Health Guide
Panax Pseudoginseng
Panax Pseudoginseng (often called Tian Qi or San Qi) is a powerful root belonging to the ginseng family, native to the mountains of Eastern Asia. Unlike the more common Panax Ginseng known for energy, Pseudoginseng is revered specifically for its ability to manage blood flow and reduce inflammation. It contains a unique active compound called **Notoginsenoside R1**, which acts as a 'traffic controller' for your circulation—ensuring blood flows smoothly to repair tissues while preventing dangerous clots. It is a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine for rapid healing and heart protection.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
VERIFIED SOURCE
Bio-Activity Analysis
Mechanism of Action: Hemostasis vs. Circulation
SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION
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Effectiveness Score (0-10)
Function →
Health Benefits & Sources
Why You Need It
- Supercharges Wound Healing: It accelerates the body's repair process, making it famous for treating bruises and trauma.
- Protects the Heart: It helps maintain healthy blood pressure and prevents blood clots from forming.
- Fights Inflammation: It significantly reduces swelling and oxidative stress in the body.
- Boosts Brain Health: By improving blood flow, it supports memory and protects brain cells.
Deep Dive
Panax Pseudoginseng acts primarily as a hemostatic and hematonic agent. This means it can stop bleeding (hemostasis) while simultaneously promoting healthy blood circulation to nourish organs (hematonic).
Scientifically, the Notoginsenoside R1 in the root helps the lining of your blood vessels (endothelium) function better. It prevents platelets from sticking together too aggressively, which reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack, yet it stops active bleeding when injury occurs. This dual-action makes it unique among herbal supplements.
Natural Food Sources
Unlike vitamins found in common produce, Panax Pseudoginseng is a specialized medicinal root. It is not typically found in standard grocery stores, but it is consumed as a food-medicine in specific culinary dishes.
| Food Source | Form | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| San Qi Root | Raw or Powder | Main source of active compounds. |
| Chicken Soup | Cooked (Decoction) | Tonic for recovery and energy. |
| Yunnan Baiyao | Topical Powder | Emergency hemostatic powder (contains Pseudoginseng). |
Supplementation
- Dosage: Standard extracts range from 200mg to 400mg daily (standardized to active saponins).
- Who Should Take It: Individuals recovering from surgery, those with poor circulation, or people prone to bruising.
- When to Take: Usually taken with meals to aid absorption.
Top Food Sources
San Qi Root (Raw)
The primary source of Notoginsenosides.
Pseudoginseng Tea
Steeped root slices.
San Qi Chicken Soup
Infused broth.
Panax Pseudoginseng Extract
Capsule form.
Yunnan Baiyao
Herbal powder (external/internal).
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While they are cousins, Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) is generally used for energy and stamina (Yang tonic). Panax Pseudoginseng is used specifically for blood circulation and stopping bleeding (Xue tonic).
Yes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the raw root is grated into warm water or added to soups to treat 'heat' and bleeding. However, the cooked root is used to tonify blood.
For acute issues like bruising, effects can be noticed within a few days. For chronic heart health, consistent use for 4-6 weeks is usually recommended.
Yes. Because it improves pelvic blood flow and reduces inflammation, it is often used to alleviate painful periods and regulate heavy bleeding.
Safety & Side Effects
Safety & Side Effects
CRITICAL WARNING: Panax Pseudoginseng has powerful blood-thinning properties.
- Who Should Avoid:
- Pregnant women (risk of stimulating uterine blood flow).
- Individuals on anticoagulants (Warfarin, Heparin) or antiplatelet drugs (Aspirin).
- Those with active bleeding disorders.
- Side Effects: Generally mild but can include dry mouth, dizziness, or headache if taken in excess.
- Surgery: Discontinue use at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery to prevent excessive bleeding.
Scientific References
- [1]Liu, H., et al. (2010). 'Anti-inflammatory effects of Panax pseudoginseng.' *Journal of Ethnopharmacology*.
- [2]Zhang, X., et al. (2018). 'Cardiovascular protection of Notoginsenoside R1.' *Frontiers in Pharmacology*.
- [3]Wang, C., et al. (2019). 'Panax pseudoginseng in the treatment of ischemic stroke.' *Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine*.