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Ren Shen人参

Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma · Ginseng Root · Asian Ginseng

Herbs that Tonify the Qi 补气药《神农本草经》

Overview

The root of Panax ginseng, the reference point against which every other qi tonic is measured. Sweet, slightly bitter and slightly warm, it tonifies the original qi of the whole body, fortifies Spleen and Lung, generates fluids and settles the spirit. In collapse — cold limbs, a faint pulse, sweat that will not stop — it is used alone as Du Shen Tang under emergency care; in everyday practice it anchors Si Jun Zi Tang and its many descendants.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet, slightly bitter · Neutral

Channels

Lung · Spleen · Heart

Typical Dosage

3–9 g in decoction
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Actions

4 core actions

  • Powerfully tonifies the original qiCollapse with cold limbs, faint pulse and profuse sweating — under emergency medical care.
  • Fortifies the Spleen, benefits the LungFatigue, poor appetite and loose stools; shortness of breath, a weak voice, chronic cough and wheeze on exertion.
  • Generates fluids, relieves thirstThirst and dryness after heat has damaged the fluids, and in wasting-thirst patterns.
  • Calms the spirit, benefits the mindPalpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness and poor concentration from qi and blood deficiency.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Ren Shen

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Marked fatigue, breathlessness and a weak voice
    - Poor appetite and loose stools from Spleen deficiency
    - Thirst and fluid damage after febrile illness
    - Palpitations, insomnia and forgetfulness of deficiency
    - Collapse patterns (emergency, supervised)

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Chronic fatigueConvalescenceLow blood pressurePoor concentrationShock (supervised)

Contraindications

Cautions

Not for excess heat, hyperactive yang, or an unresolved exterior condition without deficiency — warming a pattern that is not empty aggravates it. Overuse, even in the fit, brings agitation, insomnia, headache, nosebleed and rising blood pressure, so keep to the prescribed dose and course. Classical incompatibility: not combined with Li Lu 藜芦, and traditionally not with Wu Ling Zhi 五灵脂, strong tea or radish taken alongside it. Because it can influence blood sugar and blood clotting, tell your doctor before combining it with diabetes medication or an anticoagulant such as warfarin.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Use in pregnancy only under practitioner supervision — it is not a routine self-care tonic.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.