Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 紅參 · Hong Shen |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Tonifying |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried root and rhizome of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.(Araliaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Bitter; Warm |
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| Channels Entered | Spleen, Lung, Heart, Kidney |
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What Is Hong Shen?
Hong Shen (Red Ginseng) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in northeastern China and the Korean peninsula.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Bitter; Warm
Channels Entered: Spleen, Lung, Heart, Kidney
Hong Shen: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra
Botanical Origin
The dried root and rhizome of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.(Araliaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in northeastern China and the Korean peninsula.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is intact, thick, hard, with ‘yellow vest’.
Macroscopic Features
Main root is fusiform or cylindrical, 3~10cm long, 1~2cm diameter. Externally translucent, reddish-brown, sometimes with opaque dark yellowish-brown spots, with longitudinal grooves, wrinkles and thin root scars; upper portion has interrupted indistinct rings, lower portion has 2~3 twist-crossed lateral roots, with curved rootlets or remnants rootlets. Rhizome (“neck”) is 1~2cm long, apex has numerous indented stem scars (“bowls”), sometimes has 1~2 intact or broken adventitious roots. Hard and brittle texture, fractured surface is smooth and horn-like. faint distinctively aromatic odor; sweet and slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Bitter; WarmSpleenLungHeartKidney
Traditional Functions
Greatly supplements original qi, restores pulse and rescues desertion, boosts qi to contain blood.
How Hong Shen Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Hong Shen is classified among the Tonifying herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
