|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Taking Control of Your Health & Well-being ... Read More
Do you rely on Vioxx, Celebrex or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory... Read More
Human behavior could be modified using light preferably real sunlight.... Read More
Raindrop Technique is a procedure for applying therapeutic grade essential... Read More
A portable massage table can be very essential tool. Massage... Read More
Have you ever attempted to perform a simple act and... Read More
Ayurveda is India's ancient science life, health, and longevity. It... Read More
Fungal infection of the nails is the one of the... Read More
We measure our world by the limits of our knowledge... Read More
Everyone with a medical condition or allergy should have a... Read More
Only a migraine sufferer understands the pain. Regardless of how... Read More
Those who have watched the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"... Read More
Reflexology is something I've used and loved since I was... Read More
Chronic constipation can be hard to stop or elimination, since... Read More
Well, flu season is coming upon us quickly, and most... Read More
Are you among the millions of people worldwide who are... Read More
Aging occurs due to the growth of the tissues and... Read More
Anxiety is a pernicious little devil; it can hold us... Read More
Plastic Acupuncture, abbreviated as (P.Ac) is not really a new... Read More
The first of January will bring a new group of... Read More
Taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer's is... Read More
The gallbladder is a 3 to 4 inch-long pear-shaped organ... Read More
PROBABLY one of the most... Read More
Can you prevent the flu? or is it just luck... Read More
Herbal Therapy, also referred to as Herbalism, is one of... Read More
HistoryThe pyrethre herb is supposedly named after a famous temple... Read More
No one can deny the power of magnets, racing pigeons... Read More
We all know the nasty sensation of coming down with... Read More
Dopamine has long been known to be linked to positive... Read More
Cranberry Juice is very rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients which... Read More
What is Shiatsu? Shiatsu, literally means: Shi = 'finger,' Atsu... Read More
Vegetables like fruits and their juices have healing properties because... Read More
Suffering from neck, back and shoulder pain? If you are,... Read More
Organic fresh made juices have cleansing and laxative action, which... Read More
Indoor air pollution in the form of dander, dust and... Read More
Do you ever think about just how important good health... Read More
Apple Juice, Figs and RaisinsHere's another constipation home remedy using... Read More
Being a modern traveler, you probably get onto an airplane... Read More
Just when you thought you had all the fun you... Read More
Many people over the past ten years have changed from... Read More
"Hypnosis" refers to the power that words and ideas have... Read More
For countless people worldwide, getting a good night's sleep on... Read More
CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies are generally classified into... Read More
(originally in Nov. 2004 ZoneNet Newsletter)In this flu season, America... Read More
Most people find it difficult to believe that a tiny... Read More
The subconscious is a strange creature. It doesn't know what... Read More
Sometimes living that wonderful and beneficial holistic life can sometimes... Read More
Use of herbs for health and as a medicine has... Read More
Essential fatty acids provide protection for the whole body. In... Read More
...and one of these tips you can get from a... Read More
Alternative Medicine |