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[Harm] Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) aids qi but can also obstruct qi; it belongs to the Yang category. When Yang is excessive, Yin is further depleted. It is strictly contraindicated in cases where excessive indulgence in alcohol and sexual activity has damaged the true Yin of the Lung and Stomach, leading to Yin deficiency with hyperactive fire, heat in the Lung causing cough with sputum, hematemesis (vomiting blood), epistaxis (nosebleed), gingival bleeding, internal heat, bone-steaming consumptive fever, and wasting-thirst syndrome. Regarding its ability to consolidate the exterior, if a patient has pathogenic factors on the exterior, such as at the onset of Shanghan (Cold Damage) where symptoms are not yet established and pathogenic heat is vigorous, or when rashes, smallpox, macules, or toxins are initially erupting but only feeling stifling heat without visible spots, administering Ren Shen by mistake will block the pathway for pathogens to exit. This constitutes the harm of "reinforcing excess" (Shi Shi), which cannot be resolved by medicine. The Classic states: "Reinforce the excess and empty the deficient, damage what is insufficient, and supplement what is redundant." Those who treat patients this way kill them through medical error; how can one not be cautious?

[Benefit] Ren Shen is sweet, warm, and slightly bitter. It greatly tonifies the Yuan Qi (Original Qi) of the Lung. Its nature primarily acts on Qi, so it can tonify Qi deficiency in all Zang-Fu organs. It generates body fluids, eliminates vexation, sharpens hearing and vision, calms the spirit, stabilizes the Hun and Po, stops palpitations and fright, and unblocks the vessels and collaterals. When Qi is robust, stomach function naturally opens; when Qi is harmonious, food digestion occurs naturally.

Shen Tiao (Ginseng stem), also known as Xiao Shen (Small Ginseng), has the same flavor and nature as Ren Shen but with weaker potency. It tonifies Qi and generates fluids, acting horizontally in the arms and hands; it is effective for weakness in the fingers and arms. Shen Xu (Ginseng rootlets) have even weaker potency than Shen Tiao. Shen Lu (Ginseng rhizome) has a dispersing and emetic property, but also possesses some tonic effect. Tai Zi Shen (Pseudostellaria Root), also called Hai Er Shen, has efficacy comparable to that of large Ren Shen. Gao Li Shen (Korean Ginseng) mimics the efficacy of large Ren Shen but is slightly cooler in nature. Dong Yang Shen (Japanese Ginseng) has the same efficacy as large Ren Shen and is warm in nature due to the use of sulfur in cultivation. Ku Shen (Sophora Root) is bitter and cold; it damages Qi and ruins Blood. Its nature is opposite to Ren Shen, and taking it is harmful. Some people now use it as a substitute for tea, suffering hidden damage.

[Processing and Storage] Ren Shen becomes soft when smoked by fire, or steamed in a rice cooker. While still hot and soft, slice it with a copper knife. Simmer thoroughly with the decoction liquid, then mix into other herbal decoctions before administration. For Du Shen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction), adding a few fen of Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), or Huo Shou Gan (Finger Citron) and Mei Gui Hua (Rose Flower) is also acceptable. Taking it as a simmered soup prevents Qi stagnation. Note: Ginseng harvested in autumn and winter is solid and firm; that harvested in spring and summer is hollow and soft. To treat consumption, soak it in Jin Zhi (Human Feces Distillate) or mix it with Dan Qiu Shi (Sal Petre). For storage, place Ren Shen only in new containers, alternating layers with Xi Xin (Asarum), seal tightly, and it will remain unspoiled for over a year.