Do you find yourself reaching for sweets, carbs, caffeine and other empty foods because you are struggling to get through your day?
Then let me introduce you to a category of herbs known as #Adaptogens
This special category of herbs helps support the stress response, balances hormones, strengthens digestion and improves neurologic function.
Basically they help your body “adapt” to stress …modern research shows these ancient botanicals do this by interacting with the HPA axis & sympathoadrenal system 🧐… ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
but long before we even knew what that was the oldest forms of medicine in the world have recognized and treasured their ability to heal, balance, restore and invigorate the body.
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Over the next few posts, I’m going to take you through a handful of the most commonly available adaptogens (or Tonic herbs as I was taught to call them in TCM school)…
Today, I’d like to introduce you to the Ginseng family.
There are 3 different forms of Panax Ginseng: (if you are a chemistry nerd you’ll love this article)
Panax Ginseng (PG) or Ren Shen or Asian Ginseng is considered the King 👑of all tonic herbs and the older it is and wilder place it is grown, the more valuable it is.
This form of ginseng is best for those who tend to run a little cool and damp as its energies are considered Yang or warming and stimulating. Korean Ginseng is considered the hottest of the ginsengs and has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve Erectile Dysfunction, and blood sugar levels.
Ginseng needs 7-9 years of growth before ginsenosides (yes that is a real term!) begin to develop and each year the ginsenosides get stronger. You can tell how old a ginseng root is by how many notches it has on its sides (the notches are where the leaves grow from each year – and a new notch develops each season.)
Because this ginseng takes so long to grow you will pay more for high quality ginseng- its not uncommon to pay $100’s to $1000’s for old, notchy roots! (Sourcing from responsible & sustainable companies is key as well since over harvesting is also a big concern – so use reputable sources like Dragon Herbs that are involved in preservation and sustainable growth models)
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Panax Quinquefolium (PQ) (Xi yang Shen) is more commonly known as American Ginseng Root and is the Yin or cooling and moistening form of Ginseng and grows wild in parts of the Eastern US. This is the best form of ginseng for those who tend to run on empty and their constitution is more hot and dry – are you always thirsty? tired? tend towards dry skin and hair? Then this might be the best choice for you.
There’s lots of promising research on its benefits for neuro-cognitive function, diabetes, chronic fatigue and cancer
The more we learn about this amazing root – the easier it is to understand why it has been considered valuable for thousands of years.
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Panax Notoginseng (PN) or San Qi or Tien Qi is mainly used to help with blood/circulation and in higher doses to stop bleeding fast. Its often a main ingredient in many trauma formulas for injury and repair and is highly regarded among marshal artists. Tien Qi or Notoginseng can be applied topically to help with sore muscles, promote circulation and prevent bruising. I carry an ancient formula in my first aid kit that contains this form of ginseng to use in case of severe trauma. (more on this when we talk about HIT medicine!)
So how much should you take?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Typical doses for adults is 3-9 grams per day – but higher doses under supervision are appropriate when chronic exhaustion is an issue.
Is it safe for kids?
Generally ginseng isn’t used for pediatrics – but in cases of long term illness it is appropriate to give small doses under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or health professional.
Are there side effects?
Side effects are really rare and ginseng toxicity is also really uncommon. But I do advise my clients to take ginseng with meals and if you feel jittery then you’ve probably taken too much or you need to take it with appropriate blood nourishing herbs.