Ginseng: The Most Popular Herbal Remedy Around

Ginseng: The Most Popular Herbal Remedy Around





Many medicinal attributes are ascribed to ginseng, a word that in Chinese

means the “wonder of the world”. The generic name for ginseng,

however, is panax from the Greek word panacea, which means, “Cure

all”. Primarily, this herb is respected for its almost mythical power to

delay the aging process and prolong life by cleansing the human body

when ingested regularly. In ancient times in China, the right to take the

plant’s root is assigned only to the emperor.



Believe it or not, China used to pay a high price for importing ginseng

from Canada and the U.S.! There is a Chinese version for this herb, but

somehow many Chinese believe that the North American variety is much

more potent as the aboriginal Indians have used it for centuries. Ginseng

was first discovered in the western world in 1704.





There is a great abundance of different formulations for ginseng, many

of which are not scientifically proven. The medical profession does not

consider it a remedy. But lack of formal medical recognition does not

pale its popularity. Many Chinese elders still attribute their long life to the

plant, which is boiled and its liquid residue drank in regular quantities.

Nowadays, it is administered in tea, powder and sometimes even candy

format.



In modern day China, ginseng is used particularly for dyspepsia, vomiting

and nervous disorders. A decoction of 1/2 oz. of the root, boiled in tea or

soup is taken every morning. In the heyday of tuberculosis, Chinese

village doctors turned to it as a potent cure.



In Western herbal medicine ginseng is considered a mild stomach tonic

and stimulant, useful in loss of appetite and in alleviating digestive

problems.