Ginseng: The Energizer

Asian herbalists have long considered this plant a natural panacea, hence itsscientific name Panax. Ginseng today is used to boost energy and stamina, improve alertness and bolster general resistance to stress, aging and disease.

The Asian variety, Panax ginseng, is the most potent. Its active compounds are known as ginsenosides and are thought to work through the body's brain pituitary-adrenal axis to strengthen the immune system's response to fatigue and stress. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), is a milder stimulant. So-called Siberian ginseng is not a true ginseng at all but a different plant altogether (Eleutherococcus senticosus).