Chinese discovered this healing herb named as Panax (Greek for all healing) ginseng in the mountains of Manchuria. It is one of the fastest selling herbs on the market today. The properties of this herb are used to counteract fatigue, colds, tension, headaches, amnesia, and is used to treat tuberculosis, diabetes, circulatory, kidney and other health problems. Its most popular use is to improve vitality, stamina and improve strength.
This herb played a special role as a body stimulant and was used by the Vietnamese for its miraculous cure for gunshot wounds. During the 18th century a Jesuit priest in North America discovered this herb growing in Canada and called the American ginseng herb Panax quinquefolium. Later, it was discovered in parts of the U.S. With the voracious appetite in China for this herb, a vigorous trade was born between China and America.
Native Americans such as the Iroquois used ginseng to treat stomach ailments, wounds and other ailments. The Japanese call this healing herb "Bamboo Ginseng" and commonly use it in teas and tonics. It stimulates sexual intimacy and as an antioxidant is used to cleanse internal organs and increases fertility in women.
The root of the plant is the parted used for medicinal and culinary purposes and can be found in teas, tonic drinks and capsules. Ginseng is also used as a food substitute, for soups and for cosmetics and bath, body and skin products.
There are several varieties on the market today. Chinese (Red Ginseng), Siberian (Wuchaseng extract), American Ginseng and Codonopis (Dang Shen) and is considered the "King of Tonics."
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