Ginsengis one of the most famous plants in the world with valuable healing properties. In medicine, ginseng root is primarily used. Find out more about thehealing effects of ginsengand find out whatproperties of ginsengcontributed to its popularity. See also if it is possible togrowing ginsengin the garden and how to get started.
Ginseng - Panax ginseng - root
Ginseng - action, properties
"Ginseng(Panax ginseng) is a relict perennial species of the Araliaceae family that grows wild in Northeast China, the North of the Korean Peninsula, Japan, and the East Russia. It is a long-lived herbaceous plant, ranging in height from 30 to 70 cm. Forms green leaves, folded palm of 3-5 leaves, placed on long petioles. In summer, white-pink or aquamarine flowers appear, gathered in a dozen in the gable umbels. The fruit is a berry-shaped, bright red drupe, usually containing two fused seeds. Most of all, however, ginseng is famous for its roots.
Ginseng rootis a slightly branched rhizome, light cream color. It was the unusual shape of the roots that contributed to the name ginseng, meaning the root-man. Above all, however, ginseng roots are famous for their he alth properties and their use in medicine and the cosmetic industry.In Chinese medicinethe he alth effects of ginsengwere appreciated over 4,000 years ago. "
It is believed thattaking ginseng root drugsincreases resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Ginseng is also recommended for older people, providing them with increased vitality, well-being and mood.Ginseng root be usedin the treatment of neurosis, impotence and to inhibit certain cancers.
Valuable active substances in the roots are ginsenosides. They work by increasing the ability of hemoglobin to attach oxygen, and therefore also better supply the organs with oxygen. They also stimulate the immune system, increasing our immunity. Other importantsubstances in ginseng rootsare panaxanes, which reduce blood sugar levels, and panaxinols, which have an anti-clotting effect. It is also a valuable source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, and numerous minerals and microelements.These numerousproperties of ginsengmake it difficult to overestimate its healing effects.
Ginseng - Panax quinquefolius
Growing ginseng
Ginsengis not an easy plant to grow. However, if we undertake this effort, we will get he althy roots of this plant and we will be sure that no chemicals or artificial fertilizers have been abused in the cultivation. The use of such roots can give us better he alth effects than in the case of store-bought ginseng preparations, the quality of which we cannot always be sure of.
Growing ginseng from seeds
Ginseng can be sownfrom kidney-shaped brown seeds, 4-6 mm in diameter. However, this is a job for the patient as it can take 18 to 22 months for seeds to germinate. Warm stratification (then the embryo matures) and cold stratification are also required.Ginseng seeds are stratified by keeping them in moist sand for several months and then drying them before sowing. For this,ginseng seeds are placed in a wet sand boxwith a seed to sand ratio of 1:10. The crates are kept for 7-10 months in a cool place, covered with a layer of leaves or straw. A few days before sowing, the seeds are washed with water in the sieves and spread out in a thin layer on a canvas for drying. This treatment significantly shortens the waiting period for germination after sowing. If the stratified seeds are sown in the fall, emergence can be expected in the spring of the following year. Sometimes it is also possible to buy stratified seeds that we can sow right away.
In the first year of cultivation, the plant forms only one leaf, the petiole of which acts as a stem. Only after a few years we will see a ground rosette consisting of a larger number of leaves.
Due to the long period of seed germination and slow growth of seedlings, it is much more convenient to buy already grownginseng seedlings, the more that their price is not excessive.Usually one or two-year-old cuttings are bought.
Ginseng is only propagated from seeds , vegetative reproduction is not possible, e.g. by dividing the roots!Ginseng - requirements, growing position
Ginsengshould be planted in fertile, humus soil, but also permeable, slightly acidic (pH 5.5 - 6, 5). The positionof ginseng cultivationshould be sheltered from winds and shaded, it cannot be exposed to direct sunlight (artificial shading is often used). Ginseng withstands temperatures down to -43 ° C, but it does not tolerate winters with warming and rainfall during the dormant period. Therefore, it is necessary to protect plants in winter against excess moisture.Preparation of the substrate, ensuring the drainage of excess rainwater, is an important factor contributing to the success
ginseng cultivationIt is advisable to add coarse-grained soil to the soil sand and gravel, as well as growing in raised beds. We should also remember to mulch the soil under the plants. Collection and use of ginseng roots
Ginsengreaches maturity and healing properties only in the 4-5th year of vegetation, therefore the roots are obtained from plants, who are 6 to 8 years old. Harvesting takes place in autumn, when the roots are approx. 15 cm long and 2 cm in diameter. As an amateur for storage, we can preserve them by drying in the sun. Seeds for re-sowing can also be obtained from 5-year-old and older plants.The easiest way to use dried roots is to chew. For this purpose, chew 1 gram for about 10 to 15 minutes and then swallow (for better taste, you can add a little honey). You can also make tea or prepare a tincture from the roots.
