Ginseng: One of the World's Best-Known Medicinal Plants

Ginseng derives from the Chinese pronunciation of rénsh¿n (¿¿). Panax ginseng was first recorded in Shennong Ben Cao Jing nearly two thousand years ago and has since been widely used as an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. One of the oldest preserved specimens of ginseng is stored among 60 traditional medicines in the treasure house of Shosoin Temple in Nara, Japan, dating back more than 1,300 years. This long history reflects the importance of ginseng as a traditional remedy supported by extensive clinical experience. Although ginseng should traditionally be used according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is now also widely consumed worldwide as a health food and dietary supplement. The growing aging population has further increased interest in ginseng because of its potential benefits for both physical and brain health.