As of yet, there's no consistent evidence to support the use of ginseng. It contains many active ingredients, and it's hard to know which of these elements are important.
People take it as a pepper-upper and to cure a wide range of ills.
In this country alone its sales run into hundreds of millions of dollars annually. One well-known website advertises ginseng to treat 12 different ailments, from the common cold to HIV infection and Alzheimer's disease. Fruit shake bars all over the country will add ginseng to your smoothie. Deli refrigerators are full of ginseng-enriched teas and other soft drinks. Kids too young to buy beer can purchase ginseng elixirs laced with alcohol at convenience stores.