Ginseng, the root of the perennial herb formerly called panax quinquefolium, but now placed in the genus aralia. The Chinese ginseng is probably derived from another species of the same genus. The root of the plant growing in the United States is of interest or value chiefly as an article of exportation to China, where it is supposed to possess remarkable virtues in the treatment of nearly all diseases. The fleshy root, from 4 to 9 in. long, throws up a simple stem about a foot high, which bears at the top three long-petioled leaves, each of which has five divisions, and a small umbel of inconspicuous, greenish white flowers, which are succeeded by small berry-like red fruits. Before the introduction of the American root, ginseng is said to have brought its weight in gold at Peking. There is no reason to suppose its efficacy is other than imaginary. It is chewed by some persons in this country, but is not used in medicine, except as a demulcent.