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Ren Shen (人參), the root of Panax ginseng, is the most powerful of the qi tonics. It strongly tonifies the original (yuan) qi, rescues collapse of qi and yang, tonifies the Lung and Spleen, generates fluids and calms the spirit.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Panax ginseng (Radix Ginseng)
Common English Name
Ginseng root
Taste
Sweet, slightly bitter
Temperature
Slightly warm
Channels Entered
Lung, Spleen, Heart
Actions & Functions
- Powerfully tonifies the original qi and rescues collapse
- Tonifies the Lung qi and the Spleen qi
- Generates fluids and stops thirst
- Calms the spirit and benefits the mind
Indications
Severe qi deficiency and collapse with a faint pulse and cold limbs; chronic Lung and Spleen deficiency; wasting and thirsting disorder with fluid damage; and palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and poor memory from qi and blood deficiency.
Dosage
1-9 g in decoction (large doses up to 15-30 g, decocted separately, to rescue collapse).
Common Combinations
With Fu Zi (Shen Fu Tang) to rescue devastated yang; with Bai Zhu, Fu Ling and Gan Cao (Si Jun Zi Tang) to tonify the Spleen qi.
Cautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated in excess and heat patterns and in yin deficiency with heat. Classically incompatible with Li Lu (Veratrum) and antagonised by Wu Ling Zhi. Avoid taking with strong tea or radish.
