Say Ginseng
Say Ginseng
The Story of Ginseng
In ancient China, there were two brothers who wanted to go up the mountain to hunt. An elderly person advised them, "It's already deep autumn, and winter is approaching. The weather in the mountains can change rapidly. If a snowstorm blocks the mountain, you won't be able to come down!"
However, the brothers didn't pay much attention to the old man's advice. They packed their bows, arrows, fur coats, and dried food and went up the mountain.
For several days, they hunted many wild animals. One afternoon, the weather suddenly turned bad. Strong winds blew, and snowflakes were falling everywhere. The snow continued to fall for two days and two nights, covering the mountain paths completely. The brothers found themselves trapped on the mountain.
With no way to get down, they had to find a place to take shelter from the storm. They discovered a dense grove of trees where they could hide. They decided to wait out the snowstorm and hoped to leave when the weather improved.
In the grove, there were several tall trees with thick trunks. One of the trees had already died, and its core had become hollow and rotten. The brothers hollowed out the tree trunk to create a large cavity. They set up a campfire inside, using the fire to cook the rabbits they had caught and keep warm.
The brothers then noticed a type of grass root around them, about the thickness of a finger. When they dug it out, they saw that the root resembled the shape of a human. When they tasted it, it was sweet and delicious. They gathered a lot of these roots and stored them in the hollowed-out tree trunk. Eating these roots made them feel more energized.
During the day, they would go out to hunt, and at night, they would sleep in the hollowed tree trunk. They spent the entire winter in the mountains this way.
It wasn't until the next spring, when the snow had melted and the winds had stopped, that the two brothers, laden with their catch, descended the mountain and returned home.
The villagers were astonished to see the brothers return, pale and plump, after assuming they must have either frozen or starved to death. They asked, "Are you still alive?"
The brothers replied, "Of course we are!"
The villagers marveled at their robust appearance and asked, "What kind of good food did you eat in the mountains to become so strong?"
The brothers showed the villagers the grass roots that looked like arms and legs. The villagers had never seen such a thing before and exclaimed, "Wow, it really looks like a person!"
Word of this peculiar root spread, and it became known as "renshen," which means "ginseng" in Chinese. And that's how ginseng got its name.
The Benefits of Ginseng
1.One of the benefits of ginseng is enhancing the immune system. Ginseng contains various important nutrients such as ginsenosides, ginsenic acid, and ginseng polysaccharides, which are believed to boost the body's immune function and increase its resistance to diseases. Through consistent consumption of ginseng, the immune system's function can be strengthened, enhancing the body's ability to resist various illnesses.
2.Another benefit is promoting blood circulation. The active components abundant in ginseng can dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and enhance the cardiovascular system's function. Proper blood circulation helps supply ample oxygen and nutrients to various tissues and organs throughout the body, maintaining normal metabolism and function.
3.A third benefit is enhancing mental well-being. Ginseng has a certain stimulating effect, promoting excitation in the nervous system, improving mental states, and enhancing cognitive abilities and coping skills of the brain. Long-term consumption of ginseng can improve conditions such as mental fatigue and lack of concentration, increasing work and learning efficiency.
4.The fourth benefit is anti-aging. The antioxidants found in ginseng can neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing damage to cells, delaying cellular aging and decline, and maintaining skin elasticity and youthfulness. Ginseng can also regulate the endocrine system, balance hormone levels, and counteract the aging process.
5.The fifth benefit is increasing physical strength and endurance. Ginseng has the ability to boost physical strength and endurance, enhancing muscle strength and endurance, and improving athletic performance. This is particularly crucial for individuals engaged in prolonged high-intensity work and physical activities. Consistent consumption of ginseng can increase bodily endurance and anti-fatigue capabilities.
6.The sixth benefit is promoting digestion and absorption. The active components in ginseng can stimulate gastrointestinal motility, increase gastric secretion, improve digestion function and absorption capacity, and enhance the utilization of nutrients from food. For those with gastrointestinal issues, moderate consumption of ginseng can alleviate symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
