Product Overview
Parts used: Dried leaves
TCM category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
TCM nature: Cool
TCM taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: Stomach Lung
Scientific name: Panax ginseng
Use of ginseng leaves (Ren Shen Ye) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitionner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Collect the leaves in autumn and dry them.
Dosage: 3 - 9 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Tonifies the Qi and Lungs. Dispels Summer-Heat and engenders body Fluids.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which ginseng leaves may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Coughing Dysphagia Summer Heat Excessive thirst Dizziness
Key TCM concepts behind ginseng leaves (Ren Shen Ye)'s properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ginseng leaves are plants that belong to the 'Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang). Qi tonics are typically sweet and they tend to enter the Spleen and Lungs because these organs are most involved with the production of Qi.
Furthermore ginseng leaves are plants that are Cool in nature. This means that ginseng leaves tend to help people who have too much "heat" in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much heat in their body are said to either have a Yang excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition ginseng leaves can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Ginseng leaves also taste Sweet. The so-called "five elements" theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like ginseng leaves tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what organs and meridians they target. As such ginseng leaves are thought to target the Stomach and the Lung. In TCM the Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the body fluids that nourish the body.
