Notes for our supplier: A herbaceous perennial, native to upland deciduous forest... Harvest seed in late summer when the bright red berries ripen. They are stratified for 4-6 months, ready to be sown in spring.

Adaptogen; Antianxiety; Anticholesterolemic; Appetizer; Emetic; Expectorant; Hypoglycaemic; Nervine and Tonic.

Ginseng has a history of herbal use going back over 5,000 years. It is one of the most highly regarded of herbal medicines in Asia, where it has gained an almost magical reputation for being able to promote health, general body vigour and also to prolong life. The root is adaptogen, alterative, carminative, demulcent, emetic, expectorant, stimulant and tonic. It both stimulates and relaxes the nervous system, encourages the secretion of hormones, improves stamina, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels and increases resistance to disease.

Panax quinquefolius Medicinal uses Uses supported by clinical data None. Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well established documents While some preliminary studies have indicated that the root may be useful as an adjunct for the management of postprandial hyperglycaemia in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (18–22), the numbers of subjects participating in the studies was too small to enable any solid conclusionsto be drawn. Further randomized controlled clinical trials with larger populations of patients with diabetes and better methodology are needed before therapeutic recommendations can be made. Uses described in traditional medicine Used orally as a diuretic, digestive, tonic and a stimulant (5, 6, 23). Used to enhance stress resistance, and to treat cough, loss of appetite, colic, vomiting, insomnia, neuralgia, rheumatism and headaches (5, 24).

Contraindications Radix Panacis Quinquefolii is contraindicated in cases of known allergy or hypersensitivity to the plant material.

Medicinal uses Uses supported by clinical data Radix Ginseng is used as a prophylactic and restorative agent for enhancement of mental and physical capacities, in cases of weakness, exhaustion, tiredness, and loss of concentration, and during convalescence (21–29). Uses described in pharmacopoeias and in traditional systems of medicine Radix Ginseng has been used clinically in the treatment of diabetes (1), but further clinical studies are needed. The drug is also used in the treatment of impotence, prevention of hepatotoxicity, and gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis and ulcers (1, 7). Uses described in folk medicine, not supported by experimental or clinical data Treatment of liver disease, coughs, fever, tuberculosis, rheumatism, vomiting of pregnancy, hypothermia, dyspnoea, and nervous disorders (7). Contraindications None (21, 50, 89, 90).

A tea is made from the root.

Side effects include inability to fall asleep, increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Overuse or prolonged use may cause over stimulation (diarrhoea, nervousness, skin eruption). Caution with other stimulants needed. Avoid in patients with psychosis and manic disorders. Not recommended during pregnancy and breast feeding.