Wild Ginseng
Botanical Name: Panax quinquefolium
Common Names and Synonyms: American Ginseng
Background: Ginseng has long history of use in China where it
has been used for centuries as a cure-all with properties which increase
longevity and vitality. Also native to the Americas, certain North
American Indian tribes used ginseng to relieve nausea and an ingredient
in love potions. Today, ginseng is used extensively to increase body
strength and vitality. It is also used for stress management based
on its reputation for reducing fatigue, depression and nervousness.
American ginseng is native to the woodlands of eastern
and central North America. It once grew in profusion
but now has become quite rare. It is difficult to cultivate
and takes six years to reach maturity. The name Ginseng is derived
from the Chinese word jen-shen which describes the shape of the root,
and means, "manlike." The man-like or spindle-shaped root produces
a straight stem with three large compound leaves, each composed of five
serrated leaflets. The flowers, which bloom in June and July, are tiny
green-white to light pink blossoms. The bight red berries are produced
in late summer.
Graphics: |
|
|
|
|
Ginseng in the Cayce Readings
-
Edgar Cayce recommended wild ginseng root as a stimulant to the glandular
and digestive systems. Specific references to the vitality enhancing
qualities of ginseng were made in several readings. Combined with
ginger and lactated pepsin, ginseng was also commonly recommended for colitis
and intestinal problems. Although the readings did not specify national
sources (i.e., American, Chinese, Korean, Manchurian, etc.), there was
a consistent insistence on "wild" ginseng.
-
Ginseng was mentioned approximately in 138 readings between 1923 and 1944.
In contrast to most herbs recommended in the readings, ginseng was not
recommended often during the early years, but generally increased in usage
over the years with notable peaks in 1930,
1935, and 1944.
-
Various amounts of dried ginseng were recommended with the following frequency:
1 ounce |
13 readings |
1/2 ounce |
12 readings |
2 ounces |
7 readings |
1/4 ounce |
4 readings |
1 1/2 ounces |
2 readings |
1 dram |
5 readings |
2 drams |
2 readings |
1/2 dram |
1 reading |
1 dram |
1 reading |
3 drams |
1 reading |
5 drams |
1 reading |
-
Ginseng was also recommended in various forms, including tincture, essence,
elixir, extract, and fusion as follows:
1/2 ounce |
32 readings |
1/4 ounce |
15 readings |
1 ounce |
8 readings |
2 ounces |
3 readings |
3 ounces |
1 reading |
1 dram |
3 readings |
1/2 dram |
3 readings |
10 minims |
2 readings |
20 minims |
1 reading |
40 minims |
1 reading |
4 drops |
1 reading |
-
Ginseng was typically recommended with other substances in a compound.
Although a wide diversity of formulas were given, the most common
substances in mentioned in the same readings as ginseng are as follows:
Indian Turnip |
55 readings |
Ginger |
52 readings |
Stillingia |
47 readings |
Pepsin |
37 readings |
Tolu |
29 readings |
Wild Cherry |
25 readings |
Calisaya |
18 readings |
Sarsaparilla |
17 readings |
Valerian |
16 readings |
Yellow Dock |
14 readings |
Cayce Quotes on Ginseng
636-1
... wild ginseng essence, that is according to the ancients - the basis
of the stimulation of life in its very essence in the body of man.
5664-1
... while that in Ginseng for the activity of the glands in the system
as are affected by the subjugation or depressions of the body, as in a
general manner.
5596-1
... those in the Ginseng as an active force with the glands of
the body - which pressure is produced on - in the lumbar regions, which
overexercise the functioning of the glands, especially those of the pineal
gland, and these are active principles directly with same ...
2253-1
As we see, the nerve system, or nerve matter itself,
is made up of vibrations from the system in its resuscitating or building
forces. These, as we find, may be had from the use of those compounds
in the Mayblossom WITH those of the Ginseng, as will STIMULATE those impulses
of the body. These will also make for a better coordination in refraction
and refractory reactions in, or between cerebro-spinal and sympathetic
system.
1278-1
In those of the Ginger and Ginseng, act directly
with the organs as are affected by the gland production in system.
1019-1
Stimulation from the Wild Ginseng is to the gastric
flow but acts primarily upon the glands of the gastric flow for an activity
to the thyroid, to the ducts and glands within the liver area itself as
stimulated by the Indian Turnip...
943-13
We will find, that when this has MOVED - or the
impaction as produced the first distress - were there small quantities
of the ambrosia weed, with those of the wild ginseng combined together,
it would be an active force in sustaining and keeping the proper activity
in the mucus membranes of the intestinal system.
839-1
... increasing their stability through the life principle as we have
in the Wild Ginseng with the Stillingia as an emit and an active force
with the gastric flow - these should soon overcome such conditions.
404-4
Wild Ginseng, which is as an essence of the flow
of the vitality WITHIN the system itself. It is an ELECTRIFYING of
the vital forces themselves.
|