Strongly Tonifies Yuan (primal) Qi
For collapse of Qi and abandonment situations with symptoms such as shortness of breath, shallow breathing, cold limbs, profuse sweating, and a minute or imperceptible deficient pulse. Ren Shen can be used alone for these symptoms, which can occur after blood loss or other conditions that involve fierce fluid loss, such as severe diarrhea and vomiting, or chronic illness.
Strengthens and tonifies the Spleen and Stomach
Used for Spleen Qi Deficiency with lassitude, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, generalized weakness, low or soft voice, abdominal distention, and in severe cases stomach or rectal prolapse.
Tonifies the Lungs
For Lung Qi Deficiency with symptoms such as asthma, wheezing, dyspnea, shortness of breath, and weak and labored breathing
Generates body fluids and alleviates thirst
For Wasting and Thirsting (Xiao Ke) syndrome. Also for injury of Qi and Yin from symptoms such as profuse sweating and high fever causing thirst and other associated symptoms of 'Xiao Ke'.
Calms the Spirit and Clears the Mind
For Heart Qi and Blood Deficiency due to insufficient Yuan Qi with symptoms such as insomnia, forgetfulness, mental restlessness or mental confusion, palpitations, and dream-disturbed sleep.
Tonifies Qi and Yang and benefits the Kidneys
For Qi and Yang Deficiency causing impotence.
Contraindications and Cautions
Do not use in Excess conditions
Do not use in cases of Liver Yang Rising with symptoms such as high blood pressure, red eyes, or dizziness
Do not use with bleeding due to Heat in the Blood
Do not use with cough or wheezing due to Lung Heat, or with Phlegm Accumulation
Do not use with constipation, parasites, internal accumulation, or in Heat or Fire conditions.
Do not take this herb with stimulants such as caffeine (especially coffee)
Herb-Drug Interactions
It is suggested, but not documented that Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) may induce mania in depressed patients that mix this herb with phenelzine antidepressants. 12
An in vitro study suggests that an herbal preparation of Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae), Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori), and Fu Ling (poria) ameliorates the impairment effect of ethanol on learning and memory processes. 12
Because Ren Shen may reduce fasting blood glucose levels, hypoglycemia may occur when this herb is combined with drugs for diabetes mellitus. 12
Toxicity and Overdose
This herb has low toxicity.
Overdose of Ren Shen may lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, jitters, irritability, palpitations, hypertension, insomnia, headache, morning diarrhea, itching, eczema, and other skin problems. In severe cases of overdose, there may be nausea, vomiting, and bleeding.
Dosage
5-10 grams in decoction, 0.5-1.0 grams in powdered form 12
3-9 grams in decoction, 0.5-1.0 grams in powder 13
Notes
For maximum extraction, decoct separately from other ingredients (or in a double boiler) at low heat.
The views and opinions expressed in the "Comments" section are posted by anonymous visitors to the sacredlotus.com website, and do not neccessarily reflect the views or opinions of Sacred Lotus Arts.
Ginseng is very popular and overused. it can be too heating for some people.
Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.
Herb 9 of 13 in Herbs that Tonify Qi
