Parts Used
Root

Properties
Adaptogen, may enhance endurance, other reported benefits too many to list here.

Common Uses
Drink ginseng tea or take as a supplement for additional energy and endurance.

Locating and Handling
Available in grocery stores in capsules or as tea.

Caution
May raise blood pressure, and cause rapid or irregular heartbeat. Some sources believe continuous consumption may lessen effectivity.

Origin
Asia, and North America (different varieties)

Early Herbal Notes "The Chinese, probably on account of its scarcity, have a very extraordinary opinion of the virtues of this root, so that it sells for many times its weight in silver. The Americans, on the contrary, disregard it, because it is found plentifully in their woods. In fact, it is a gentle and agreeable stimulant. Jartoux, speaking of the effect of this plant on him, says: 'I observed the state of my pulse, and then took half of a root raw; in an hour after I found my pulse much fuller and quicker; I had an appetite, and found myself much more vigorous, and could bear labour much better and easier than before. But I did not rely on this trial alone, imagining that this alteration might proceed from the rest we had that day; but four days after, finding myself so fatigued and weary that I could scarce sit on horseback, a mandarin who was in company with us perceiving it, gave me one of these roots; I took half of it immediately, and an hour after I was not the least sensible of any weariness. I have often made use of it since, and always with the same success. I have observed also, that the green leaves, and expecially the fibrous parts of them, chewed, would produce nearly the same effect.' The dose is from a scruple to a drachm."