Ginseng (Jensan)

Traditionally used

⚠ Can interact with blood thinners and raise blood pressure; avoid with hormone-sensitive cancers. Consult before use if on medication. Adaptogen: physical and mental fatigue, stress. Immune stimulation. Type 2 diabetes adjunct (mild hypoglycemic). Male sexual function (mild). Cognitive performance.

Prepared as

Root (dried, aged 4–6 years)

Chemistry

Ginsenosides (triterpenoid saponins — Rb1, Rg1, etc.) — adaptogenic, immune-modulating, vasodilatory, mild hypoglycemic, neuroprotective. Red vs white ginseng differ in ginsenoside profile.

In three languages

Kreyòl — ⚠ Li ka aji ak medikaman ki fliyidifye san epi monte tansyon; evite l si w gen yon kansè ki sansib ak òmòn. Mande konsèy si w ap pran medikaman. Adaptojen: fatig fizik ak mantal, estrès. Sipò iminitè. Adjuvan dyabèt kalite 2. Pèfòmans kognisyon. Jensan (Panax ginseng) kòn nan diaspora ayisyen kòm tonik adaptojèn pou fatig ak pèfòmans. Rasin nan ekstè oswa poud kòm forifyan jeneral.

Français — ⚠ Peut interagir avec les anticoagulants et augmenter la tension; à éviter en cas de cancer hormonodépendant. Demandez conseil si vous prenez un médicament. Adaptogène : fatigue physique et mentale, stress. Stimulation immunitaire. Adjuvant diabète type 2. Fonction sexuelle masculine (léger). Performances cognitives. Le ginseng (Panax) est connu dans la diaspora haïtienne comme tonique adaptogène pour la fatigue et les performances; racine en extrait ou poudre comme fortifiant général.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

⚑Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

More on Haitian plant medicine →