{"product_id":"ginseng-the-divine-root-the-curious-history-of-the-plant-that-captivated-the-world-9781565124011","title":"Ginseng, the Divine Root: The Curious History of the Plant That Captivated the World","description":"The story behind ginseng is as remarkable as the root itself. Prized for its legendary curative powers, ginseng launched the rise to power of China's last great dynasty; inspired battles between France and England; and sparked a boom in Minnesota comparable to the California Gold Rush. It has made and broken the fortunes of many and has inspired a subculture in rural America unrivaled by any herb in the plant kingdom. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Today ginseng is at the very center of alternative medicine, believed to improve stamina, relieve stress, stimulate the immune system, enhance mental clarity, and restore well-being. It is now being studied by medical researchers for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e In \u003ci\u003eGinseng, the Divine Root\u003c\/i\u003e, David Taylor tracks the path of this fascinating plant--from the forests east of the Mississippi to the bustling streets of Hong Kong and the remote corners of China. He becomes immersed in a world full of wheelers, dealers, diggers, and stealers, all with a common goal: to hunt down the elusive \"Root of Life.\" Weaving together his intriguing adventures with ginseng's rich history, Taylor uncovers a story of international crime, ancient tradition, botany, herbal medicine, and the vagaries of human nature.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eTaylor, David A.:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - DAVID A. TAYLOR has written for \u003ci\u003eSmithsonian\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eWired\u003c\/i\u003e, the \u003ci\u003eWashington Post\u003c\/i\u003e, the \u003ci\u003eVillage Voice\u003c\/i\u003e, and the \u003ci\u003eChristian Science Monitor\u003c\/i\u003e. His documentary work has appeared on the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, the Learning Channel, PBS, and National Geographic. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eTaylor, David A.:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - DAVID A. TAYLOR has written for \u003ci\u003eSmithsonian\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eWired\u003c\/i\u003e, the \u003ci\u003eWashington Post\u003c\/i\u003e, the \u003ci\u003eVillage Voice\u003c\/i\u003e, and the \u003ci\u003eChristian Science Monitor\u003c\/i\u003e. His documentary work has appeared on the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, the Learning Channel, PBS, and National Geographic. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.","brand":"Algonquin Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50420202733842,"sku":"9781565124011","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_ea7b6aa8-71bc-48b1-9460-e83e17492fd7.jpg?v=1729491431","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/ginseng-the-divine-root-the-curious-history-of-the-plant-that-captivated-the-world-9781565124011","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}