Ginseng- Prized Herb of the Orient

Of the several thousand medicinals in the Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia, ginseng is considered to be the most valuable for its vitalizing and restorative powers. "The Magic Rejuvenation Herb", "The King of Myriad Medicines" and "Herbal Panacea" are some of the labels ginseng has been given throughout its long history of use.

For 5000 years Oriental people have taken ginseng to help recover their health, to increase their resistance to illness, to give themselves a feeling of perpetual virility and to make their bodies stronger and their minds more alert.

Traditionally, Oriental doctors maintained that plants which resemble bodily organs, could effectively treat ailments associated with that particular organ. Of the thousands of plants and herbs in use, ginseng was the only one shaped like a man. If you've ever visited a Chinese herb store, you may have seen bottles of ginseng on the shelves; the root resembles the arms, legs and body of a man. As far as the ancient physicians were concerned, this was simply nature's way of telling them that ginseng contained all the necessary elements to restore mans' health and promote his longevity.

Modern pharmacological research has found that ginseng tonifies the heart, regulates blood pressure, decreases blood glucose and increases resistance to stress. It also strengthens the digestive organs and lungs, promotes the production of body fluids and eliminates fatigue. Ginseng is prescribed alone or in combination with other herbs, to treat chronic fatigue, anemia, gastritis, bronchitis, asthma, general debility and more.

Ginseng is cultivated all over Asia and in America. The best quality comes from high in the mountains of Korea, where all the elements; temperature, humidity, water supply and soil are said to be ideal. Different varieties of ginseng also exist. Red ginseng is the strongest and should be used sparingly or not at all by those with high blood pressure. As it has a warming efffect on the body when consumed, this type is best taken in winter. White ginseng is milder and more appropriate for use in summer or in tropical climates.

Ginseng may be consumed in several ways. The traditional method is to seep several slices of the raw root in boiling water, then strain the liquid and drink like tea. It is also available in powder and pill form which makes taking it more convenient and user-friendly for those who are either too busy to prepare a decoction or cannot tolerate its taste.

A common place to buy ginseng (or any Chinese herb) is from herb stores located in the Chinatown areas of large Western cities. Unless you know exactly what you're looking for though and can readily identify it, you may be shown poor quality ginseng (particularly if you're a Westerner), only to be assured that it's "the best". Actually this can happen no matter what herb you're looking for. Also, self-prescribing ginseng may even worsen your particular ailment, due to its warming effect on the body which, if taken in large doses or even at all by certain people, can cause hot flushes and headache.

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