Prince Ginseng (aka. Tai Zi Shen; Pseudostellaria heterophylla) produces long spindly roots that are used in traditional medicine, but it is not botanically related to true Panax ginseng.
However, like Ginseng, Prince Ginseng is thought of as an adaptogen, as it is used as a tonic to replenish energy and increase longevity.
A native of China, Japan and Korea, Prince Ginseng is from the Carnation plant family and is a low growing perennial herb that resides in hillside forests and rocky outcrops.
Prince Ginseng is a popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and used as a substitute for Ginseng due to its cooler and more mild nature. It is often used in cases of chronic illness, where its more long-term mild effects can be more beneficial to the patient.
Prince Ginseng is also used as a functional food and in the cosmetics industry due to its health-promoting and tonic properties. Its edible tubers are sometimes used in soups and teas for their nutritive value, and powder from the root can be applied topically to help stop bleeding and aid wound healing.
In TCM Prince Ginseng is thought of as the “Ginseng of the Lungs”, as it tonifies the qi and replenishes yin fluids. It is commonly used in cases of lung conditions, such as hot or dry asthma, bronchitis, dry cough and emphysema, where there has been an excess of heat or damage. In these conditions it is able to moisten the lung and relieve cough.
Indeed, scientific research has confirmed that Prince Ginseng is able to produce an anti-tussive and anti-inflammatory effect in the lung by adjustment of multi-cytokine levels.
Through scientific investigation it has been found to exhibit diverse pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitussive, anti-cancer, antihypoxic, cytotoxic, and gut microbiota modulation effects.
A notable study found that polysaccharide fractions isolated from Prince Ginseng significantly improved glucose uptake and insulin secretion in muscle and adipose cells, supporting its use in managing diabetes and metabolic disorders.
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
The Cooler Ginseng!
