GINSENG

A Chinese word applied to the root of the Panax quin que folium: it has a bitter-sweet flavour, and is considered as a powerful restorative in China, where its consumption is very great. It is found chiefly in the northern parts of Asia, and in America; but it is almost wholly from the latter source that the Chinese draw their supplies. In 1832, there were sent from the United States to China 407, 067 lbs. of ginseng, valued at 99,303 dollars. See Com mercial Diet. [s. 530]