GINSENG Ginseng is probably the most powerful tonic in the plant kingdom. It is a powerful stimulant and boosts the cardiovascular system, normalizes blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, stimulates the immune system, nourishes the blood, helps the body to rejuvenate and heal, and increases endurance and energy levels in athletic performance. Ginseng comes in a variety of forms and types. The most desirable is dried roots. Size and quality are the measuring sticks for the price tags. If you are less knowledgeable about ginseng, you may end up paying premium prices for lesser quality. Ginseng is not good for trying to relax and sleep. It gives the sensation of raising your blood pressure but it doesn't -- it simply intensifies your metabolism. The following is a list of ginseng in descending order of desirability.

Red Panax Ginseng This is the most yang and potent of all. It should not be used by yang types. It is available in extracts and dried pieces. It is expensive but worth the price. Corean Ginseng This is also a very strong yang ginseng and is available in all forms. American Ginseng This was discovered during the 1800s. Subsequently it was farmed and exported to China to be sold as Chinese ginseng. This is yin quality and not as potent as others. Good for athletes and men. Siberian Ginseng The most yin type of all ginseng and also the least potent. Russians have studied its properties extensively and prescribe it to their athletes. This is also good for yang types experiencing yin-imbalance like recuperating from an illness or operations. Ginseng also comes in various forms: Pure extracts. This form is very potent and should not be taken more than twice a day at no more than 1/8 teaspoon per dose. This will generally restore yang balance within 30 minutes. Capsules. These can be very effective and no more than six a day should be taken. For the average Asian woman, two capsules in the morning are recommended, and if you think you will have a stressful day, take two more in the afternoon. Bottles of diluted extracts. Nice energy pick-me-uppers but nor worth the money. Tea. These are made from freeze dried granules of the diluted solutions. Do not ingest more than three times a day, no more than two packages per dose. One to two packages dissolved in 6 ounces of hot water is recommended, and one teaspoon of brandy can be added to increase yang balancing properties. Drinks with a root inside the bottle. These are mostly sugar and are more for the psychological values. Gum. Has no beneficial values at all.