Ginseng tincture: from antiquity to the present day
Wild ginseng is a pharmacopoeial plant that has received official recognition in all corners of the world. Ginseng treatment is used in traditional medicine in China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan and other Asian countries. For the first time, ginseng and its beneficial properties are described in detail in the Korean Pharmacopoeia. Records date back to 1610, but the plant has been in use for over 2000 years.
In ancient times, only emperors, noble and rich people could use tincture as a medicine. The recipe for the medicine was kept in the strictest confidence and passed down from generation to generation. In those days, due to a lack of knowledge, the root was considered a magical remedy, but with the development of science, it was possible to reveal the secret of the composition of the plant and its effect on the body.
Drug interactions
During research, doctors who studied the benefits and harms of ginseng, including for women, found that ginseng preparations are incompatible with some pharmaceutical drugs. For example, it is not recommended to simultaneously use the tincture with the following medications:
- psychostimulants;
- analeptics;
- neuroleptics;
- antiepileptic drugs;
- tranquilizers;
- sedatives;
- diuretics.
The female body requires special attention and care. Using natural ginseng, you can strengthen your immune system, get rid of stress, and also maintain youth and beauty for many years.
Chemical composition
Root tincture - instructions for use
Today, the composition and medicinal properties of the root have been studied thoroughly. Science confirms the uniqueness of the complex of chemicals and their effectiveness. The use of ginseng has no analogues throughout the world due to the special combination and concentration of active substances, which together have a therapeutic effect. Pharmacological activity is due to the presence of the following active components and vitamins in the root tincture:
- saponins;
- flavonoids;
- essential oils;
- polyenes;
- 17 types of amino acids;
- fatty acid;
- vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B9, C, biotin, PP);
- mineral compounds (manganese, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, aluminum);
- polysaccharides;
- 5 types of sugars (fructose, rhamnose, glucose, maltose and sucrose);
- other vitamins.
Ethyl alcohol content in bottles
Indications for use
Ginseng root is used for preventive and medicinal purposes. It affects blood pressure and is a general tonic for the body as a whole, improving health. Over more than 20 years of practice, we have constantly observed positive dynamics in our patients. However, this does not mean that the tincture can be used uncontrollably. Each disease has its own technology of use, which only a specialist can know about. In any case, you must first find out in which cases the use is indicated.
Use in the digestive system
Taking the tincture shows excellent results for gastrointestinal diseases. Moreover, it is included in the complex of treatment of hepatitis with folk remedies, and is also effective for:
- congestion in the liver;
- pancreatitis;
- gastritis;
- constipation;
- loss of appetite;
- enzyme deficiency;
- cholecystitis.
Cardiovascular system - application and doses
It has a positive effect on the functioning of the central nervous system, reduces general weakness and fatigue, drowsiness, increases physical and mental activity, and blood pressure. Ginseng also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. We actively use it in the treatment of ischemia with folk remedies, as well as for concomitant pathologies:
- phlebeurysm;
- thrombosis;
- atherosclerosis;
- hypertension;
- hypotension;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- circulatory disorders due to heart failure;
- cardiac ischemia;
- stroke;
- heart attack
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, arterial hypertension (high blood pressure)
Respiratory system - application and doses
The tincture, contrary to many misconceptions, can also be used for diseases of the respiratory system, such as:
- COPD;
- bronchitis (asthmatic and infectious);
- sarcoidosis;
- pneumonia;
- tuberculosis.
It will be especially effective for preventive purposes. It has been noted that a person who regularly takes the root of life is much less likely to suffer from acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis and other seasonal respiratory diseases.
Tincture - indications for use
Nervous system - application
Ginseng plays a special role in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system. Often, it helps to cope with severe illnesses, when traditional medicine literally puts an end to patients. Tinctures are indicated for the following diseases:
- age-related dementia;
- organic brain lesions, except malignant tumors;
- epilepsy;
- apathy;
- depression;
- asthenic syndrome;
- neurasthenic syndrome;
- emotional burnout;
- post-traumatic stress disorder;
- increased fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome;
- increased excitability;
- impaired concentration and memory.
I would like to note the positive effect in the treatment of epilepsy with folk remedies. In this case, it is possible to achieve, if not a complete cure, then a significant improvement in the patient’s quality of life.
Urinary and reproductive system - application and dosage
The most popular use of ginseng tincture is noted in the treatment of diseases of the reproductive system, as well as as an effective folk remedy after childbirth. Tincture for women is used in the following situations:
- To extend reproductive age - allows you to delay the onset of menopause by 7-10 years, depending on genetic characteristics.
- For the treatment of thrush, frequent adnexitis, infertility.
- As a natural aphrodisiac that increases libido and sensitivity in cases of sexual problems.
In the treatment and prevention of sexual problems, the tincture for men is used with a high success rate. In andrology, the plant helps solve the following problems of men's health:
- adenoma;
- prostatitis;
- decreased erectile function and libido;
- impotence.
Andrologists universally recommend using the tincture for preventive purposes to prolong the reproductive period and delay age-related changes in the body.
Prevention
Ginseng tincture is used to achieve the following preventive purposes:
- strengthening the immune system;
- rejuvenation (internally and externally);
- to increase endurance;
- to improve cognitive functions of the brain;
- for longevity.
Eastern countries hold the record for the number of centenarians who have crossed the hundred-year threshold. It is not difficult to guess that one of the factors that prolongs life and youth is the root, which is used by Asians almost every day.
There is no other plant on our planet that enjoys such great fame as an all-healing remedy as ginseng. Ginseng is perhaps the most famous representative not only of the Araliaceae family, but also of medicinal flora in general.
It is most often called the “root of life.” Literally translated from Chinese, the word “ginseng” means “root man” (zhen – man, shen – root). This name was given for the striking resemblance of the ginseng root to the human figure. Based on the principle of similarity, the more the root resembled a human figure, the more it was valued. 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 been known in Eastern folk medicine for at least 3000 years. Reliable references to the use of ginseng are contained in medical treatises dating back to the 4th century. BC e. Ginseng roots were first brought to Europe from Asia by Dutch merchants in the 17th century. In Russia, ginseng became known in 1675 thanks to the Russian envoy to China N.G. Scafari.
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 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 June, the fruits ripen in August and remain on the plant until September.
It grows in the Far East: in the Primorsky Territory and in the south of the Khabarovsk Territory. Found on mountain slopes, in cedar-broadleaf and cedar-spruce-broadleaf forests in single specimens or small groups. Ginseng roots are harvested no earlier than August in order to preserve the seeds, since the plant reproduces only by seeds. Natural reserves of the plant are very limited and tend to decline further. The natural restoration of ginseng is hampered by the slow growth and development of the plant. Harvesting of wild plants is carried out only under licenses. Ginseng is included in the Red Book.
The cultivation of ginseng began in Korea in the 1st century. BC e., a little later this practice was continued in China. Currently widely cultivated in China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. The experience of growing ginseng shows that its cultivation is possible where it is possible to create conditions close to natural ones. In ginseng growing in the taiga, the mass of the root increases slowly and it reaches marketable condition by about 20 years. Under cultivated conditions, ginseng develops faster; on plantations, ginseng roots can be harvested after 6–7 years.
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 it is panaxadiol.
In addition, the roots contain up to 18% protein substances, 2–3% lipids, a significant part of which is phytosterol, up to 20% starch, 16–23% pectin substances, as well as sucrose (3–4%) and monosaccharides (glucose, fructose and etc.). The specific smell of the roots is due to the presence of essential oil. There are mucus, tannins, resins, ascorbic acid, vitamins B1, B2, 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. In Korea, ginseng leaves are used for medicinal purposes to heal wounds and ulcers.
Contrary to popular belief, the chemical composition and medicinal properties of wild and cultivated ginseng are almost identical, but the cost is much lower.
The mechanisms of pharmacological action of ginseng have not yet been fully disclosed. Most scientists believe that more than one mechanism underlies the various manifestations of the action of ginseng. An increase in human mental performance indicates the undeniable influence of ginseng on the cerebral cortex. On the other hand, the effect of ginseng on the reactivity of the body, metabolism, gonadotropic and antidiuretic effects indicates the effect of ginseng on the diencephalon - the pituitary gland, and thereby on other endocrine glands.
Ginseng has adaptogenic, metabolic, biostimulating, antiemetic, tonic effects, and increases appetite. Stimulates the central nervous system, reducing general weakness, increased fatigue, drowsiness, increases blood pressure, mental and physical performance; stimulates sexual function. Reduces cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood, activates the activity of the adrenal glands.
Based on the research results of Professor Brekhman I.I. and other domestic authors, it is quite justified to use ginseng as a stimulant and tonic for physical and mental fatigue, decreased performance, after suffering debilitating diseases of the body, some nervous and mental diseases of a functional nature (neuroses, neurasthenia, psychasthenia), etc.
Ginseng is prescribed to adults as a stimulant for mental physical stress, arterial hypotension, neuroses, neurasthenia, neurocirculatory dystonia of the hypotonic type, asthenia of various etiologies, convalescence after illness, to increase physical endurance in athletes.
Ginseng is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity, arterial hypertension, increased excitability, insomnia, bleeding, febrile syndrome due to acute infectious diseases; in childhood (up to 16 years), pregnancy, lactation. Additional contraindications for the tincture: liver cirrhosis, alcoholism, epilepsy.
For medical use from ginseng root (cultivated and wild), crushed plant raw materials and tincture (1:5 in 70% ethanol) are allowed, which are used orally 30–40 minutes before meals, 30–50 drops of tincture 2–3 times in a day. The maximum daily dose for adults is 200 drops.
Capsules are prescribed orally with meals, 0.5–1.0 g (in terms of dry standardized ginseng extract) 2–3 times a day for 25–30 days. If necessary, repeat courses of treatment are carried out with a break of 2 weeks.
Ginseng root extract is the main active ingredient of the medicinal products Gerbion Ginseng and Gerimax Ginseng.
Gerimax Ginseng tablets are prescribed orally for adults at 200–400 mg (1–2 tablets) per day. Gerbion Ginseng capsules are prescribed 1 capsule per day after breakfast. The course of treatment is 4–8 weeks.
As a general tonic and anti-stress drug - 100 mg 2 times a day for 11 weeks. To increase mental performance - 400 mg daily.
In order to obtain a hypoglycemic effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as to increase antiviral immunity (can be used as a supplement during vaccination) - 100-200 mg daily.
For erectile dysfunction - 600 mg daily.
Ginseng root extract is also included in complex medicines: Vitrum performance, Ginsana, Doppelhertz vitalotonic, Doppelhertz ginseng active, Doppelgerz ginseng, Multiproduct for men, Multi-tabs active, Teravit antistress, Teravit tonic, which are taken as prescribed by a doctor and in accordance with instructions for medical use.
Regarding ginseng, an opinion has been formed that it is an absolutely universal remedy that can be taken almost like a vitamin for everyone and for everything. In fact, this is not true at all. Ginseng has a fair number of side effects when used uncontrolled. Capsules can cause diarrhea, insomnia, headache, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, agitation, increased blood pressure, nosebleeds, hypoglycemia, allergic skin reactions (edema). Tincture: allergic reactions, tachycardia, headache, sleep disturbance, hypoglycemia. Ground vegetable raw materials: tachycardia, agitation, sleep disturbance. Film-coated tablets: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, allergic skin reactions, tachycardia, headache, insomnia, increased blood pressure, increased nervous irritability.
Ginseng enhances the effect of psychostimulants and analeptics (including caffeine, camphor, etc.). Shows antagonism to drugs that depress the central nervous system (including barbiturates, tranquilizers, antiepileptic drugs). Enhances the effect of hypoglycemic drugs. Strengthens the effect of warfarin. Increases the risk of developing resistance to loop diuretics.
To avoid sleep disturbances, ginseng preparations are not recommended to be used in the afternoon. Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. 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.
How to take ginseng tincture
How to take ginseng tincture
The tincture is taken orally for up to 30-60 days, 2-3 times a day. During a consultation with our specialist, an individual dosage regimen and the required dose will be selected for you. There is no universal technique, since for high efficiency the following factors should be taken into account:
- age;
- weight;
- presence of concomitant diagnoses;
- general condition of the body;
- purpose of taking the tincture.
Call now and find out how to take the tincture with maximum results specifically in your case!
Recipe
You can purchase alcohol tincture of ginseng at any pharmacy chain. This option is simpler and safer. Well, for those who prefer home-made medicines, we recommend using the following recipes.
Alcohol tincture
To prepare an alcohol tincture, the root can be used both dried and fresh. To make it you will need:
- 0.5 l – 70% alcohol;
- 1 tbsp. l. – crushed dry root or 100 g fresh.
Place the plant material in a glass container and fill it with drinking alcohol. Infuse for 14 – 20 days in a dark, cool place. During infusion, the container should be shaken periodically.
After time, it is recommended to filter the mixture through cheesecloth. Use as prescribed by your doctor, three times a day, 15–20 drops dissolved in water. The shelf life of the medicine is no more than 3 years.
Vodka tincture
The method for preparing a vodka-based tincture is almost completely identical to the recipe using alcohol, with the exception of the number of ingredients. To prepare you will need:
- 100 g – fresh plant materials, or 1 tbsp. l. – crushed root;
- 1 liter – high-quality vodka or homemade moonshine.
The ingredients are placed in a clean glass container, tightly closed and infused for 2 weeks out of reach of light. Use three times a day, 30-40 drops. Shelf life of the product is 1 year.
Infusion on water
This recipe is suitable for people who are contraindicated to use alcohol-based medications. To make a water infusion you will need:
- 1 tbsp. l. – crushed plant materials;
- 1 l. - water.
Place ginseng in an enamel pan, add water and bring to a boil. After the broth boils, simmer the mixture over low heat for 5 - 7 minutes. Next, remove the infusion from the heat, pour it into a thermos or wrap the pan with a towel for 1 hour.
After the mixture has cooled to a temperature of approximately 40-50 °C, add 1 tbsp to the infusion. l. honey Drink as tea throughout the day. The shelf life of the finished product is no more than 2 days.
Attention! A decoction of water can be used as a remedy for hair loss. To do this, the infusion is applied and rubbed into the scalp after shampooing. After 5 minutes, the product is washed off with clean water.
More recipes for ginseng with honey are presented here.
Contraindications
Vodka tincture of the root is contraindicated:
- children under 3 years old;
- with progressive oncological diseases;
- severe infectious diseases;
- with individual intolerance;
- pregnant and lactating women.
Other cases and illnesses are considered individually. Upon purchase, you will receive recommendations and a personal dosage regimen from our biomedical specialist - Roman Bestuzhevo-Ulansky, a hereditary hunter-trade, practicing since 1999.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contraindicated during pregnancy - specialist consultation required
Benefits of our Ginseng Tincture
The root tincture, which we suggest you purchase in the online store, has a number of undeniable advantages. Consider the benefits of our products.
- Artificial cultivation involves the use of fertilizers, intensive watering with disinfected water, and processing. We offer you a tincture of wild root. A plant grown in natural conditions is much healthier and safer than specimens cultivated on plantations, and does not contain heavy metals and radionuclides.
- To prepare the tincture, we use the roots of plants that are at least 25 years old. Cultivated ginseng grows faster due to the intervention of breeders and hybridization, but is inferior in concentration of biologically active substances to wild specimens.
- We extract raw materials for the tincture in the fall - studies have shown that by the end of the growing season the concentration of biologically active substances reaches its peak. Industrial enterprises do not use this, since we are talking about large volumes and seasonality makes production unprofitable.