What is ginseng?

Ginseng is a powerful energy tonic and the most well known oriental herb. Ginseng which is known since ancient times tonifies the lungs and stomach and strengthens the spleen.

It is also shown to have anti-stress capabilities. In Chinese medicine, ginseng is considered the most important her for strengthening Qi, the vital energy of which the universe is comprised.

Botanically, ginseng is part of the Araliaceae family, seven hundred species which also include, celery, parsnips and carrots.

Panax ginseng which once grew from Siberia into China and the Korean peninsula, is known as Asian ginseng, while its cousin, Panax quinquefolius, which flourished in the wild from Quebec to Georgia and west to the Mississippi River is known as American ginseng.

The American type provides more moisture and more saliva and is good after a fever. Chinese ginseng, called ren shen gives energy.

Orientals are the major used of all varieties of ginseng worldwide. The Asian consumer has shown a preference for wild ginseng roots, or those that most closely resemble the wild roots.

Wild ginseng grows in very thick forest. It doesn't grow at the periphery of the forest, but deep in the mountains. This has less to do with its growth nature and more with the harvesting nature of mankind.

What is believed to be the pharmacologically active constituents in ginseng are a series of saponin glycosides collectively known as the ginsenosides.
What is ginseng?