GINSENG - is King of the herbs in the orient. It is said to stimulate the entire body energy to overcome stress, fatigue and weakness. Used for: ANEMIA, ANXIETY, CHOLESTEROL, DEPRESSION, ENERGY, FATIGUE, IMPOTENCY, NERVOUSNESS, SEXUAL STIMULANTS, STRESS, WEIGHT LOSS,     American ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, is one of seven hundred plant species in the Araliaceae family which includes parsnips, celery and carrots. The Araliaceae family is subdivided into seventy genera, one of which is Panax or the ginseng family. In turn there are at least five species of ginseng; two species are native to North America and three species are native to Asia. Of these five species only two are known for their exceptional curative properties, Panax quinquefolium, known as American ginseng, and Panax ginseng, known as Oriental or Asian ginseng. These two species of ginseng look very much alike and have similar chemical compositions. American ginseng is most likely a distant cousin of Asian ginseng which found its way to North America over the ancient land bridge between Siberia and Alaska.     Ginseng is known for its medicinal properties. It is commonly used to strengthen the body's immune system and increase one's energy and endurance. It is being taken as a tonic to enhance vitality, to increase stamina and to build up resistance to the psychological and physical stresses of modern life. The curative powers of ginseng are unique in the way they affect the whole body. Ginseng stimulates physical and mental activity especially in tired or weak patients. Ginseng defends the human system from the effects of prolonged physical strain. Ginseng acts as a mental stimulant without the side effects of other stimulants. Ginseng stimulates the endocrine glands, including the sex glands. Ginseng is it is considered a mild stomachic tonic and stimulant and used for dyspepsia, vomiting and nervous disorders. It is useful in loss of appetite and in digestive affections that arise from mental and nervous exhaustion.     The active ingredients in ginseng are complex carbohydrates called saponins or ginsenosides. Individual ginsenosides appear to have separate effects. Whereas one particular ginsenoside stimulates the central nervous system, another may sedate the central nervous system. Other ginsenosides produce such effects as balancing metabolic processes, decreasing blood sugar, improving muscle tone, stimulating the endocrine system and maintaining proper hormone levels. Research has even shown that ginseng is effective in maintaining and even restoring the cell's capacity to function and therefore may reduce a number of symptoms of old-age. How it is taken     According to tradition, the optimal dose of ginseng is two to three grams per day, or a slice of root about the size of an almond sliver, or if using powder, a capsule of powder. The root can be brewed and taken as tea, simmered for one hour in chicken soup to make a healing broth, aged for three months in a quart of liquor and consumed as a nightcap or may be simply chewed.