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

”This intelligent, wide-ranging account” of ginseng explores the eventful history and peculiar subculture of this elusive, curative root (Publishers Weekly). Prized for its legendary medicinal powers, ginseng launched the rise of China's last great dynasty; inspired battles between France and England; and sparked a boom in Minnesota comparable to the California Gold Rush. Today ginseng is said to improve stamina, relieve stress, stimulate the immune system, enhance mental clarity, and restore well-being. It is even being studied as a treatment for cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. In Ginseng, the Divine Root, documentarian and author 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.