1. WHAT IS GINSENG?

Ginseng is a short, perineal plant of the botanical family Ariliaceae. It grows naturally on the slopes of ravines and shady, well drained mountainous hardwood forests. The root is the part that is used. Ginseng is the most widely used medicinal plant in the Orient.

2. ARE THERE DIFFERENT KINDS OF GINSENG?

Yes. There is the Asiatic type which is known as Panax Ginseng. It grows wild in the mountainous areas of China, Korea and Japan. Ginseng is cultivated quite extensively in Korea and China. Korea leads in the ginseng cultivation worldwide. The North American type known as Panax Quinquefolium grows throughout the United States, particularly in the northern regions. Finally there is Russian type known as Eleutherococcus Senticosus or more familiarly as Siberian Ginseng.

3. HOW DOES GINSENG GROW AND FOR HOW LONG?

In the wild state, ginseng usually grows in humus-rich, loamy soil near the base of a large shade trees such maple, beech or oak. It takes full six years for the ginseng root to grow to maturity.

4. CAN I GROW IT MYSELF?

Yes you can. Of course you must provide all the special conditions for growth, not to mention waiting 6 or 7 years for the precious root.

5. WHAT IS GINSENG GOOD FOR?

Ginseng, long used empirically for protecting and prolonging life, is claimed to be effective in the treatment of the following disorders: weakness during and following disease, anaemia, rheumatism, sexual decline, irregularity of blood circulation, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, high blood pressure, and stress. Ginseng is reported to have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. One of the main activities of ginseng is control of the activities of the nervous system.

6. IS GINSENG APHRODISIAC?

No it is not.

7. WHAT IS INSIDE GINSENG THAT MAKES IT WORK?

Ginseng is a perennial root which belongs to the Ariliaceae Angelica Gerum. Its active ingredients are very complicated and easily decomposed. Many trace minerals were found in ginseng. Besides minerals, trace amounts of the vitamin B group were also found.

8. WHERE CAN I GET GINSENG

You can at health food store or wherever health foods and herbs are sold.

9. HOW MUCH DOES GINSENG COST?

Ginseng is the most expensive herb on the market today. Prices are usually determined by the quality and quantity of the product on sale. The quality of ginseng today can be measured by the lay person on the basis of price. In simple terms, what you pay for is what you get. Ginseng on the markets in Korea comes in all different grades such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade.

10. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO USE GINSENG?

Ginseng comes in the following forms:
a) Extracts
b) Granular teas
c) Pills, capsules and tablets
d) Powders
e) Dried roots
f) Wines, liquors, gums, cookies, etc
Extracts and granular extract teas are the easiest absorbed forms of ginseng available.