A perennial plant, ginseng grows between 7 to 21 inches in height when wild. The plant takes only 5-6 years to grow, yet the roots can stay alive for over 100 years. The root is creamy yellow or white in color, and it branches off sometimes in the shape of a person. Ginseng grows naturally on the slopes of ravines and shady, well drained, mountainous, hardwood forests. The root carries all the nutrition and makes it the most widely used herb in the Orient.

Ginseng root comes in three types. Korean or oriental ginseng is the most widely used ginseng in the world. American ginseng has a cooling quality on the body versus a heating quality for oriental ginseng. American ginseng grows from Quebec to Minnesota and to the south to Georgia and Oklahoma. The third type is Siberian, which is also common in North America. Siberian ginseng is a cousin of oriental ginseng but has similar properties. The name ginseng is Chinese meaning "Man Plant" from the root’s frequent likeness to the human form.

The goodness of ginseng has been known for thousands of years. Its benefits first center around its being an adaptogen. This means it stabilizes the systems off the body. Ginseng contains 27 ginsenocides. These enable ginseng to balance and counteract the effects of stress. Ginseng can also be used to lower high blood pressure and to raise low blood pressure. Ginseng increases performance and energy levels in people who are constantly exhausted. Those recovering from an illness and those experiencing a heavy work load will benefit from ginseng.

Ginseng root contains vitamins A, B-6 and Zinc. These help in the functioning of the immune system. Ginseng will increase estrogen levels in women and treat symptoms of menopause. It improves memory as well.

A list of things ginseng is used to treat might include colds, coughs, rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, diabetes, anemia insomnia, stress, headache, backache and double vision. Women find it helpful in normalizing menstruation and easing childbirth. Ginseng was used effectively as a mouth wash against Periodontal Disease which is a progressive destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. Ginseng also counteracts fatigue without caffeine, and improves stamina. Medically, ginseng stimulates the immune system by also spurring the production of the body's own virus fighting chemicals.

Ginseng has also been effective in treating sexual desire. It does this by promoting sex hormone production. Ginseng is also helpful in the slowing down of the aging process. Ginseng's real value is as a preventative though some use it in cures. As a preventative, it needs to be taken over a long period of time.

Consider these ideas for ingesting ginseng. First, make a tea with root slices brewed slowly in a silver or glass tea pot for one hour. Generally the more bitter it is, the stronger it is. Second, root slivers can also be added to soups or other dishes. As a powder, it can be used in meals or simply placed under your tongue where it is absorbed directly into the blood stream. Also, if you soak a dried root in boiling water for five minutes, you can chew it like a piece of hard candy. Recommended dosage is two or three grams a day. As mentioned above, it may take up to six months of daily use before the benefits of ginseng are noticed.

Ginseng is a safe herb but it is possible to overdose on Korean ginseng, the most potent of the three types. Overdose symptoms might include dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, headache insomnia, and loss of appetite. Some say women shouldn’t take ginseng if they are pregnant or nursing but others say it is safe for everyone. This might depend on the type and quantity taken. Check with your physician in such cases.