Common Name:

General Information

Panax pseudoginseng is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a short, stout, fleshy tuberous rhizome; it produces a cluster of one or more unbranched stems around 50cm tall with 3 - 5 leaves in a whorl at the summit of the stem[, ].
A very popular medicinal herb in eastern Asia, where it is one of the species that is commonly used as a form of ginseng (Panax ginseng). The plant is harvested from the wild for local use and trade, and is often also cultivated for medicinal use, especially in Japan, Korea and China[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Nepal

Habitat

Forests and shrubberies, 2,100 - 4,300 metres in C. Nepal in the Himalayas[]. Moist shady places at elevations from 2,000 - 3,300 metres in Nepal[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Panax pseudoginseng is a moderately cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate winter temperatures falling to around -15 to -20°c[].
A plant of shady places in rich, moist but generally well-drained woodland soils[].
The roots of all the various Panax species are used medicinally. They are considered to be most effective if harvested when around 6 - 7 years old[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves and shoots - cooked as a vegetable[].

The roots are chewed, used as a flavouring in liqueurs or made into a tea[].

Medicinal

The roots of all the various species in the genus Panax are known to be rich sources of a range of medicinally active compounds, especially saponins. All of the species, especially those in eastern Asia, are highly valued for their medicinal virtues. The best-known species in the genus (Panax ginseng) has a history of medicinal use going back many centuries. The other species are also valued in their own right, as well as often also being used and labelled as ginseng.

The roots and the flowers are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic, hypoglycaemic and stimulant[, , ].
The root is used internally in the treatment of indigestion, vomiting, coronary heart disease and angina[, ].
The roots are also used both internally and externally in the treatment of nosebleeds, haemorrhages from the lungs, digestive tract and uterus, and injuries[].
The roots are harvested in the autumn, preferably from plants 6 - 7 years old, and can be used fresh or dried[].

The flowers are used to treat vertigo and dizziness[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in a shady position in a cold frame preferably as soon as it is ripe, otherwise as soon as the seed is obtained. It can be very slow and erratic to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse or frame for at least their first winter. Make sure the pots are deep enough to accommodate the roots. Plant out into their permanent positions in late summer.
Division in spring.