Panax pseudoginseng notoginseng - San Qi

Family:	Araliaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - China to the Himalayas and Burma.

Panax pseudoginseng notoginseng (San Qi) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m . It has a slow growth rate. It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

San Qi will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
San Qi prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

San Qi can grow in full or semi shaded areas.

Forests and shrubberies, 2100 - 4300m in C. Nepal in the Himalayas[51].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in much of the country. This is the form used medicinally in China[176]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a moist humus rich soil in a shady position in a woodland[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
The roots are chewed, used as a flavouring in liqueurs or made into a tea[183].

• Drink - not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.
• Tea - the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 5/5
San Qi is a fairly recent newcomer to Chinese herbalism, the first recorded usage dating from the sixteenth century. Nevertheless, it has attained an importance as a tonic medicine that supports the function of the adrenal glands, in particular the production of corticosteroids and male sex hormones[254]. It also helps to improve blood flow through the coronary arteries, thus finding use as a treatment for arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure and angina[254]. The roots are said to be analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, astringent, cardiotonic, discutient, diuretic, haemostatic, hypoglycaemic, styptic, tonic and vulnerary[176, 218]. They are used in the treatment of contused wounds, soft tissue injuries and all kinds of bleeding, both internal and external, like haematuria, nose bleeds, haematemesis, uterine bleeding etc. They are also used in the treatment of coronary heart disease and angina pectoris[176, 254]. The roots can be applied externally as a poultice in order to help speed the healing of wounds and bruises[254]. The root is harvested before flowering or after the seed has ripened. It is usually dried for later use[254]. There is much confusion in literature over this plant and P. pseudo-ginseng. It is probable that the two can be used interchangeably but this has still to be confirmed. The following are the uses attributed to P. pseudo-ginseng:- The roots and the flowers are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cardiotonic, diuretic, haemostatic and hypoglycaemic[176, 238]. The root is used internally in the treatment of coronary heart disease and angina[238]. The roots are also used both internally and externally in the treatment of nosebleeds, haemorrhages from the lungs, digestive tract and uterus, and injuries[238]. The roots are harvested in the autumn, preferably from plants 6 - 7 years old, and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The flowers are used to treat vertigo and dizziness[238].

• Analgesic - Relieves pain.
• Antiinflammatory - Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
• Antiphlogistic - Reduces inflammation.
• Antiseptic - Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Cardiotonic - A tonic for the heart.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Haemostatic - Controls internal bleeding.
• Hypoglycaemic - Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.

Propagation

Seed - sow in a shady position in a cold frame preferably as soon as it is ripe, otherwise as soon as the seed is obtained. It can be very slow and erratic to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse or frame for at least their first winter. Make sure the pots are deep enough to accommodate the roots. Plant out into their permanent positions in late summer. Division in spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flowers of the Himalayas.
Polunin. O. and Stainton. A.
Author: Polunin. O. and Stainton. A.
Rating:
Publisher : A very readable and good pocket guide (if you have a very large pocket!) to many of the wild plants in the Himalayas. Gives many examples of plant uses.
Date of Publication : 1984

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