Ginseng, the Divine Root: The Curious History of the Plant That Captivated the World Book + PRICE WATCH * Amazon pricing is not included in price watch

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

In the tradition of Nathanielâ??s Nutmeg and Tulipomania comes the epic story of an ancient, elusive herb with legendary curative powers that have enticed and mystified us for centuries.Prized for centuries by Chinese emperors, Native American healers, and black market smugglers, ginseng launched the rise to power of Chinaâ??s last great and influential dynasty; inspired battles between France and England; precipitated Americaâ??s first trade with China; fostered the study of comparative anthropology; was collected and traded by Daniel Boone; and has made and broken the fortunes of many. Today its healing properties are being studied for the treatment of diabetes, cancer, and Parkinsonâ??s disease. David Taylor takes readers from forests east of the Mississippi to the bustling streets of Hong Kong and deep into remote corners of China as he weaves together the history, culture, and intrigue surrounding the â??Root of Life.â?Read More

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  • Product Description

    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 plantâ??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.

  • 1565124014
  • 9781565124011
  • David A. Taylor
  • 23 June 2006
  • Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
  • Hardcover (Book)
  • 308
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