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.
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
"Neuropathic" means nerve damage and refers to nerve pain. So... Read More
Foods to AvoidChili Peppers It has been found that when... Read More
We possess an incredible power. It's the power of mind... Read More
Much of what goes on in our bodies is controlled... Read More
Here are four different herbs that can give you hemorrhoid... Read More
It started with the Tansy cakes. I had to ask... Read More
When someone experiences a trauma they go into immediate shock.... Read More
Treating arthritis is not easy. Apart from the regular medication,... Read More
Garlic is another wonder herb. It has action in all... Read More
There are many unpleasant symptoms and diseases associated with constipation.... Read More
If you have acid reflux or heartburn, using natural remedies... Read More
While hands-on healing is probably the easiest of skills to... Read More
Music has always been a very important part of our... Read More
I have been practicing an advanced form of qigong for... Read More
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and is characterized... Read More
Serotonin is not just for depression--it's potent for pain relief... Read More
Practicing hypnotherapists hear many peculiar statements from smokers who ask... Read More
Herbal medicine is the use of plant and herb extracts... Read More
What is The Powerbreathe?POWERbreathe is the result of nearly a... Read More
Colonics are one of the best types of medicine. They... Read More
When I was 12, one of my best friends was... Read More
Just about everyone asks themselves why? Why did I get... Read More
Okay, so some of you are familiar with hypnotherapy. You've... Read More
Chronic constipation can be hard to stop or elimination, since... Read More
I'm sure you know what it's like to be sick.... Read More
Herbology is one of the oldest healthcare sciences known to... Read More
Life in today's hectic society is going more and more... Read More
Menstruating or pregnant women should not use Aloe Vera, in... Read More
Why do the Japanese have the longest lifespan? Last month... Read More
Hypnotherapy is one of the best known and most widely... Read More
Have you been hearing about detoxification more often? That's because... Read More
The Way Essential Oils Effect the Etheric Body or Psycho-spiritual... Read More
Hypnosis: It happens to everyone, young and old, in everyday... Read More
Raindrop Technique is a procedure for applying therapeutic grade essential... Read More
Everyone jokes about constipation, but it's no joke if you're... Read More
Those who have watched the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"... Read More
Forget those CrystalsAs an integrative medical practitioner, I keep an... Read More
It may be an ordinary dance studio during the week,... Read More
A recent case in the news highlights an alarming trend... Read More
Polyphasic sleep - also known as *Uberman's Sleep Schedule*, consists... Read More
Being a modern traveler, you probably get onto an airplane... Read More
Do you know why the rich and famous spend thousands... Read More
What exactly is infrared, or radiant heat? No need to... Read More
The liver has many functions, but the one I will... Read More
AS BIRD flu, or Avian Influenza, raged through Asia, countries... Read More
Spring cleaning goes beyond normal everyday cleaning. It's a major... Read More
There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis and... Read More
The 8 That Are Produced in Your BrainWhen you're in... Read More
"Oh, I've had a psychic reading before. They read some... Read More
Just when you thought you had all the fun you... Read More
For over 3000 years, the Chinese have been using green... Read More
I'm sure you know what it's like to be sick.... Read More
I'll admit it ... I'm a spiritual tramp. I've spent... Read More
"The rose distils a healing balm The beating pulse of... Read More
Reflexology & Meridian Therapy are combined healing arts that utilize... Read More
Lavender pure essential oil is cultivated and harvested in the... Read More
Ayurveda is India's ancient science life, health, and longevity. It... Read More
(originally in Nov. 2004 ZoneNet Newsletter)In this flu season, America... Read More
If you have ever been bitten by a tick, flea,... Read More
Detoxification therapy is a completely natural and necessary process to... Read More
People with alcohol and drug problems have been done a... Read More
Sheepskin a better sleep If you want a better sleep,... Read More
"Hypnosis" refers to the power that words and ideas have... Read More
I began drinking green tea about five years ago after... Read More
Summer EnthusiasmAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five... Read More
Just because something is labeled or deemed "natural' does not... Read More
Alternative Medicine |