin replacement with diet and exercise).
A meta-analysis evaluated the impact of ginseng consumption on cancer treatment and prevention. The analysis looked at nine studies, including five cohort studies, three case-control studies, and one randomized controlled trial. The results of the meta-analysis showed that consuming ginseng correlated to a decrease in the risk of (non–organ-specific) cancer. Ginseng is high in antioxidants and anti-cancer properties, making it a solid candidate for chemoprevention.
Perhaps of all ginseng’s many health benefits, increasing energy, endurance and strength is its most legendary. Ginseng has long been a favorite of Olympic athletes, endurance runners and people in high-performance capacities—from high-stress jobs to simply being a parent of one or more children. However, what is great about the kind of energy that ginseng gives is that it is organic in nature compared to stimulants like caffeine. Over time caffeine is depleting to the endocrine system and body because it simply stimulates it to work harder no matter what its current state.
Ginseng can be used in many ways. Try it raw, gently steamed, taken in a capsule, decoctions, infusions, tonics, made into a tea, or even finely chopped and added to a stir-fry. There are a ton of ginseng products out there to suit your tastes and preferences. Ginseng is a powerful and medicinal food and remedy that can benefit many aspects of your health. Enjoy ginseng benefits however you can to improve your overall quality of life!
Called the herb of immortality and strength, legend has it that these plants mysteriously rise from the ground at night, glowing, and flitting around the forest floor. The forked root of the plant also sometimes quite clearly resembles that of a human figure, giving rise to the aphrodisiac qualities associated with it. In fact, the most valuable roots of all are the few found with an appendage between the forked “legs” of the figure.
No surprise, then, that Ginseng is highly regarded as a stimulant and general tonic that promotes sexual potency, love, lust, beauty, vitality, and long life. In modern magic, Ginseng root is carried to attract love, ensure sexual potency, enhance beauty, draw money, and promote general good health and vitality. It is also associated with protection, fulfillment of wishes, and spirituality. To attract love, fill a red or pink flannel bag with a lock of your own hair, a heart-shaped piece of sun-dried lemon peel, and a piece of dried Ginseng root. Consecrate and charge it, then wear it on a gold chain around your neck.
Witch Tip: Drunk as a tea, Ginseng is believed to be a powerful lust-provoking aphrodisiac. Steep a slice of ginseng root or 3 tsp of powdered ginseng for at least 5 minutes. Flavor to taste with sugar, honey, cinnamon, or mint.
There are only a handful of herbs revered for their ability to activate Chi or Qi energy in the human body — and Ginseng holds that position. Chi/Qi translates as Life Force. Our life force can easily become depleted due to electromagnetic fields of energy which disrupt our natural field of energy, pollution, toxins, chemicals, processed foods, too much meat, intoxicants, excessive sexual energy, among many other energy disruptors.
When we consume good quality Ginseng, we enable an enhancement of our life force, a boost to our system. With a little more Chi running through our veins and aura, our physical and mental-emotional well-being moves into balance, restoring any disharmony. Ginsengs restorative and activating powers work to create a synergistic relationship between body, mind and spirit. A highly important factor to consider when working to activate our pineal gland is our mental-emotional and energetic stability. We may become overwhelmed with a flood of clearer perception and heightened senses. Ginseng has been used to calm anxiety and maintain energetic equilibrium, a perfect accompaniment to the Third Eye Awakening process.
Burning Ginseng root or powder as an incense is believed to protect and ward off evil, break hexes or curses, repel negative spirits, and provide visualization fulfillment. Ginseng can be used to send back specifically sent harmful intent and negativity.
To get the most out of ginseng, use for a period of two or three weeks at a time. After that, take a break or it becomes ineffective. The literature mentions doses between 1 – 6 grams a day. Excessive use can lead to headaches, sleeplessness, tensed muscles and retained fluids. It is recommendable to take a break after using ginseng for 4 weeks in a row. The body will get used to the regular intake; to keep your dosages effective it is necessary to stop using ginseng for a while.
Use level: Easy
Nothing on this website should be taken as medical or legal advice. Please use herbs responsibly. Always consult your doctor before using any kind of supplements.
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