Reviewed by Mohammad Nazri Zulkafli, MD and Physician Anita Pee
5 Panax Notoginseng Benefits That Will Amaze You
Published | 4 min read
Read more on the history of notoginseng and its practical use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for various health benefits.
Being physically healthy is undoubtedly a privilege and a blessing since many people would go the extra mile and pay expensive medical treatments to reach such a state. Worry not. There are still many alternative ways to maintain your health and prevent certain types of illnesses. Panax notoginseng could be the one solution for that.
This Chinese herb is known as San Qi (Three Seven) – this name is given to the notoginseng plant because it has three leaf stalks with seven leaflets each. Notoginseng should be harvested between three to seven years after planting.
The Chinese have used notoginseng for thousands of years to control internal and external bleeding. In recent times, this traditional remedy has become increasingly popular as an alternative treatment for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Here are 5 panax notoginseng benefits for improving blood circulation and treating other blood-related disorders.
Alleviates CVDs
One of the many panax notoginseng benefits is that it can be as effective as nitroglycerin in treating coronary artery disease (CAD). Typically, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner would prescribe notoginseng as an alternative treatment when a person cannot tolerate the side effects of nitroglycerin, a drug commonly used in the treatment of angina symptoms.
These side effects of nitroglycerin use include dizziness, headaches, and a rapid heart rate. Alternatively, a TCM practitioner would also prescribe notoginseng to people who have nitrate resistance.
Prevents Brain Damage Due to Intracranial Haemorrhage
Panax notoginseng contains active compounds known as saponins, which demonstrate anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, cholesterol decreasing and immune-modulating activity. In addition, notoginseng extract is also effective in reducing the severity of brain bruising (hematoma) or swelling (oedema) in people with brain bleeds.
In fact, an analysis of several clinical trials discovered that people with brain bleeds exhibited better outcomes after treatment with notoginseng as compared to those who received current treatment.
Provides Effective Pain Relief
You can also use notoginseng to relieve all types of physical pain due to Blood Stagnation. For instance, it’s used to make herbal plasters for back pain relief.
It is worth noting that the ingestion of notoginseng works better and faster as compared to external application. Panax notoginseng benefits include alleviating physical pain by clearing blood clots, increasing blood circulation, and reducing inflammation and swelling.
Promotes the Healing of Wounds and Cuts
Notoginseng consumption also plays a significant role in wound healing. This ability to treat various wounds attributes to the herb’s ability in promoting positive blood circulation and haemostasis — a cessation of bleeding. Various traditional pharmacopoeia documented this.
For instance, the Golden Mirror of Medicine states that notoginseng consumption effectively removes dead organ cells (necrotic tissue) and encourages the formation of new tissue at a wound area. Records of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Combination notes down its usage in the treatment of various bleeds, whereas A Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica has the herb’s usage recorded in the treatment of traumatic haemorrhage.
Consuming the grounded powder of raw or steamed notoginseng, sliced notoginseng, or capsules, extracts and a soup made with the herb can help to nourish your blood and increase vitality.
Treats Reproductive Disorders
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder and affects 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age. In this regard, numerous TCM ingredients can help to tonify the Kidneys and promote healthy ovulation. These include Fleeceflower root (何首乌), goji berries (gou qi, 枸杞) and wild yam (shan yao, 山药).
Similarly, the consumption of a herbal remedy that contains notoginseng can help new mothers with post-partum recovery. New mothers may consume notoginseng capsules regularly to clear post-natal discharge and stop excessive bleeding.
Panax notoginseng is effective in treating various health disorders. Do consult a TCM physician or doctor before consuming notoginseng. A TCM physician is the most qualified person to determine if this herb is suitable for you – however, you shouldn’t treat it as a substitute for medical treatment.
Be sure to consume panax notoginseng two hours before or after taking prescribed medications to avoid a drug interaction. If you’re pregnant, suffering from mouth sores or currently consuming blood-thinning medicines, you should avoid taking this herb altogether.
References
- Hindawi. 2014. Protective Effects of Panax Notoginseng Saponins on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Comprehensive Overview of Experimental Studies. [Accessed 5 July 2021]
- frontiers in Pharmacology. 2017. Panax notoginseng Saponins for Treating Coronary Artery Disease: A Functional and Mechanistic Overview. [Accessed 5 July 2021]
- US National Library of Medicine. 2017. Therapeutic Potential and Cellular Mechanisms of Panax Notoginseng on Prevention of Aging and Cell Senescence-Associated Diseases. [Accessed 5 July 2021]
- US National Library of Medicine. 2016. Chinese herbal medicine for subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. [Accessed 5 July 2021]
- ScienceDirect. Panax Notoginseng. [Accessed 5 July 2021]
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Reviews (2)
What about insomnia? Pharmacist recommended it for this.
Hi, there has been research that showed Panax notoginseng improving mental function, and decreasing excitation of neural network, thus having an impact on symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. Do note that TCM treatments are typically personalized to the individual and their unique needs, so the herbs and dosage used may vary depending on the specific condition. It is important to consult with a licensed TCM practitioner before using any herbs or supplements. Thank you.