Ginseng

4 Nov 2010 - Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) highly values ginseng. The ideal ginsend specimen resembles a person, with a small knob at the top, a proportionately sized torso and evenly placed branches, for the legs and arms. It is probably safe to assume that ginseng is not consumed for its flavour - it has a distinctive, bitter taste that is not to everyone's liking. The root though, can fetch very high prices because of the myriad curative powers attributed to it - among other things, it is believed ginseng increases sexual prowess and longevity, boosts energy levels and cures cancer and diabetes. The shape, cultivation methods and age of a root determine the price. Scientific studies show that at least some of the medicinal values attributed to ginseng are valid.