Ginseng root, its healing power and methods of use in folk medicine. Medicinal plants Ginseng plant description

Syn: root of life.

A herbaceous perennial plant from 30 to 70 cm, living up to 100 years or more. Used as a tonic, energy, nootropic stimulant. Used for hypotension, activates cardiac activity, increases performance, and improves sexual function.

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Flower formula

In medicine

Ginseng preparations are used for fatigue, hypotension, decreased performance, mental and physical fatigue, functional diseases of the cardiovascular system, exhaustion, anemia, neurasthenia, and hysteria. For asthenic conditions caused by various diseases (diabetes, tuberculosis, malaria, etc.). Has an analgesic effect. Ginseng for men is used for sexual dysfunction.

Tinctures, decoctions, pills, powders, and ointments are prepared from the roots. A decoction is prescribed at the rate of 2-3 g of roots per 600 ml of water, which must be boiled to 1 glass.

In our country, 10% alcohol tincture and ginseng root powder are approved for use. It is prescribed orally before meals. Tincture 12-25 drops 3 times a day, powder 0.25-0.3 g 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 90 days. After every 30 days of taking the drug, take a break of 10 days. Store ginseng tincture in a dark place.

Contraindications and side effects

Ginseng has very low toxicity, however, cases of fatal poisoning are known after a single dose of 150-200 g of ginseng root tincture. The dose for children must be agreed with the doctor. Ginseng preparations are contraindicated in the midst of infectious diseases, as well as in patients with organic pathology of the central nervous system, especially in the manic phase.

In cosmetology

Thanks to its tonic and stimulating properties, ginseng is perfectly used in cosmetology. It promotes skin rejuvenation, eliminates wrinkles, gives skin elasticity, and relieves inflammation. Ginseng oil is often added to various hair strengthening products: balms, shampoos, conditioners. The oil is also used for baths, making the skin elastic, beautiful, and giving it a healthy color. Helps with various dermatoses, acne, vitiligo, many other skin diseases, and baldness.

In aromatherapy

The smell emitted by ginseng essential oil tones, helps solve digestive problems, and this in turn has the most beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. Steam baths with ginseng oil are also beneficial for the skin, especially in combination with aromatherapy sessions.

Classification

Common ginseng (Latin: Panax ginseng) belongs to the Araliaceae family (Latin: Araliaceae).

Botanical description

Underground Organs: Ginseng root is a vertical, short rhizome from which emerges a branched, succulent, taproot, yellowish-white, fleshy, slightly branched, pale yellow root. The root surface is wrinkled. More often it is inclined 30-45 degrees to the surface. The roots consist of a head, a long neck and a spindle-shaped root itself, branching at the bottom into two processes 20–25 cm long, 2–2.5 cm in diameter. The rhizome forms the “cap” of the root. The root in the lower part is divided into two processes - like “legs”, the upper part is like the “arms” of the plant. The stem is single, 30–70 cm high. The leaves (two or three) at the base are palmately five-parted, long-petiolate, the leaves are obovate, with a sharp edge, with a wedge-like base and spines on the veins. The flowers are collected in a simple umbrella of 15–20 flowers - greenish-white, sometimes pale pink, bisexual. The calyx of the flower is green. Ginseng flowers emit a faint aroma. The formula of the common ginseng flower is CH5L5T5P.

Ginseng berries are bright red juicy drupes - two-, less often three-seeded. Collected in a spherical group.

Spreading

The species is distributed in eastern Asia (Far East, Altai, China, Tibet).

Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

Wild ginseng is a protected plant; it is harvested only under licenses. Therefore, ginseng as a medicinal raw material is mainly a cultivated plant.

On plantations, 5-8 year old plants are harvested. They dig with special bone spatulas, being careful not to tear off the two long lobes that go deep from the root into the ground. You can’t wash the roots, just carefully clean them from the soil. The roots are handed over fresh, or they can be preserved by keeping them over water vapor heated to 80ºC. Dry the raw materials in the shade for a month or two. Dried roots should be light brown and hard. In this form they can be preserved for many years.

Chemical composition

The chemical composition of ginseng and its properties have not yet been fully studied. The root contains triterpene saponins, called panaxosides A, B, C, D, E, P. In other Araliaceae, these glycosides of tetracyclic triterpenes of the dammarane series are absent. In panaxosides A, B, C, the aglycone is panaxatriol, and in panaxosides D, E, P, panaxadiol. Panaxosides belong to the class of triterpenoids. Panaxoside C is extracted from the herb and fruit of ginseng. In addition, panacea essential oil, panaxic acid, which is a mixture of fatty acids: stearic, palmitic, linoleic and oleic, cane sugar, alkaloids, fatty oil, phytosterols, mucus, pectin substances, starch, resins, tannins, vitamins, were found in the roots. group B, ascorbic acid. According to Chinese researchers, a significant content of sulfur, phosphorus, trace elements Ca, Mg, K, Al, Se, Fe, Sr, Mn, Ba, Ti was found.

Pharmacological properties

Ginseng preparations are characterized by a significant breadth of therapeutic action. Since they are non-toxic, they can be used for a long time. It has been established that ginseng root is one of the most powerful stimulants of the central nervous system, superior in effectiveness to the mixture of phenamine with proserin, but, unlike the latter, it is not characterized by phasic action and negative consequences, does not disturb sleep, increases performance, including night waking conditions. According to evidence, the effect of ginseng on the body is caused by its stimulating effect on the cortex and subcortical centers. Ginseng increases the mobility and strength of basic cortical processes, enhances positive conditioned reflexes, facilitates the development of conditioned reflexes and improves differentiation. Ginseng root preparations have been proven to have a beneficial effect on blood composition, increase gas exchange, stimulate tissue respiration (especially of the brain), reduce the frequency of contractions and increase the amplitude of the heart, and promote rapid healing of wounds and ulcers. Ginseng tincture, taken orally, increases the secretion of bile, the concentration of bile acids and bilirubin in it, and increases the sensitivity of the human eye to light during the process of dark adaptation. The glycoside ginsenin regulates carbohydrate metabolic processes, reduces blood sugar and increases glycogen synthesis, which makes it effective for diabetes. It has been experimentally proven in animals that when ginseng is administered as a preventive measure, the resistance of animals to radiation exposure improves. Animals that received ginseng and were exposed to radiation were more likely to return to normal life, while animals that did not receive ginseng were sick for a long time and died. The beneficial effect of ginseng on the body is explained by the content of a significant amount of biologically active components in it.

Use in folk medicine

Ginseng root has long been valued in China, where its amazing healing qualities have been known for many centuries. It clearly had a strengthening, tonic, and stimulating effect. It is rightfully believed that ginseng promotes longevity and is very useful in old age. It is used for general weakness, exhaustion, fatigue, depression, impotence, and hypochondria.

In addition, ginseng tincture is used for mental and physical fatigue, after severe long-term illnesses, for functional disorders of the cardiovascular system, hypofunction of the gonads, diabetes and some functional nervous and mental diseases (neuroses, neurasthenia, psychasthenia, etc.), for chronic gastritis with reduced secretory function.

In China, there is a custom to give newborn children (especially boys) ginseng tincture as a preventative measure. This, instead of vaccinations, protects babies from various infectious diseases. Ginseng roots are used fresh or canned - in sugar or honey.

Historical reference

2800 BC in Chinese medicine, ginseng was considered a remedy that could cure all diseases. Of course, such a unique medicine was highly valued. Natural specimens (roots) weighing 100-200 grams were considered rare. Like the discovery of gold bars or precious stones, the discovery of particularly large specimens left their mark on history. So, in 1981, a root weighing 500 grams with a shoot 65 cm long was found in China. The root had many
branches and pearl growths, which is especially highly valued. In 1905, during the construction of a railway in Manchuria, an even larger specimen weighing 600 grams was dug up. It was sold in Shanghai for $5,000, which was only half its true value. Ginseng was first brought to Russia from China in 1675 by boyar N.G. Sapphiriy, Russian envoy to the court of the Chinese Emperor.

Literature

1. N. G. Kovaleva - Treatment with plants - M.: “Medicine”, 1972 - 352 p.

2. Universal encyclopedia of medicinal plants / Comp. I. N. Putyrsky, V. N. Prokhorov - Minsk: “Book House”, M.: Makhaon, 2000 - 656 p.

3. A.F. Gammerman, N.I. Grom - Wild medicinal plants of the USSR - M.: “Medicine”, 1976 - 287 p.

4. Popov V.I., Shapiro D.K., Danusevich I.K. - Medicinal plants - Minsk: “Polymya”, 1990 - 304 p.

5. A. N. Alefirov, Mastopathy. Herbal treatment. St. Petersburg: Publishing House "Ves", 2006 - 160 p.

6. Yagodka V.S. - Herbal medicine in dermatology and cosmetics - Kyiv: “Health”, 1987 - 135 p.

The healing properties of ordinary ginseng have been known in the east since ancient times. Subsequently, it began to be used in many other countries of the world. Once ginseng was recognized in mainstream medicine, its population declined due to the increased demand for its roots. Now it is one of the rarest plant species. In our article we will talk about the value of a living natural monument and why it needs to be protected.

General information

First, we will try to give a brief description of common ginseng: the long-lived plant is famous for its healing properties and unique root structure. Each individual spine resembles a unique human figurine. Because of this feature, many legends and traditions have been created about him. Currently, the wild plant is protected, and the roots of the cultivated perennial are used in medicine.

Common ginseng is a living monument of nature that dates back to prehistoric times. It grows in the wild in the south of the Khabarovsk Territory and Primorye.

In Russia, the medicinal plant is called the divine herb, the salt of the earth, the miracle of the world, the gift of immortality and the root of life.

Botanical description

Interestingly, the root of the plant retains its beneficial properties throughout the cold season, during the period when the above-ground parts of the medicinal herb die.

Botanical description of Panax ginseng:

• A herbaceous perennial plant reaches 40-70 cm in height. It has an erect single stem with a whorl in its upper part, consisting of long-petioled leaves.
• The leaves are palmate, pentasyllabic, wedge-shaped at the base. Each individual leaf is ovoid in shape with a pointed tip. The surface is slightly fleecy, the edges are serrated.
• The whorl produces a flower arrow bearing pale umbellate inflorescences. The peduncle is thin, the inflorescences are spherical, umbrella-shaped.
• The flowers are staminate, bisexual, collected in umbels of 10 pieces.
• The fruits are fleshy, red with three seeds, inedible, ripen in August or September.

Beneficial features

Ginseng roots are used both fresh and dried. They have a tonic, adaptogenic and stimulating effect. The most common way to prepare the medicine is to boil the roots in sugar syrup.

The main active ingredients are panaxosides. The composition of medicinal raw materials includes essential oils, fatty acids, pictin substances, resins, mucus and B vitamins. Macroelements include phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium. Microelements: iron, sulfur, molybdenum, manganese, zinc, titanium, chromium, aluminum, silicon.

In eastern countries, indications for the use of the root are the following conditions: decreased performance, exhaustion, chronic fatigue, excessive physical exertion, mental retardation. It helps in the treatment of heart disease, neurasthenia and anemia. Eastern doctors believe that it can prolong people's lives. Powders, ointments, pills, decoctions, tinctures are made from it, and are also consumed in the form of tea.

In Russian pharmacies you can find ginseng root in the form of an extract or alcohol tincture. Currently, searches are underway for plants of the Araliaceae genus. It was found that the following representatives have similar stimulating properties: eleutherococcus, high algae and Manchurian aralia.

Characteristics from the Red Book

You can find a brief description of common ginseng in the Red Book. Its content consists of the following characteristics: herbaceous perennial, the only representative of the Araliaceae genus. In nature, it reproduces by seeds carried by birds. They begin to germinate only after 2-3 years. Reproduction can also occur vegetatively, but this is rare.

The development of young bushes is too slow, and only after 8-9 years the plant begins to bloom. This valuable perennial has a very interesting feature. During periods of unfavorable habitat for it, the plant can plunge into so-called temporary sleep for several years. The average period of its existence can reach up to 130 years. A photo of ordinary ginseng is also attached here.

Cultivation of relic

Cultivation of a medicinal perennial is a kind of protection of its natural reserves. In terms of their properties, cultivated plants are no different from wild ones. To grow a large amount of raw materials, you need to put in a lot of effort, as it is a very labor-intensive process. However, science does not stand still, and now it is possible to obtain a valuable medicine using in vitro (cell culture). Biomass cultivation using this method is carried out in laboratory conditions.

The cultivation of common ginseng is not limited only to Primorsk. It is grown in Cheboksary and Sakhalin. For this purpose, special plantations are prepared with conditions close to natural. The root is also cultivated in other countries, such as the USA, China, Australia and Korea. The resulting raw materials are used for the development of pharmacological and cosmetic products.

Shade and high humidity are optimal conditions for growing medicinal perennials. In order for the roots to accumulate the required amount of nutrients, they need to stay in such an environment for about 5 years. Once they reach maturity, they are dug up and sorted. Then they go through a process of drying and grinding to the desired degree. It was noticed that on plantations the plant develops faster.

Growing process

The soil for growing the root is prepared several years in advance. Preparation consists of annual digging and removal of larvae that die in the sun. The use of insecticides is completely excluded. Even a small dose of these substances can lead to the loss of the medicinal qualities of the plant. A canopy is installed over the seedlings so that a small amount of light falls on them. In the third year, excess buds are removed from the bushes.

After 6 years, the roots are carefully dug up so as not to damage the small shoots. In the area where ginseng was previously grown, nothing can be planted for the next 10 years. If you simplify the cultivation of a valuable root, this will lead to a decrease in its main advantages.

Protection measures

In the Primorsky Territory, a special program has been developed to protect the valuable root. Common ginseng was listed in the Red Book in 2002. The country's environmentalists made the following decisions:

• There was a need to suspend root harvesting for several years.
• The protection of populations outside the reserves was organized.
• A method of maintaining natural populations was planned by overseeding an unstratified seed stock and introducing young plants into the natural environment.

Limiting factors are also considered. The number of valuable plants is declining due to irrational use and illegal procurement of raw materials. Its reserves are declining as a result of forest fires, disturbance of the forest floor and deforestation. The negative factor is the low seed productivity and the slow process of plant development in the first few years.

In which nature reserve is common ginseng protected? Thanks to programs to restore and preserve the population of the relict, several such places were formed. This plant is protected by four nature reserves: Lazovsky, Bolshekhehtsirsky, Usuriysky, and Kedrovaya Pad.

Suitable conditions for growth

Common ginseng likes well-drained, rich soils, shaded areas, and mixed cedar forests. Feels good among tall trees with closed crowns and scanty light. Often found on the slopes of the southwestern and southeastern parts of Primorsky Krai. Also in the hornbeam pine and broadleaf forests are yellow birch, linden and maple. It also grows in mixed groves. On the northern slopes it hides under dense thickets of ivy, ferns and grapes.

Description for children

Future generations must be aware of the fact that they are also responsible for the conservation of flora and fauna. Therefore, a child needs to instill a love for flora and fauna from an early age. In many schools, such training is included in the general curriculum. How can you teach children the characteristics of a relict plant that is on the verge of destruction?

What can be mentioned in an essay for children about ginseng? A plant description might look like this:

• Ginseng is the oldest medicinal plant.
• The root is the part that deserves special attention.
• The upper part of the rhizome, called the neck, is very wrinkled. The older the plant, the more powerful its root. As it develops, the lateral processes, called adventitious roots, thicken and are divided downwards into 3-6 parts. Due to the fact that the lower root system absorbs more nutrients, a healing and interestingly shaped root, similar to a human figure, is formed.
• Upon closer examination, you can find such parts of the body as arms, legs, stomach, chest and a small head, sometimes turned to the side. From Chinese, the word “zhen” is translated as a person, the word “shen” is the root. It is from this part of the plant that many medicines are developed that support human life.
• The above-ground part of the plant before fruit formation has a less attractive appearance. In July, ordinary herbaceous bushes throw out inconspicuous umbrella-shaped inflorescences. On their corollas you can observe many insects that pollinate the plant.
• The result of the work of beneficial insects is the appearance of ovaries at the end of flowering. And at the beginning of September, the inconspicuous plant is transformed by well-ripened bright scarlet berries, distinguished by their plump pulp.

For grade 3, in a message about ordinary ginseng, it would be good to pay attention to the following points:

• external characteristics of the plant;
• what are relict plants and why are they interesting;
• where it grows in the wild;
• beneficial properties of the root;
• what measures have been taken to protect the living natural monument;
• what needs to be done to contribute to the preservation of the plant world.

Status

Schoolchildren should have brief information about protected species and know what they look like. Plants taken under protection have their own status. Some of them are marked as rare species, and there are those that may cease to exist forever. In addition to common ginseng, 6 more species of plants that are in danger of extinction are listed in the Red Book of Russia: Ussuri's nest, Schreber's brazil, Korean mountain weed, Vorobyov's buzulnik, twisted kirkazon, Vorobyov's iris. Species that are reducing their numbers: continental aralia, high squash, hard juniper, Schlippenbach rhododendron, mountain peonies and milky-flowered peonies.

Conclusion

Common ginseng is a narrowly distributed and rare plant. It is unlikely that there will be anything like him on our planet. At the same time, the legendary fame of the healing remedy brought him harm. It is because of this that its numbers have decreased. Aspirations to preserve this miraculous remedy will be crowned with success only if every person learns to take care of nature.

Family Araliaceae - Araliaceae

Ginseng is perhaps the most famous representative not only of the Araliaceae family, but also of medicinal flora in general.

True ginseng is a perennial herbaceous plant that lives up to 100 years, with a rhizome (neck) and a fleshy taproot (body). The root has 2-6 branches at the end. In the upper part there are ring wrinkles, the number of which increases with age. A wintering bud develops at the top of the rhizome, and the future above-ground shoot is formed in it. The stem is single, with an apical rosette of 5 leaves. The leaves are long-petiolate, palmately compound to the base, palmately five-dissected. The stem and leaf petioles have a violet-reddish tint. The flowering stem is thin, emerging from the apical rosette. The flowers are small, greenish, collected in an apical umbel at the end of the peduncle. The fruit is a bright red two-locular (occasionally three-locular) berry-shaped drupe.

It blooms in July, the fruits ripen in August-September.

Reproduction is exclusively by seed; birds play a large role in the distribution of the species. Seeds germinate in 21 months (in the second spring after ripening). The processes of growth and development of the plant at all subsequent stages also proceed slowly. Leaves characteristic of adult plants are formed after several decades. Ginseng blooms for the first time no earlier than 8-10 years from the moment of seed germination; the average annual growth of the root does not exceed 1-1.5 g.

Spreading

Endemic, relict of the Manchu Tertiary flora. In Russia, it is currently found in the wild, probably only in the Primorsky Territory. The range of true ginseng is close to the range of other representatives of the Araliaceae family, but is shrinking (at the beginning of the 20th century, ginseng was found near Khabarovsk in the spurs of Khekhtsir). Outside Russia, it has been reliably preserved only in northeastern China. A rare plant that needs strict protection.

Widely cultivated in China, Korea, Japan.

The genus Panax, in addition to true ginseng, includes at least seven species, of which five are confined to East and Southeast Asia, and two grow in North America. All these species exhibit stimulating and adaptogenic effects and have long been used in folk medicine of the respective regions as a general strengthening and tonic agent both in the treatment of various diseases and for preventive purposes. Systematically, five-leaf ginseng (American ginseng) - P. quinquefolius L., which grows in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, is very close to true ginseng. In Indochina, false ginseng is common - P. pseudoginseng Wall. Despite the name, this plant is valued second only to real ginseng for its medicinal properties and is included in many oriental medicine preparations.

Habitat

Forest shade-loving plant. Confined to mountain coniferous-deciduous forests at altitudes from 150 to 700 meters above sea level. Prefers well-drained brown mountain-forest soils and does not like waterlogging.

It is found in individual specimens or “families” of different ages, separated by many kilometers.

Chemical composition

The pharmacological properties of ginseng root are primarily associated with triterpene saponins - panaxosides A, B, C, D, E, F. These are glycosides of tetracyclic triterpenes of the dammarane series, which are absent in other Araliaceae. In panaxosides A, B, C the aglycone is panaxatriol, and in panaxosides D, E, F panaxadiol.

In addition, essential oil of panacene, a mixture of fatty acids, alkaloids, sesquiterpenoids, other triterpenoids in addition to panaxosides (ginsenosides, panaxodiol, panaxotriol), carbohydrates and related compounds, phytosterols, choline, fatty oil, mucilage, starch, pectic substances, tannins were found in the roots. substances, resins, ascorbic acid, vitamins B1, B2, B12, biotin, nicotinic, folic, pantothenic acids, polyacetylene compounds. The content of phosphorus, sulfur, and microelements is significant. More than half of the root ash consists of phosphates.

Ginseng leaves, as well as the root, contain triterpene glycosides - ginsenosides and flavonoids. The content of the total glycoside fraction in the leaves is higher than in the roots.

Contrary to popular belief, the chemical composition and medicinal properties of cultivated and wild ginseng are almost identical. Only the content of active ingredients differs, but not much.

pharmachologic effect

Reliable knowledge about the healing properties of ginseng is fused into a centuries-old layer of legends. It is believed that in China, ginseng was used for medicinal purposes as early as 3,000 years ago. Reliable references to the use of ginseng are contained in medical treatises dating back to the 4th century. BC e. The very name “ginseng” literally means “root man”; Based on the principle of similarity, the root was valued the more highly, the more it resembled a human figure. Eastern healers considered ginseng a panacea (the literal meaning of this Greek term is a remedy for everything; the generic name Panax comes from the same word and means “all-healing”).

Ginseng has a stimulating, tonic and strengthening effect. It is considered a remedy that promotes longevity, especially useful in old age with general weakness, fatigue, exhaustion, impotence, depression, and hypochondria.

Ginseng preparations have a wide range of therapeutic effects, are non-toxic, and can be used for a long time. Ginseng root is a strong stimulant of the central nervous system, but it does not cause addiction or drug dependence, does not disturb sleep, and increases performance during night wakefulness.

Preparations from ginseng root stimulate the dynamics of nervous processes, have a beneficial effect on the blood picture, increase gas exchange, stimulate tissue respiration (especially of the brain), accelerate carbohydrate and fat metabolism, increase hormonal levels, increase the amplitude and reduce the frequency of heart contractions, promote rapid healing of wounds and ulcers . Ginseng tincture, taken orally, increases the secretion of bile and increases the light sensitivity of the eyes during the process of dark adaptation. When taken prophylactically, ginseng increases resistance to extreme environmental conditions, toxins, pathogens and other stress factors.

Dosage forms

Water-alcohol tincture.

Ginseng root is included in SP XI as a medicinal raw material.

Application

Ginseng preparations are used for physical and mental fatigue, after long-term serious illnesses, for functional disorders of the cardiovascular system, diabetes, dysfunction of the gonads, functional nervous and mental diseases, for chronic gastritis with reduced secretory function of the stomach.

Chinese doctors recommend regularly taking preparations of ginseng roots to a healthy person in order to strengthen vitality and to prolong life, but give preference to exhausted patients, with weakness, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, night sweats, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, diabetes mellitus, anemia, impotence , functional disorders of cardiac activity.

In Korea, ginseng leaves are used for medicinal purposes to heal wounds and ulcers.

The roots of wild and cultivated ginseng are used fresh and preserved in sugar.

Ginseng exhibits a distinct seasonal effect: its use is most effective in autumn and winter. In spring and summer, the effect may be the opposite of what is expected. Eastern medicine prescribes taking ginseng in combination with physical labor in the fresh air.

Ginseng preparations are contraindicated for hypertension and during the acute period of infectious diseases.

Long-term use of ginseng and its use in large doses causes negative effects: palpitations, headaches, pain in the heart, dizziness.

Self-medication with ginseng without solid knowledge of the dosage is unacceptable: cases of fatal poisoning are known.

Procurement of raw materials

Wild ginseng is harvested at a time when it is easier to detect among other plants. Dig out the ginseng root with bone spatulas, being careful not to tear off the lobes or damage the root. The extracted roots are carefully cleaned of dirt and husks, being careful not to scratch the skin. Rotten places are cleaned of rot and covered with earth. Washing the root is not allowed. Collected and cleaned roots are dried or stored fresh in wooden boxes lined with moss of medium humidity. The roots are placed in a box in layers, sprinkled with sifted soil taken from the harvesting site. At procurement points, the roots are sorted by size, shape, and degree of damage during digging.

Due to extremely limited supplies of wild ginseng, the vast majority of the root on the world market is of cultivated origin. The root is collected on plantations from plants aged 5-8 years.

The dried root is stored in warehouses packaged in plastic bags, placed in tightly knit wooden boxes lined with paper. When unpacking the boxes, the roots are transferred to glass jars with a lid.

Shelf life: 2 years 6 months.

Security measures

Collection of young roots of wild ginseng weighing less than 10 g is not permitted. Only those plants that bear fruit in a given year should be dug up. Under no circumstances should young plants be dug up, as they have no medicinal value. Ginseng fruits are collected and planted in the soil to a depth of 4-5 cm.

Ginseng is included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. In addition to excessive harvesting, the limiting factors for the recovery of the ginseng population are low seed productivity, slow development of seedlings, forest fires and disturbance of the forest floor. To restore the population of wild ginseng, it is necessary to introduce a long-term ban on its harvesting in a number of areas and reintroduce it.

Resources

Wild ginseng root has always been a rare raw material. In Primorye, planned harvests in the mid-20th century did not exceed 200 kg of root (wet weight) per season. In China in the 1930s, the volume of wild root harvests was about 500 kg per season, but already in 1950, the seasonal volume of harvests dropped to 150 kg. Currently, wild ginseng root is practically not harvested in China.

The cultivation of ginseng began in Korea in the 1st century. BC e., a little later it began to be cultivated in China. Russian settlers began cultivating ginseng from the beginning of the settlement of the Primorsky Territory. Industrial cultivation of ginseng in Primorye was started by the pioneer of the region's development, M. I. Yankovsky. Unfortunately, after the revolution this work had to be started all over again. One of the famous domestic farms is the Primorsky specialized state farm "Ginseng" founded in 1961 (the village of Starovarvarovka, Anuchinsky district). Ginseng was also successfully grown in other regions - in southern Siberia and in the European part of Russia.

In addition to the cultivated P. ginseng of Chinese origin, the American P. quinquefolius accounts for a significant and growing share of the world ginseng market. American producers have long abandoned traditional wooden sheds and are growing ginseng under a polymer mesh canopy using modern agricultural technology.

In the early 90s of the last century, over 3 thousand tons of root passed annually through Hong Kong alone, the world's leading ginseng market. Against this background, Russia’s contribution to the world ginseng market is negligible and is steadily declining: if in 1987 approximately 3.5 tons of root were harvested in Russia, then in 1993 they did not produce even half of this amount.

Panax ginseng(Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) or real is a herbaceous perennial plant of the Araliacea family. Quite often the shape of the root resembles a human figure. Lives up to 200-350 years.

Habitat

In its wild form, common ginseng can be found in China, Korea, and the Primorsky Territory. It is cultivated in many countries, including Japan and the countries of the former USSR.

Most often, this plant can be found in broad-leaved and coniferous forests, where cedar is also found. Generally, common ginseng grows in families of about a hundred plants, but single plants can also be seen.

Features

Common ginseng has a fleshy root with an aromatic odor.

Ginseng root is 2.0-2.5 cm in diameter, oblong-cylindrical in shape with branches - from 2 to 6.

At the top of the stem there is a whorl of two to five leaves; the stem itself reaches 30-70 cm.

The leaves of the plant are palmately pentasyllabic, long-petiolate.

The corolla of the flowering plant is white or pale pink and has five petals.

The fruits ripen in September and the plant blooms in July.

Compound

In the roots, according to research by Chinese specialists, trace elements such as P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Al, Si, Ba, Sr, Mn, Ti, as well as sulfur and phosphorus were found.

In addition, other useful elements were found in the roots: B vitamins, starch, mucilage, pectin, tannins, phytosterols, resins, cane sugar, ascorbic acid, alkaloids, panaxic acid, panacea essential oil, which contains sesquiterpenes , triterpene saponins.

Not long ago, researchers discovered metallic germanium or its salts in ginseng medicines. It is believed that germanium in such preparations is of great importance for the manifestation of medicinal properties.

Harvesting and drying

Common ginseng can be stored for up to 5 years. Prepared in dried and fresh form. For this, the plant requires special treatment. Dried medicinal roots are distinguished by a yellowish-white tint and fragility.

In Chinese medicine, the roots of plants older than six years are used. They are cleaned after digging, slightly dried, treated with steam, honey or a solution with sugar and dried for up to 1-2 months in closed rooms.

Application and medicinal properties

Ginseng is most often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Roots in the form of plates, dried leaves and candied roots are used. In addition, ginseng is used for treatment in powder.

Medicines and tinctures made using ginseng, or a tea drink made from it, are used primarily as a tonic; they increase vital energy. The plant has antidiabetic, antitoxic, hypertensive, aphrodisiac, antiallergic, antitoxic properties. In addition, it stimulates the central nervous system and is an adaptogenic, immunostimulating, and psychotonic agent. Ginseng has a positive effect on performance and increases the body's resistance to disease.

For speech impairment, weakness of the limbs and thirst, preparations from ginseng leaves are prescribed. Medicines from the roots are used for infectious psychoses, hypotension, neurasthenia, fatigue, diabetes, alcoholism, anemia and other indications. It’s not without reason that this plant is called a panacea for the body because of its undoubted benefits!

Ginseng can be harmful to human health in some cases and is therefore contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Recipes

• To prepare an extract from the roots, you need 40-50 g of root, which must be crushed, filled with water and the mixture boiled until 50% of the liquid remains. Take 2 times a day, morning and evening, 1 tsp. before meals.
• Panax ginseng powder should be taken three times a day, 0.25 g. First, you need to start with small doses, gradually increasing them.

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Ginseng is a unique plant that lives up to 100 years and is known for its numerous medicinal properties. Moreover, the older the grass, the more valuable its root and the more diverse its properties. This is a valuable and useful plant that is widely used not only in medicine, but also in the food industry. However, the supply of wild ginseng is small, so it has to be cultivated.

The root of this plant has a number of medicinal properties - strengthens the immune system, tones the body, reduces inflammation, stimulates metabolic processes. Vitamins and nutritional supplements are made from this medicinal plant.

In this article we will take a detailed look at the calorie content, nutritional and chemical composition, and talk about the benefits and possible harms of ginseng.

Calorie content and nutritional value of ginseng

The root of the plant has the greatest nutritional value and benefit for humans, on the basis of which they make:

• tinctures - alcoholic or aqueous-alcoholic liquid that has not been subjected to heat treatment;
• capsules, tablets or granules;
• extract - concentrated liquid obtained from a plant;
• steamed roots - most often they are already ready for use;
• powder - dried and ground ginseng root.

The dried root of the plant is eaten; its calorie content is only 41 kcal per 100 g. The composition of the BJU is as follows:

• Proteins - 0 g;
• Fats - 0 g;
• Carbohydrates - 10 g.

This herbaceous plant is often used as a supplement, such as in tea or other tonic drinks.

If you intend to use a tincture, its calorie content will be significantly higher than that of the dry and ground root. Since the composition contains alcohol, the energy value can reach 100 kcal per 100 g. But keep in mind that for medicinal purposes the tincture is drunk in drops, so there is no need to worry about extra calories.

So, ginseng root is a low-calorie product. However, the range of its use is not as wide as it might seem. First of all, it is a medicinal product, so it is extremely important to know the chemical composition of the plant.

Chemical composition of the plant

The chemical composition of ginseng root is considered not to be fully studied. But it is still known that the plant contains many useful substances that have a positive effect on human health and well-being.

The roots of this plant contain:

• essential oil;
• phytosterols (collected in cell membranes and help regulate cell function and also maintain their structure);
• pectin substances;
• starch;
• B vitamins, as well as vitamin C, E, PP, H;
• minerals (potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, copper, iron, chromium, cobalt, phosphorus and sodium).

Ginseng contains active glycosides. These substances are synthesized in absolutely all parts of the plant and contain the aglycone panaxidol. If ginseng has been properly collected, processed and dried, then these substances are completely preserved. Glycozoids help the functioning of the heart muscle.

The extensive chemical composition shows that it is not for nothing that ginseng root is used in pharmacology and is called the “root of life.” The product contains vitamins and microelements necessary for health. Let's take a closer look at the beneficial and medicinal properties of this wonderful plant.




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Benefits and medicinal properties

The benefits of ginseng have been proven by the practice of using this product for medicinal purposes for many centuries. Tinctures, extracts and other supplements with the plant are sold at any pharmacy. Ginseng root is used both in folk medicine and in the production of medicines. The main property of the plant is the tonic and stimulating effect it has on the body.

However, there are other properties:

1. Consumption of the product improves the functioning of the nervous system and increases productivity. Also, regular consumption of drinks with ginseng relieves fatigue and helps fight depression.
2. Taking medications with ginseng slows down the aging process, improves memory, mental activity and brain activity.
3. Ginseng tincture is often used as part of complex therapy to combat diabetes, atherosclerosis, and central nervous system diseases.
4. People who have problems with low blood pressure are recommended to take ginseng-based medications.
5. Ginseng root is also used to treat joint diseases and osteochondrosis. For this purpose, tinctures are used for external use in the form of compresses. Such procedures reduce pain in the joints and prevent complications of musculoskeletal diseases.
6. Ginseng has a powerful stimulating effect and has a beneficial effect on the immune system, so it is recommended to use it during the off-season, when viruses are especially active.
7. Regular consumption of ginseng may help prevent cancer.
8. Ginseng stimulates blood flow, restoration and metabolic processes, so it is often added to creams for older women. Cosmetics based on this plant can remove signs of aging and smooth out wrinkles.
9. Ginseng is no less beneficial for hair than for skin. It’s not for nothing that this herbal component is added to shampoos and hair masks. The use of products that contain ginseng tones the hair, makes it healthy, strong and relieves dryness.

Ginseng tincture is used for toothaches, as well as for diseases of the mouth and throat. In this case, it is not recommended to drink it, but only to rinse the mouth or throat.

Important! To prevent the functioning of the immune system, drink the tincture or extract in courses. The most common option is to drink for 3 weeks, then rest for 3 weeks, then repeat. The course lasts three months, then there is three months of rest from the medicine - and you can continue treatment again.

Benefits of ginseng for men

Ginseng root has beneficial properties for maintaining men's health. In addition to the fact that the plant strengthens the body, it also has a positive effect on sexual function. Regular use (at least two months) of tincture, tea or ground ginseng root stimulates sexual activity.

Such positive properties are possible due to stimulation of the circulatory system. All men are recommended to include this product in their diet.

Benefits for women

Ginseng root also has many beneficial properties for women. Thanks to the phytoestrogens that are present in this plant, hormonal levels are normalized and the production of estrogen and progesterone is stimulated.

• irritability;
• tearfulness;
• tides;
• fatigue;
• weakness;
• drowsiness.

During menstruation, ginseng teas relieve pain in the lower abdomen and discomfort that women experience on this day. These days it is better to drink green tea, to which you can also add other herbs, such as chamomile, mint or lemon balm.

Green tea with ginseng should not be drunk if you are taking anticoagulants and antidepressants, since the herbal product stimulates the action of drugs, and this can be dangerous to human health and even life.

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Ginseng in diet and sports nutrition

People who adhere to sports or dietary nutrition often use ginseng. The active substances contained in the root of the plant speed up metabolism, and this leads to weight loss.

When losing weight

However, not every variety of ginseng will be useful in the fight against excess weight. For example, the Siberian variety is great for the nervous system, as it calms it, but it is not suitable for weight loss.

If you want to get rid of extra pounds, choose:

• Chinese;
• Korean;
• American variety.

But here, too, not everything is so simple, since American ginseng cools the body and relieves stress, but oriental (Korean and Chinese), on the contrary, warms the body, stimulates brain cells and speeds up metabolism. Therefore, before purchasing supplements (tablets, capsules) or ginseng root, you need to find out which variety is right for you.

When on a diet and taking ginseng-based medications or ground plant root, adhere to the following rules:

1. It is advisable to consume the root or substances that contain ginseng during meals, at lunch. If you drink tea in the evening, you may experience insomnia.
2. It is best to add 2-3 drops of extract to your breakfast meal. If ground root is used, one teaspoon is enough. Ginseng can be mixed with dishes, not just added to drinks.

Ginseng has a bitter taste and a rather pronounced aroma, so when drinking tea, add a few tablespoons of honey to it. This is both healthy and will remove the unpleasant aftertaste.

As a sports nutrition element

Ginseng is especially useful in sports. It is recommended for athletes who engage in bodybuilding, in particular, strength training. This plant adds stamina and increases the supply of oxygen in the body, which has a positive effect on exercise.

In sports ginseng:

• increases endurance;
• reduces fatigue;
• speeds up recovery after hard training;
• stimulates;
• relieves physical and emotional fatigue;
• increases energy reserves.

Every athlete knows how dangerous stress is for muscles: they become weak. In addition, a stressful state is fraught with obesity. The use of tincture helps combat these problems.© xb100 — stock.adobe.com

Harm to human health

Consumption of ginseng in some cases can be harmful to human health. First of all, you should pay attention to the dosage of the product. If we are talking about a tincture or extract, then you cannot start with loading doses; in the first days, 2-3 drops three times a day are enough. You can gradually increase the dose, but do not exceed 30-50 ml of the drug per day. It is important to remember that drinking the tincture as a preventive measure is carried out in courses: three weeks course, three weeks rest from the drug.

Ginseng root can also be harmful when dieting, in particular, this applies to a type such as Shandan ginseng. This variety stimulates the appetite, which can lead to uncontrolled eating.

If abused, ginseng, regardless of the variety and type, causes the same harm to the body.

An overdose of tinctures, teas and other ginseng-based drugs can lead to tachycardia, increased blood pressure, nervousness, abdominal pain and vomiting.

In addition, there are some other contraindications:

• high temperature (in this case it is better to exclude alcohol tinctures);
• insomnia;
• increased excitability;
• individual intolerance;
• allergic reactions;
• age less than 12 years.

In fact, any product, drug or medicine can harm the body if consumed in large quantities.

Results

Ginseng is a unique plant that can be found in different forms: dry root, tincture, extract, teas, tablets and more. And it’s not without reason that this plant is called the “root of life.” After all, ginseng really has a positive effect on the human body: it makes it younger and strengthens it, which prolongs life. But in pursuit of youth and a beautiful figure, one should not forget that overusing the plant is dangerous. Control the use of supplements and, of course, your diet, because no plants will help if the diet is incorrect and unbalanced.