Boiling ginseng root.

Botanical name: 
Panax ginseng

Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs
Subject: Ginseng question...
From: lj.panix.com (LJ)
Date: 10 May 1995 14:37:59 -0400

I bought large chunks of ginseng root. Each piece supposedly makes 8 cups of tea. The woman who sold it to me told me that I could reheat it and use it again, but when I try this, it's really disgusting. Am I doing something wrong here?

She also said to eat it after boiling it a second time. I am worried about boiling it-- does it change the chemical composition (or whatever) drastically? Does it still do the same things?

Should I even eat the root?

Thanks--

nanci

From: sweeti.slip.net

The root is perfectly safe to eat. In fact, it is better for you than the suppliments/etc. My family has been nibbling the roots for years and years. Just take it in nibbles..don't overdo it. Not that it may be bad for you in high doses, just that you don't need the higher dose..it is really nasty tasting (in my opinion) andheck, there isn't exactly an expiration date on the root.; )

I've never made the tea using the root.. We normally use the dried leaves for that. I know it tastes nasty with the leaves..so I can't even imaging trying to drink the root tea.; )

From: p_iannone.pop.com (Paul Iannone)

: Am I doing something wrong here?

People have been boiling (two or three times) ginseng for three thousand years. Not to worry.

--Paul || p_iannone.pop.com

From: jakiel.crl.com (Jennifer B. Jakiel)

: People have been boiling (two or three times) ginseng for three thousand years. Not to worry.

Ginseng root is quite safe eaten raw (the Peterson guide I have on edible wild plants recommends wild american ginseng as a trail nibble!) and when preparing wild herbs, roots are always boiled... it's more effective than brewing for bringing out medicinal essences.

-j

From: p_iannone.pop.com (Paul Iannone)

: (the Peterson guide I have on edible wild plants recommends wild american ginseng as a trail nibble!)

If you did happen to find a Wild American ginseng, you should leave it right where it is! Shame on Peterson. The plant is rare, and probably endangered throughout its range.

--Paul || p_iannone.pop.com