Ginseng has been called the “king of herbs” in China. It has been revered there for some 7 000 years for its ability to boost failing energy levels in people who have been weakened by serious or chronic illness, and to restore vitality in the elderly. The first Chinese emperor offered soldiers the same weight of silver as the wild ginseng they brought him.
Panax ginseng is a deciduous perennial shrub whose fleshy root requires 4–6 years of cultivation to reach maturity. Traditionally, the wild root was consumed to vitalize, strengthen, and rejuvenate the entire body. Widely cultivated, ginseng is now used as a natural preventive, restorative remedy and is valued for its adaptogenic properties. Panax ginseng is more stimulating and increases the “yang” energy, while American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) increases the “yin” energy. Panax ginseng is most suitable for males and older people.
Panax ginseng is used for conditions of tiredness, weakness, debility, convalescence, low resistance, aging, stress, poor metabolism, and lack of concentration. Ginseng extracts have been shown to have antioxidant activity and to protect against radiation damage. European clinical trials with ginseng have found an increase in reaction time, alertness, concentration, and visual and motor coordination.
