What are the benefits and effects of American ginseng?

Nov 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

American ginseng can nourish and strengthen lung function, enhance pulmonary function, improve lung ventilation, alleviate symptoms of respiratory diseases, and promote smooth breathing. The active ingredients in American ginseng can promote the synthesis of serum proteins, bone marrow proteins, and others, thereby enhancing immune function and helping the body resist disease.

　　American ginseng, also known as西洋ginseng or foreign ginseng, has various main benefits and effects including tonifying lung qi, enhancing immunity, improving cardiovascular health, promoting blood circulation, and aiding sleep. The analysis is as follows:

　　1. Tonifying Lung Qi

　　American ginseng can nourish and strengthen lung qi, enhance lung function, improve pulmonary ventilation, alleviate symptoms of respiratory diseases, and promote smoother breathing.

　　2. Enhancing Immunity

　　The active components in American ginseng promote the synthesis of serum proteins and bone marrow proteins, thereby boosting the body's immune system and helping resist illness.

　　3. Improving Cardiovascular Health

　　Ingredients such as ginsenosides in American ginseng help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, thus improving cardiovascular health. They also strengthen myocardial function and provide protection against ischemia, arrhythmia, shock, and arteriosclerosis.

　　4. Promoting Blood Vitality

　　Taking American ginseng can reduce blood coagulability, inhibit platelet aggregation, stimulate red blood cell production, and increase hemoglobin levels. This helps improve blood flow and enhances the body’s resistance.

　　5. Aiding Sleep

　　American ginseng helps regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety and tension, thereby improving sleep quality. It promotes deeper sleep, shortens the time to fall asleep, and leaves one feeling refreshed and energetic upon waking the next day.

　　American ginseng should not be taken concurrently with certain traditional Chinese herbs such as Veratrum (Lilu) or Raphanus seeds (Laifuzi), to avoid potential drug interactions that may affect health.

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Which Three Types of People Should Not Consume American Ginseng

In general, American ginseng is a commonly used tonic herb, but it is not suitable for everyone. Those who should avoid it include individuals with cold body constitution, those suffering from colds or fever, people with excessive internal damp-heat, children, and those currently taking medications. It is recommended to fully understand your own health condition before consuming American ginseng. If you are unsure whether it is suitable for you, consult a doctor for advice.

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Is American ginseng effective for male sexual function?

In general, American ginseng may have certain effects on male sexual function. Consumption of American ginseng should be done in moderation, as excessive intake may cause discomfort such as internal heat and insomnia. Individuals with a cold body constitution or weak spleen and stomach should consume it cautiously to avoid worsening physical discomfort. If you have underlying medical conditions or are currently taking other medications, consult a healthcare professional before use to avoid potential adverse interactions.

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Why People with Insomnia Should Not Take American Ginseng

People with insomnia should not consume American ginseng, mainly because it may increase nervous system excitement, disrupt sleep rhythms, be incompatible with certain insomnia-prone constitutions, interfere with sleep-related hormones, and exacerbate specific causes of insomnia, potentially further affecting sleep quality and hindering improvement of insomnia. Individuals suffering from insomnia should generally avoid consuming ingredients or herbs that have stimulating or alertness-promoting effects.

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Can people with cold body constitution take American ginseng?

American ginseng is cool in nature, and its main functions are to nourish Qi and yin, clear heat, and promote body fluid production. It is more suitable for individuals with Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat or deficiency of both Qi and Yin, who exhibit heat-related symptoms such as dry mouth and irritability. If one simply has a cold constitution, manifested as cold intolerance, cold hands and feet, and loose stools, consuming American ginseng may exacerbate internal coldness, leading to worsened symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or increased cold sensitivity, which is not conducive to regulating body constitution.

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Three Types of People Who Must Absolutely Avoid Consuming American Ginseng

Generally speaking, there is no saying that "three types of people must never consume American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)." However, individuals who are allergic to American ginseng, those with colds or fever, people with deficiency and cold in the spleen and stomach, those with excess heat syndromes, and patients with hyperthyroidism are not advised to take American ginseng. These groups should be clear about their contraindications to avoid physical discomfort caused by its consumption. Other populations may consume American ginseng if needed.

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Can American ginseng and angelica root be taken together?

American ginseng and angelica root can be taken together, but it is important to follow medical advice regarding their use. American ginseng functions to replenish vital energy and nourish yin, clear heat, and promote body fluid production. It is primarily used to treat conditions such as dual deficiency of qi and yin, lung qi deficiency, thirst caused by heat illness with qi deficiency and fluid depletion, and diabetes. It can also regulate insulin secretion, promote the synthesis of serum proteins, enhance immunity, and protect blood vessels, showing significant effects in treating symptoms such as dyspnea and cough due to lung deficiency and spleen qi weakness.

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Can ginseng and American ginseng be taken together?

Under normal circumstances, ginseng and American ginseng can generally be taken together, but whether they are suitable for combined use depends on individual body constitution and specific medical conditions. Not everyone is appropriate to use both herbs simultaneously. Ginseng is warm in nature and functions to greatly replenish vital energy, invigorate the spleen and lungs, promote body fluid production, and calm the mind. American ginseng is cool in nature and serves to nourish qi and yin, clear heat, and generate body fluids. The two herbs have a certain degree of complementary effects in their actions.

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Can I take American ginseng during my menstrual period?

Whether or not one can consume American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) during menstruation depends on individual body constitution and specific circumstances. Women with a relatively heat-prone constitution can generally take it under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. However, it is not recommended for those with a cold-prone constitution, heavy menstrual flow, or prolonged menstrual periods. During menstruation, women should also pay attention to dietary adjustments to maintain overall health.

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