Barbara & Michael
Stefanik 
Central City, PA 15924
Ginseng is a plant which has roots of varying medicinal
value.
Ginseng is the most famous Chinese herb. It is the most widely
recognized plant used in traditional medicine. Ginseng has been used in medicine for more
than 7000 years.
The name panax is derived from the Greek word panacea meaning, "all healing" and the benefits of ginseng are recognized as such. Ginseng is commonly used as an adaptogen, meaning it normalizes physical functioning depending on what the individual needs (for example, it will lower high blood pressure, but raise low blood pressure).
It is also used to reduce the effects of stress, improve performance, boost energy levels, enhance memory, and stimulate the immune system. Oriental medicine has deemed ginseng a necessary element in all their best prescriptions, and regards it as prevention and a cure. It is said to remove both mental and bodily fatigue, cure pulmonary complaints, dissolve tumors and reduce the effects of age.
The roots are called Jin-chen, meaning 'like a man,' in reference to their resemblance to the shape of the human body.
Native North Americans considered it one of their most sacred herbs and add it to many herbal formulas to make them more potent. The roots can live for over 100 years.
Ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral Zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the defense system. The main active ingredients of ginseng are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called "ginsenosides". These steroid-like ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that enable ginseng to balance and counter the effects of stress. The glycosides appear to act on the adrenal glands, helping to prevent adrenal hypertrophy and excess corticosteroid production in response to physical, chemical or biological stress.
Studies done in China showed that ginsenosides also increase protein synthesis and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Ginseng is used to restore memory, and enhance concentration and cognitive abilities, which may be impaired by improper blood supply to the brain.
Ginseng helps to maintain excellent body functions. Siberian ginseng has been shown to increase energy, stamina, and help the body resist viral infections and environmental toxins. Research has shown specific effects that support the central nervous system, liver function, lung function and circulatory system.
Animal studies have shown that ginseng extracts stimulate the production of interferons, increase natural killer cell activity, lower cholesterol and decrease triglyceride levels. Men have used the herb to improve sexual function and remedy impotence. Ginseng is believed to increase estrogen levels in women and is used to treat menopausal symptoms.
It is also used for diabetes, radiation and chemotherapy protection, colds, chest problems, to aid in sleep, and to stimulate the appetite.
Part used: Whole root. Powdered in capsules, as an ingredient in many herbal formulas, and as a tea.
Common Use: Ginseng is one of the most popular healing herbs used today throughout the world. It increases mental and physical efficiency and resistance to stress and disease. Ginseng's adaptogenic qualities help balance the body, depending on the individual's needs. It is known to normalize blood pressure, increase blood circulation and aid in the prevention of heart disease.
Care: A perennial herb with a large, slow growing root. Requires a loose, rich soil, with a heavy mulch of leaves and only 20% sun.
GINSENG
Ancient Myths and Real Truths
Ginseng, or "'sang" as it is known to woodsmen, grows specifically on the "morning" side of a mountain. That means that ginseng will more likely grow on the side of a mountain that only gets the rays of the morning time sun, and is shielded from the afternoon rays.
It is a "common" looking plant, as it takes trained eyes to see it. Michael and Barbara Stefanik are two unique ginseng hunters in western Pennsylvania, and the ones who have taught me about ginseng.
They grow ginseng as a hobby business and have been at it for about five years. (This also defines my information source on this subject, as I have received a few questions as to where I get my information on different subjects)
Back to the ginseng. According to Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary :
ginsengjin-,san,-,sen,(,)sin[Chin(Pek) jen-shen](1654) 1: the root of ginseng 2 a: a Chinese perennial herb (Panax schinseng of the family Araliaceae, the ginseng family) having 5-foliolate leaves, scarlet berries, and an aromatic root valued locally as a medicine b: any of several plants related to ginseng; esp : a No. American herb (P.quinquefolius)
According to the Stefaniks, a vital plant worth its weight.
Ginseng, to those of the oriental background, is extremely valuable both physically and spiritually. Most who hunt this valuable little plant are responsible, and plant seeds when they remove the plant. They also follow the laws which govern its picking in the wild, and cultivation.
As you know, most of our modern pharmaceutics are based on plants, and ginseng ranks among them. However, to the reenactor this plant also plays a part of history, especially in the rendezvouer time periods.
Here is how one "doctor" may have used the plant: taking the apple pumice (the pulp left over after pressing out the juice from apples) / or rind, mixing in a dram of ginseng, and some powdered/ground chalk (varies as to amount of pumice used) he would have arrived at a basic form of kaopectate. This was passed on as a medicine, and could well have been used in any of the time periods thereafter.
Keep in mind how much those "weeds" that we trample underfoot constantly, may have (and still might) aided us.