Ginseng Root
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Chakra Colour: Violet
Medicinal Uses: anemia (blood), diabetes, insomnia (trouble sleeping), nerve pain, erectile dysfunction, fever, hangover symptoms, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer, painful joints, dizziness, headaches, convulsions and fibromyalgia.
Ginseng is regarded as a tonic. It is not only used to improve a wide variety of health conditions, but also as a preventative. Chinese medicine includes Ginseng in numerous formulas for its overall balancing effects. Western science has not yet been able to clearly establish the working mechanisms of this herb, though its beneficial effects are beyond doubt. Ginseng is used whenever the body is exposed to environmental, emotional or mental stress. Stress has many negative effects on the body, but one of the worst and most insidious ones is the over-stimulation and subsequent exhaustion of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce adrenaline, the so called ‘fight or flight’ hormone, in response to stress situations. When stress exerts its negative effects for too long the hormone becomes depleted and the glands ability to produce it is also diminished. As a result the body lacks the energy it needs to face even ordinary stress situations, becomes fatigued, unable to concentrate, emotionally unstable and easily depressed and the immune system is also weakened. The normal sex drive is reduced and there is neither lust nor lustre in the individual. Ginseng improves the function of the adrenal gland and thus helps the body to cope with these manifold symptoms of stress. Ginseng also improves the circulation and strengthens the heart. Improved circulation means improved blood supply and better functioning of the organs. All of these properties show that Ginseng’s reputation as an overall tonic is more than justified. In Chinese medicine it is often given in compound mixtures that address a particular part or function of the body, e.g. ginseng and ginkgo are said to be an ideal combination for mental stress, memory improvement and to improve concentration.
Ginseng is especially recommended to ally ailments associated with old age, but in this day and age where stress has become a way of life, it would make a good choice for anybody that wants to offset the negative effects of the rat-race before serious long-term consequences have actually started to manifest as chronic conditions. It can be taken on a daily basis and tolerance is generally considered very good. Though there are some cautionary advice against its use for individuals with high blood pressure and during pregnancy.
Magical Uses: Bring love, obtaining wishes, healing, beauty, protection, create lust. The root is carried to attract love, to guard one’s health, to draw money and to ensure sexual potency.
Ginseng is highly regarded as a stimulant and general tonic that promotes sexual potency, lust, vitality, and long life.
Other Names: Wonder of the World Root, Asian Ginseng, Asiatic Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Chinese Red Ginseng, Ginseng, Ginseng Asiatique, GinsengBlanc.
Contraindications: dioxin, lithium, diabetes medication, anticoagulant, sedative medications.
