Ren Shen

Herbs that Tonify the Qi

 

 

Channels: LU, SP

Properties: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm

Common: Ginseng Root

Latin: Radix Panacis Ginseng

Functions:

  •  Promote well-being
  •  Reduce effects of stress
  •  Improve mental performance and vitality
  •  Improve coordination and reaction time
  •  Improve sexual functioning
  •  Reduce effects of aging
  •  Normalize blood pressure and blood sugar level
  •  Normalize cholesterol
  •  Boost physical performance

 

Indications & Combinations:


  • 1. Collapsing syndrome due to severe deficiency of primary qi, severe loss of blood, severe vomiting or severe diarrhea manifested as sweating, cold limbs, shortness of breath and weak and fading pulse; Ginseng (Renshen) can be used alone or with Prepared aconite root (Fuzi) in the formula Shen Fu Tang.

  • 2. Weakness of the spleen and stomach manifested as poor appetite, lassitude, fullness in the epigastric and abdominal regions and loose stool; Ginseng (Renshen) is used with White atractylodes (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling) and Licorice root (Gancao) in the formula Sijunzi Tang.

  • 3. Deficient qi of the lungs manifested as shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating and lassitude; Ginseng (Renshen) is used with Gecko (Gejie) in the formula Renshen Gejie San.

  • 4. Diabetes or exhaustion of qi and body fluids by febrile disease manifested as thirst, sweating, irritability, shortness of breath and weak pulse. Ginseng (Renshen) is used with Ophiopogon root (Maidong) and Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi) in the formula Shengmai San. If the abovementioned manifestations are accompanied by fever, Ginseng (Renshen) can be taken with Gypsum (Shigao) and Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhimu) in the formula Baihu Jia Renshen Tang.

  • 5. Mental restlessness manifested as palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep and forgetfulness. Ginseng (Renshen) is used with Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren) and Chinese angelica root (Danggui) in the formula Guipi Tang.

  • 6. Impotence and premature ejaculation in men or frigidity in women. Ginseng (Renshen) can be used alone or with Pilose antler (Lurong) and Human placenta (Ziheche).


Dosage:

  • 5-10 g (for decoction), 1-2 g (for powder), 15-30 g (decoction for severe collapsing)

 

Cautions & Contraindications:

  • This herb is contraindicated for a person with heat signs or excessive syndromes without deficiency of anti-pathogenic factor. It should not be mixed with Black false bellebore (Lilu), Trogopterus dung (Wulingzhi) and Chinese honey locust (Zaojia). When taking Ginseng (Renshen), do not drink tea or eat turnips.