QUESTION:

One of the best-recorded aspects of China's long history is the use of herbal medicines. Today, traditional Chinese medicine is practiced in almost every country on earth and has many very happy followers.

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses many natural herbs, roots, leaves and berries in preparing concoctions to be swallowed, inhaled or rubbed on the skin.

One such plant is renowned for its health-giving qualities, and is even rumored to be an aphrodisiac.

Its white roots, thought to resemble a human figure, have been used in Chinese medicines for thousands of years and according to a writer in the first century AD, its numerous attributes include "...enlightening the mind and increasing wisdom".

What is this plant's name?

A. Basil;
B. Ginseng;
C. Rose petals;
D. Chili.

ANSWER:

B is the answer you were looking for!

Ginseng. Asian ginseng, (scientific name: Panax ginseng) is more potent than the ginseng grown in North America and flourishes in mountainous regions of China and other parts of Asia.

It is called a "miracle plant", being credited with everything from improving mental ability and longevity to reducing stress. This is reflected in its botanical name - the Latin word panax means "to heal all diseases", as in the word 'panacea'.

Ginseng may have heating or cooling properties, depending on the type you use. For example, Asian red ginseng has heating properties and is thus good for treating colds, while American ginseng has cooling properties and would only aggravate a fever.