The ginseng plant is known the world over for having medicinal powers. The plant is a native of the cooler climates of the world such as eastern Asia. The plant develops leaves that are made up of five leaflets. The flowers are greenish white in color and can be found near the base of the leaves. Generally the plant grows to a height of eight to twenty seven inches with small red berries. The plant is also known as Fin-chen or Schin-seg. When translated the words mean man root. It was given this name because the root actually looks like the shape of a human.

The botanical family name in which the plant falls under is Araliaceae. The ginseng root is used all over both for medicine and cooking. Some clinical trials suggest physical stimulation and improved mental function for its users. It is used for influenza, digestion problems and poor circulation. Other known uses for the ginseng plant include:

* bronchitis
* high blood pressure
* TB
* improving memory
* stimulating cell growth
* helps with sleep disorders
* boosting energy

Beyond the therapeutic uses for Ginseng, it also has many vitamins and minerals. It has been said when the root is ground and added in water, its users feel a significant boost in energy. The nutrients found in ginseng are as follows:

* sodium
* manganese
* potassium
* calcium
* copper
* phosphorus
* iron
* silica
*B-1
*B-12.

The ginseng plant is best grown medium to full shade, with average to moist soil. The plant blooms through June and July. The spacing between plants should be around eighteen inches apart. When growing naturally the ginseng plant can take up to three years to produce seed. The root is ready to be harvested after about three years of healthy growth. Because of this the plant is endangered and cannot be dug up in the wild. The annual income from growing ginseng in the U.S. and Canada is $25 million. Wild grown ginseng is worth three times the price of cultivated ginseng.