The most widely used Chinese medicinal plant, it's said to boost energy and strengthen the immune system. Panax is from the Latin, panacea, meaning cure-all, and this herb has long been considered the best general tonic. American ginseng is in the same family, but not nearly as strong.
Siberian ginseng is remotely related, having very different properties.
The root of the plant contains the active ingredients, ginsenosides. Ginseng supplements are sold in the form of tinctures, teas, or capsules. Capsules are the most potent because they contain the powdered root in its purest form. Research suggests that the herb normalizes blood sugar and stimulates circulation. There are some claims that it's the only true aphrodisiac.