Panax Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Panax Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a member of the Araliaceae family, native to Korea, China, and Eastern Siberia. Traditionally, its roots, leaves, and rhizomes have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its stimulant, tonic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, korean traditional medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Panax Ginseng (Panax ginseng) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Panax Ginseng (Panax ginseng) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Panax Ginseng
Scientific Name	Panax ginseng
Plant Family	Araliaceae
Genus	Panax
Species	ginseng
Native Range	Korea, China, Eastern Siberia
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Leaves, Rhizomes
Primary Medicinal Actions	Stimulant, Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Panax ginseng
Common Name: Panax Ginseng
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Chinese Ginseng, Ginseng, Korean Ginseng
Plant Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Panax

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 0.3 to 1.5 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface lighter green, featuring prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Flowers are actinomorphic, with five white petals and five yellow sepals arranged in a solitary inflorescence, featuring a distinct floral tube and five stamens with two anthers per stamen.
Stems: Erect, herbaceous, glabrous, with opposite branching and a cylindrical cross-section.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Stimulant: In herbal literature, noted as a warming stimulant, in activation-oriented uses.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a mild tonic, for foundational support.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a moderate anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Sedative: As described in traditional systems, a calming sedative, in nervous system–related contexts.

Active Compounds

Saponin: Naturally occurring metabolites distributed across many plant families.
Glycoside: A broad class of compounds composed of a sugar bound to a non-sugar component.
Alkaloid: Plant-derived nitrogenous compounds found in various tissues.
Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: The use of this herb alongside pharmaceutical medications may result in potential interactions.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates partial shade to full shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.