Ginseng
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Ginseng refers to Panax Ginseng Meyer and Panax quinquefolium L., herbaceous plants from the Araliaceae family. Their rhizomes are used in traditional medicine, particularly in China, as a panacea and especially as a general tonic and aphrodisiac.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Ginseng, Panax Ginseng Meyer and Panax quinquefolium L. (Aureliana canadensis), herbaceous plants from the family Araliaceae. Panax Ginseng is found in Manchuria, Korea, China, and the southern part of the Far Eastern region of the USSR, while Panax quinquefolium is found in North America. The rhizomes of these plants are used; they are very small (several cm), conical in shape, with an aromatic taste and smell. The constituent principles are little studied: the glycoside panacilon, which has a vasoconstrictive effect, resin, starch, and sugar. In China, ginseng is extremely highly valued and has wide application as a panacea and, especially, as a general tonic and aphrodisiac. In our country, it is not used.
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“Ginseng.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/ginseng/