[MPWG] quick question about ginseng use

[Bob Beyfuss]

Hi All,
Both Asian and American Ginseng roots, leaves, and fruit are chock full of 
saponins.  What are considered as the active ingredients in ginseng, namely 
the ginsenocides, are saponins. These substances are wonderfully soothing 
on one's hands.  The nicest job in the whole ginseng business is macerating 
the berries with your hands to free the seeds from the pulp. This is 
usually done in 5 gallon pails half filled with berries. After 10 minutes 
of this work, your hands and cuticles feel wonderfully soft. The pulp is 
then floated off and the seeds are left. It is by far the nicest hand 
treatment I have ever experienced.
Bob


At 08:18 AM 10/28/2005, Amy Brush wrote:

>Yes, panax ginseng is Asian or Korean ginseng. Although I have seen it 
>listed as an ingredient in several topical (mostly cosmetic like shampoo, 
>etc.) products I have looked through several texts and have not found any 
>rationale for topical use. Nor have I ever heard of anyone using it 
>topically for anything. I always assumed that companies were using it 
>because it is popular and mystical and people know the name...frustrating 
>use especially of a rare plant. Also, knowing the actions of ginseng 
>(tonifying, cardio- and hepato-protective, etc.) and considering it is a 
>relatively mild plant I can't imagine why anyone would apply it topically 
>in such a small dose. I would look at a Chinese or Korean Materia Medica 
>if you can find one and see if they have any topical uses listed. 
>Actually, I have been meaning to look into this for a while because it is 
>so common in topical applications so if I get a chance I'll look at a few 
>of the asian materia medicas and see if I find anything. What is intended 
>the purpose of the nail oil? And what is the extractant used, oil?
>~Amy
>
>Amy Brush
>Clinical Herbalist, Intern
>Tai Sophia Institute
>Laurel, MD 20723
>
>
>Hello, this is one for the ginseng experts among you...
>
>I'm beginning a project with a cosmetics company, helping them source some 
>ingredients.  My question; Is there any reason whatsoever to apply ginseng 
>root extract to finger or toe nails?  Is there any literature that would 
>indicate delivery of any medicinal / tonic benefit from extract applied to 
>finger or toe nails?  The company in question lists "panax ginseng 
>extract" in its ingredients list for nail oil (not sure yet if it's asian 
>or american, will inquire).
>
>Would appreciate any leads, thanks,
>Jennifer
>
>
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>Disclaimer
>Any advice given on this list regarding diagnosis or treatments etc. 
>reflects ONLY the opinion of the individual who posts the message. The 
>information contained in posts is not intended nor implied to be a 
>substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific 
>medical condition or question. All medical and other healthcare 
>information that is discussed on this list should be carefully reviewed by 
>the individual reader and their qualified healthcare professional. Posts 
>do not reflect any official opinions or positions of the Plant 
>Conservation Alliance.
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