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Ginseng

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Legends and superstitions about ginseng have existed for centuries. The Chinese have long believed that ginseng is a cure for many ailments and that it has powers for prolonging life and even restoring it after death.. Western medical researchers have been unable to find any medicinal value in ginseng.      The Chinese also believe that ginseng is an aphrodisiac, which means that it supposedly has powers for stimulating sexual excitement. Some of the notions about this plant have developed because of the unusual shapes into which the roots grow. Many resemble the human figure. Fantastic tales have been repeated about how the roots have moved around underground to avoid capture and about how the plants have been protected by wild animals.      Ginseng has a sweet flavor and pleasant aroma. Most ginseng gardens are small. Nearly all the work done in them is by hand. It takes from about five to seven years for ginseng seeds to develop fully. They require rich soil and adequate shade.

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