Ginseng, the Divine Root The Curious History of the Plant That Captivated the World

by Taylor, David A.

• ISBN13: 9781565124011
• ISBN10: 1565124014
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-06-23
• Publisher: Algonquin Books

Summary

The story behind ginseng is as remarkable as the root itself. Prized for its legendary curative powers, ginseng launched the rise to power of China's last great dynasty; inspired battles between France and England; and sparked a boom in Minnesota comparable to the California Gold Rush. It has made and broken the fortunes of many and has inspired a subculture in rural America unrivaled by any herb in the plant kingdom. Today ginseng is at the very center of alternative medicine, believed to improve stamina, relieve stress, stimulate the immune system, enhance mental clarity, and restore well-being. It is now being studied by medical researchers for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. In Ginseng, the Divine Root, David Taylor tracks the path of this fascinating plant'”from the forests east of the Mississippi to the bustling streets of Hong Kong and the remote corners of China. He becomes immersed in a world full of wheelers, dealers, diggers, and stealers, all with a common goal: to hunt down the elusive "Root of Life." Weaving together his intriguing adventures with ginseng's rich history, Taylor uncovers a story of international crime, ancient tradition, botany, herbal medicine, and the vagaries of human nature.

Author Biography

DAVID A. TAYLOR has written for Smithsonian, Wired, the Washington Post, the Village Voice, and the Christian Science Monitor. His documentary work has appeared on the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, the Learning Channel, PBS, and National Geographic. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION	1	(10)
ONE: The Root at Hand	11	(19)
TWO: The Doctors Debate	30	(27)
THREE: The Emperor's Favorite	57	(15)
FOUR: Life in a New World	72	(28)
FIVE: Pursued by Trappers	100	(30)
SIX: Courted by Traders, and Dancing the Ginseng Polka	130	(20)
SEVEN: Traders Again	150	(13)
EIGHT: Outlaws on the Road to Nowhere	163	(28)
NINE: Tamed, but Not	191	(29)
TEN: Shanghaied Once More	220	(16)
ELEVEN: Served by the Finest Chefs	236	(13)
TWELVE: Back in China	249	(28)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS	277	(2)
APPENDIX: Ginseng Use and Recipes	279	(6)
SOURCES	285	(8)
INDEX	293