Ginseng, Japanese ginseng
Panax pseudoginseng
Family: Araliaceae
What it is like
Panax pseudoginseng is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Forests and shrubberies, 2100 - 4300 metres in C. Nepal in the Himalayas. Moist shady places at elevations of 2000 - 3300 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - China to the Himalayas and Burma.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves and shoots - cooked as a vegetable. The roots are chewed, used as a flavouring in liqueurs or made into a tea.
Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 3
The roots and the flowers are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic, hypoglycaemic and stimulant. The root is used internally in the treatment of indigestion, vomiting, coronary heart disease and angina. The roots are also used both internally and externally in the treatment of nosebleeds, haemorrhages from the lungs, digestive tract and uterus, and injuries. The roots are harvested in the autumn, preferably from plants 6 - 7 years old, and can be used fresh or dried. The flowers are used to treat vertigo and dizziness.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.
Cardiotonic: A tonic for the heart.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Haemostatic: Controls internal bleeding.
Hypoglycaemic: Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a moist humus rich soil in a shady position in a woodland. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. Nomenclature of this genus is rather confused with some botanists recognising P. ginseng as a variable plant that includes this species. Other botanists divide it into 4 or even 5 distinct species, giving this plant specific status. This plant has been grossly over-collected from the wild for its use as a medicinal plant and it is rapidly approaching extinction in most parts of its range. The sub-species P. pseudo-ginseng notoginseng. (Burkill.)Hoo.&Tseng. is the form used medicinally in China, this plant is given a separate entry in this database.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in a shady position in a cold frame preferably as soon as it is ripe, otherwise as soon as the seed is obtained. It can be very slow and erratic to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse or frame for at least their first winter. Make sure the pots are deep enough to accommodate the roots. Plant out into their permanent positions in late summer. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid if on anticoagulants or ticlodipine (for blood clot formation) .
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Aralia bipinnatifida. Aralia pseudoginseng. Panax schin-seng.