Xi Yang Shen

Panacis Quinquefolli, Radix, Ginseng

Properties: sweet, bitter, cooling, moistening, restoring, raising, relaxing, nourishing
Meridian: Heart hand shaoyin, Kidney foot shaoyin, Lung hand taiyin
-Actions: 1. tonifies the Qi (Lung, Spleen/Stomach/Intestines- digestive function) 2. nourishes Yin (Lungs) 3. clears Fire from Lung Yin deficiency 4. moistens via generating body fluids
Indications: - Yin deficiency with Heat (dry cough with blood tinged sputum, insomnia, irritability, night sweat, anxiety, flushed cheeks, loss of voice, wheezing). - after a febrile disease the Yin is usually damaged - poor appetite, fatigue, weight loss (emaciation), dyspnea, hot flashes, general weakness, stress, palpitations - Pulmonary Tuberculosis People use it for (indications): increasing resistance to environmental stresses, general tonic, stimulant, diuretic, digestive aid, anemia, diabetes, insomnia, neurasthenia, gastritis, impotence, fever, hangover, immune function, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), pseudomonas infections in cystic fibrosis, aging, stamina, blood and bleeding disorders, atherosclerosis, loss of appetite, vomiting, colitis, dysentery, cancer, insomnia, neuralgia, rheumatism, memory loss, dizziness, headaches, convulsions, and disorders of pregnancy and childbirth.
Dosage: Traditionally- 2.5-9g is often cooked separately from other herbs in a double boiler. Good quality is hard, light weight, and aromatic with dense striations on the surface. Tincture 1-4ml. With occasional breaks of several days, it can be administered continuously for maintenance in people who tend towards Qi and Lung Yin deficiency. Science today- young healthy people 0.25-0.5g twice per day, elderly 0.4-0.8g twice per day, children with ADHD 200mg twice daily with Ginkgo Biloba, for reducing postprandial glucose levels in type 2 diabetics 3-9g no more than 2 hours before a meal (this helps avoid potential hypoglycaemia). Some recommend to take the root for 15-20 days then taking 2 weeks off, repeating as desired.

Reference
Benskey & Gamble 1986, Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, Seattle Washington, Eastland Press