Interesting history of the Panax (Quinquefolium) of Linnaeus, the ginseng of the Chinese, from the archives of history and medical science.

Date:
1851
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Interesting history of the Panax (Quinquefolium) of Linnaeus, the ginseng of the Chinese, from the archives of history and medical science. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    sweeter, and of a more grateful smell than the roots of fennel, to which it has by some been supposed similar, and differs likewise remarkably from those roots in the nature and pharmaceutic properties of its active princi- ples ; the sweet matter of the Ginseng being procured entire in the watery as well as the spirituous extracts, whereas that of fennel roots is destroyed or dissipated in the iilspissation of the watery tincture. ' The aromatic impregnation of the Ginseng is likewise in good measure retained in the watery extract, and perfectly in the spirituous. The Ginseng, as we have observed, is an ingredient in most of the medicines which the Chinese physicians pre- scribe to the better sort of patients. They affirm that it is a sovereign remedy for all weaknesses occasioned by excessive fatigues either of body or mind; that it attenuates and carries off pituitous humors; cures weakness of the lungs and pleurisy; stops vomitings, strengthens the stomach, and helps the ap- petite 5 disperses fumes or vapors; fortifies the breast; is a remedy for short and weak breathing; strengthens the vital spirits, and is good against dizziness of the head and dimness of sight; and that it prolongs life to extreme old age. Nobody can imagine that the Chinese and Tartars would set so high a value upon this root if it did not constant- ly produce a good effect. Those that are in health often make use of it to render themselves more vigorous and strong. And I am persuaded, adds Father Jartoux above mentioned, it would prove an excellent medicine in any country.