인삼 (Ginseng)
Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.
![](https://img1.daumcdn.net/relay/cafe/original/?fname=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pharmanet.co.kr%2Fdir%2Findex5%2Fi%2F195.jpg)
Parts used. roots.
Description. A perennial herb. The root produces a
branch root from its middle. The branched root of the
crude drug forms. the legs of a human figure and the
stub of the stem forms the head. Stem erect, simple, not
branching. Leaves verticillate, compound, digitate,
leaflets 5, the 3 terminal leaflets larger than the lateral
ones, elliptic or slightly obovate, 4-15 cm long by 2-6.5
cm wide; apex acuminate; base cuneate; margin serrululate or finely bidentate.
In general, one leaf in the first year, one leaflet being added yearly until the 6th
year. Inflorescence a small terminal umbel, hemispherical, in early summer.
Flowers polygamous, pink. Calyx vaguely 5-toothed. Petals 5, stamens 5. Fruit
a small berry, nearly drupaceous, red when ripe in the autumn. The ginseng
used as a drug takes the form of bifurcate roots or a cylindrical, fusiform piece,
3-15 cm long and 1-2 cm in diametre, greyish-white to amber-yellow, the
surface wrinkled and furrowed. The taste is sweetish at first, with a somewhat
bitter aftertaste
![](https://img1.daumcdn.net/relay/cafe/original/?fname=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pharmanet.co.kr%2Fdir%2Findex5%2Fi%2F195-1.jpg)
Habitat. In the mountains.
Distribution. China, Japan, Korea, Soviet Union.
Indications. 1. General weakness; palpitations;
amnesia 2. Thirst and hyperhidrosis; poor appetite 3. All
kinds of chronic disease; post-haemorrhagic shock;
collapse.