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| Ginseng, Korean and American Panax spp. |
| Habitat: Panax ginseng is native to China and cultivated extensively in China, Korea, Japan and Russia. Panax quinquefolia is native to North America. |
| Part used: Root. |
| Actions: Adaptogen, tonic, stimulant, hypoglycemic. |
| Indications: Ginseng has an ancient history and as such has accumulated much folklore about its actions and uses. The genus name panax derives from the latin panacea meaning ''cure all.'' Many of the claims that surround it are, unfortunately, exaggerated, but it is clear that this is an important remedy. A powerful adaptogen, ginseng has a wide range of possible therapeutic uses, the best being with weakness or old age, where the adaptogenic and stimulating properties can be profoundly useful. It should not be used indiscriminately as the stimulating properties can be contraindicated in some pathologies; for example, Chinese herbalism warns against using ginseng in acute inflammatory disease and bronchitis. |
| Preparations and dosage: Decoction: put 1/21 teaspoonful of the root in 1 cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup 3 times a day. |
| Tincture: take 1/41/2 tsp. of the tincture 3 times a day for up to 3 months. |
| Hops Humulus lupulus |
| Part used: Flowers. |
| Actions: Sedative, hypnotic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, astringent. |
| Indications: Hops is a remedy that has a marked relaxing effect upon the central nervous system. It is used extensively for the treatment of insomnia. It will ease tension |
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