Ginseng: Root of Immortality

Translated to mean man root in Chinese, the name ginseng premises on the belief that the roots, with their attached limbs, resemble a human being. Due to its perceived kinship with the gods, the Chinese named it the root of immortality. Indeed, being closely associated with longevity and masculinity, the ginseng has always been regarded as the King of all tonics among the Chinese.

History

In 18th century American folklore, ginseng was thought to have the powers to frighten spirits away. The Jesuits exported it as a valuable commodity, along with rare furs, and this was how the American Indians came to be acquainted with its valuable medicinal properties.

The Latin name of ginseng is panax, which means panacea. Like the Asian ginseng, the Panax variety is believed to be imbued with masculine properties. Soviet cosmonauts used Siberian ginseng for alertness in outer space. Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) is a native spring shrub in the woodland areas of Siberia and Korea while Panax is a herbaceous perennial that finds its fertile ground in North American forests.

The value of ginseng lies mainly in its roots, which have plenty of branches and flesh. They take at least six years to mature and should not be harvested early. To ensure that the numerous root limbs attached to the main root do not break off when harvested, the ginseng should be unearthed carefully and dried for at least one month before use. Ginseng has thin stems with 5 to 6 veined leaves each. Tiny flowers cluster near the main stem.

Cultivation of ginseng is now done with extreme care as the once-plentiful supply has almost decimated, thanks to escalating popularity. It comes as no surprise then that ginseng seeds now come at a heavy price.

Health Notes

Ginseng is held in high regard in China due to its rejuvenating powers and ability to provide stimulation to the whole body and offer protection against fatigue and disease in general. It is a good remedy for inflammation, fever, hormonal imbalances, high blood pressure, diabetes and anemia. A stimulant for the central nervous system and endocrine glands, the demulcent effects of ginseng also make it soothing for mucous membranes. New studies show that ginseng may be effective for heart protection and cancer. Use ginseng with caution if you are pregnant.

---

Crystal Healing

Ask and you shall receive!! Persuaded by popular demand, I... Read More

Holistic Health

Holistic Health involves natural treatment options like holistic health nutrition,... Read More

Fruits, Juices, and Food for Relieving Hemorrhoids Part II

Eating the right kind of food and following good eating... Read More

Bath Time For Your Alzheimer?s Patient

Caring for an Alzheimer's patient is one of the most... Read More

Reflexology Therapy

Reflexology therapy, (an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians), is... Read More

Check Your Colon Transient Time

Many doctors and others in the health field may tell... Read More

Kill Your Stuttering/Stammering Demons

Apparently one percent of British people suffer from the speech... Read More

Home Remedies

Ever have a bee sting? Try rubbing an aspirin on... Read More

Purchasing Essential Oil

Tips on Purchasing Essential OilsIt is important to purchase your... Read More

4 Natural Home Remedies to Ease the Pain of Sunburn

At some time or another, we've all experienced the effects... Read More

How to Stop Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can be one sign of periodontal disease, gingivitis,... Read More

Constipation and Toxicity

Having regular constipation can lead to some serious illnesses. Fecal... Read More

Green Bamboo: Strength in Flexibility

Those who have watched the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"... Read More

The Future of Healing...

Your FUTURE is NOT in a doctor's office or a... Read More

Why Your Search for Pain Relief Needs a Strategy

If you're like most of us who have known chronic... Read More

Drugstore Hemorrhoid Medications

There are many drugstore and alternative Internet products for treating... Read More

Anal Warts Treatment (Finally, a Medicine for Anal Warts Which Removes Them Completely!)

Anal warts treatmentAnal warts, otherwise known as genital warts or... Read More

Foam Pillows are Changing the way the World Sleeps

For countless people worldwide, getting a good night's sleep on... Read More

Mental Anchors

Have you ever noticed when you remember something pleasant in... Read More

Health and Anti-Aging

Some words about anti-aging and disease preventionThe aging process is... Read More

Bach Flower Remedies

Bach Flower remedies are 38 plant and flower based remedies... Read More

The Aromatherapy Home Medicine Chest ? Part I: The Essential Oils

Here we will have a brief look at ten essential... Read More

Feuille D Menthe: The Cooling and Uplifting Fragrance of Green Grass

Feuille D'Menthe is a blend of several fragrant grass essential... Read More

Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Acupuncture to the Rescue

Keeping in tune with our commitment to providing the latest,... Read More

Your Body is a Map of Your Consciousness

Everything begins with your consciousness. Everything that happens in your... Read More

Inflammatory Arthritis: Alternative Treatments

There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis and... Read More

Health & Longevity With BelAir Aromatherapy

1. Clean and Fresh AirBacterial allergens and other pollutants constantly... Read More

Air Fresheners, Or Are They?

For years I've prided myself on believing that I take... Read More

Herbe Fraiche Essential Oil : A Combination of Forest Essences

Herb Fraiche essential oil is derived from essential oils complex... Read More

Prenatal Massage

What is prenatal massage? Prenatal Massage is a form of... Read More

Colon Cleansing

Colonics are one of the best types of medicine. They... Read More

Homeopathy: A Natural Health 101 Article

What It IsIn Homeopathy, extremely dilute preparations are given to... Read More

Constipation and Natural Remedies

There are two types of constipation, organic and functional. Organic... Read More