The History & Lore of Ginseng

Body . Mind . Spirit .

Royal Root
More precious than gold to ancient Chinese emperors, historical records indicate that Panax ginseng has been in use by royals since long before the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Treasured and revered for its almost mythical power to bring health, virility and long life, its use was forbidden to all but royalty - sometimes by penalty of death.

Traditional Uses
Long before scientists began to study ginseng, the traditional healers and herbalists of China study and recorded the effects of using Panax ginseng. Ancient medical texts describe ginseng in nearly magical terms. These records refer to ginseng in this way: “Ginseng calms the mind, brings harmony to the soul, eliminates fears, and drives away evil spirits. It also makes the eyes shine, opens the heart, and clarifies thinking. If taken long enough, it strengthens the body and extends life.” Panax ginseng’s historical role as an aphrodisiac is still greatly appreciated today.

Most Famous Herb
Looking very much like the form of a human body, it is no wonder that the Chinese name for ginseng is “ren-shen” which roughly translated means "man-root." This remarkably beautiful and unique plant has long been distinguished as China’s most famous herb. With more than 11,000 different herbs recorded for use in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, ginseng was and still is considered the “king” of all Chinese herbs.

How Panax Got Its Name
Linnaeus, the father of modern botany, assigned the genus name “Panax” (a Greek word translated as "all-heal") to Chinese ginseng because he was well aware of its vast and varied use in Chinese herbalism.

Nature’s Timeless Tonic
Some traditions are just too perfect to change. Like taking ginseng. For literally thousands of years Panax ginseng use has been a foundation of Chinese health care traditions. In recent years, this prized herb has made its way to the Western world where its role as a timeless tonic continues.

The word tonic originates from a Greek word meaning "stretch." Indeed, a true tonic, such as Panax ginseng stretches, tones, strengthens, and invigorates the body’s natural healing system the way physical exercise tones muscles. It is still revered today, all around the world, for its seemingly endless power to make and keep us well.