Advocates say ginseng is the ultimate tonic— critics say it does little, if
anything, except cause a potentially hazardous "abuse syndrome".
Ginseng is not one herb but three: Chinese of Korean (P. ginseng), American
(P. quinquefolius), and Siberian (E. senticosus). The Siberian plant is not
true ginseng, but it contains similar active chemicals, and studies show it
has similar effects. As a result, all three are grouped together as
ginseng and used interchangeably in the West.
Ginseng figured prominently in the first great Chinese herbal, the Pen Tsao
Ching (The Classic of Herbs), compiled by the mythological emperor Shen
Nung. Shen Nung recommended it for "enlightening the mind and increasing
wisdom," and noted that "continuous use leads to longevity." In China,
ginseng's fancied resemblance to the human form led to the belief that it
was a whole-body tonic, particularly for the elderly. Chinese, Koreans, and
Japanese still consider ginseng the best health promoter.
As the popularity of ginseng spread throughout Asia, demand soared and
rapacious collection decimated supply. Chinese ginseng became increasingly
rare—and more valuable than gold.
Unlike other Asian herbs that became favorites in the West, ginseng remained
a mystery in Europe until the 18th century, when missionaries informed early
European botanists of its reputation as a longevity herb. Europeans scoffed
at Asian claims, but those familiar with Asia—particularly the Jesuits who
had many missions in China—appreciated the herb's great value there.
The American Indians learned about ginseng from the Jesuits, and in traditional herbal systems, this plant was commonly included in preparations intended to support daily vitality, encourage appetite awareness, and complement digestive routines. Some tribes mixed it into love potions.
America’s 19th-century Eclectics called ginseng an herb for "mental exhaustion from overwork."
Contemporary herbalists echo the Chinese, recommending ginseng as a tonic.
Ginseng contains several chemicals called ginsenosides.
Some advocates of ginseng call the herb an adaptogen, a technical term for what
traditional herbalists call a tonic. Chief among ginseng's adaptogen advocates
is Soviet researcher Israel I. Brekhman, a professor who studied ginseng for
almost 30 years at the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences. Brekhman wrote ginseng
"possesses a remarkably wide range of therapeutic activities...protecting the
body against stress, radiation, and various chemical toxins...and increasing
general resistance."
The term adaptogen covers a broad range of effects. Various studies of Russian,
Korean, and Chinese soldiers, sailors, athletes, proofreaders, and factory workers
show the herb supports an active lifestyle. Russian, Chinese, and Korean Olympic athletes use ginseng in their training and before events, and some American athletes have begun using the herb as well.
