CULTIVATION

Asian ginseng prefers to grow under the shade of conifers and broad leaved trees in cold tempered forests.  Avoid planting directly under conifers and shallow rooted trees to avoid competition for nutrients.  For best results, plant Asian ginseng under deep rooted trees such as oak. 

Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 to 8Propagation: SeedGermination: Difficult and inconsistent.  Sow fresh or stratified seeds 1 cm (about 1/2 in) deep in pots with rich organic matter.  Leave it exposed to winter freeze.  It can take two seasons for the seeds to germinate.  After germination, grow one to three years before transplanting to a hardwood forest.  You can also sow directly in the hardwood forestSpacing: 30 cm (1 ft)Soil: moist, well-drained, deep and rich with organic matterpH: slightly acidic, neutralExposure: shade or partial shadePests: Gophers and volesGarden Design: Asian ginseng is a wonderful addition to woodland gardens and to shady areas under hardwood treesCompanion planting: Grow Asian ginseng with plants common in its natural habitat such as fir, birch, hornbeam, spruce, pine, oak , linden, dong quai (Angelica sinensis), and five flavored fruit (Schisandra chinensis). 

HARVEST

At least seven years must go by before Asian ginseng is ready for harvest. 

DRYING

You can sun dry your Asian ginseng or dry it in a dehydrator set to low

CONSTITUENTS

Triterpenoid saponins (ginsenosides, panaxans), sesquiterpenes

PROPERTIES

ENERGETICS

Warm, moist

TASTE

Sweet, slightly bitter

MEDICINAL USE OF ASIAN GINSENG

Considered to be the most stimulating of the adaptogens, Asian ginseng is a wonderful immune modulator used to normalize immune function.  It can bolster a weakened immune system as well as reduce excessive immune response in case of allergies and autoimmune conditions.  It can prevent or reverse leukopenia (low white blood cell count) in patients undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy. 

Asian ginseng is also good for adrenal depletion, adrenal exhaustion, excess cholesterol and triglycerides, lousy blood circulation, mild hypertension, and to prevent atherosclerosis.  Since Asian ginseng is moistening, it is also used for dried coughs. 

TCM: Ginseng supplements the five yin organs, calms the mind, quiets the soul, opens the heart and prolongs life.  It nourishes the Chinese spleen, lung and kidney chi, restores vitality. 

Tincture: (1:5): 20-40 drops three times per dayDecoction: In a nonmetal pot with , slowly decoct 1-2 tsp of ground herb for half an hour.  Let steep for an additional hour.  Take up to two cups per day

HOMEMADE PREPARATIONS

Tincture

Decoction

Powder

Capsules

SIDE EFFECTS

Type A people who suffer from anxiety, insomnia or hypertension should avoid taking large quantities of Asian ginseng as it may worsen the condition.  They should also avoid drinking coffee along with it. 

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Asian ginseng may also increase the effects of warfarin (a blood thinner), of medications that lower blood sugar as well as older types of antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors – MAOIs).