Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng
For the body system: Parasympathetic Nervous System

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Korean medicine. In these traditions, ginseng is considered an "adaptogen"—an herb purported to help the body resist physical, chemical, or biological stress and restore homeostasis. While ginseng is not specifically described in classical texts as targeting the "parasympathetic nervous system" (PNS) by name—since this is a modern physiological concept—it has historically been used to promote relaxation, reduce fatigue, and improve overall vitality and resilience, which could be interpreted as supporting the restorative ("rest and digest") functions associated with the PNS. Scientific studies have investigated ginseng’s impact on the autonomic nervous system, but direct evidence for a specific effect on the parasympathetic branch is limited and inconsistent. Some preclinical and small clinical studies suggest that ginsenosides (the active components) may have modulatory effects on neurotransmitter systems and can influence heart rate variability (a marker associated with parasympathetic activity), but results are preliminary and not robustly validated. Most modern uses for ginseng focus on cognitive function, fatigue reduction, and general adaptogenic effects rather than explicit PNS modulation. Therefore, its use for supporting the parasympathetic nervous system is rooted primarily in tradition, with only limited and indirect scientific support.

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