The Practical Herbalist

Fake Ginseng

One of the favorite herbs of many herbalists, particularly those herbalists who are into sports and martial arts, is the herb pseudoginseng. Many would find it interesting that fake (-pseudo) ginseng would be important. Pseudoginseng otherwise known as San Qi, Tian Qi, and notoginseng looks a bit like its more well known namesake ginseng, but has very different functions.

Pseudoginseng is very important in various trauma formulas. It helps decrease pain and speed the healing process. More specifically it is used to stop bleeding. Powdered qseudoginseng is available to apply to wounds to help stop the bleeding and speed the clotting function of the body. In other cases the herb is mixed into liniments to help stop bruising. It is also included in many formulas that are ingested to help in trauma recovery, internal bleeding and excessive menstrual flow.

Ginseng has very different functions, and isn't in the same herbal class as pseudoginseng. Pseudoginseng is a very important herb in it's own right. The usual assumption that pseudoginseng is a lesser version of ginseng , is an unfortunate misconception.