Description: A Korean legend reports that the inhabitants of a village in ancient times could hear a howling from the forest for three consecutive nights. Intrigued they were searching the origin of these noises and discovered that they came from a large tree. Then they began to dig and found great roots with almost human shapes of legs and arms. Stunned by this discovery, they gave the plant the name Gin-Seng, which in their language means "plant-man". Since then this root has been highly esteemed as a medicine, or better, it has been regarded as a panacea; hence the scientific name which the Greeks had already given to them in the time of Theophrastus: Panax or panacea, a remedy for all diseases.
Some truths about the ginseng were actually confirmed later: the root contains a composition of steroidal nature that seems to stimulate the adrenal cortex. This results in the widespread use of ginseng as a tonic and stimulant in case of weakness, neurasthenia and fatigue. A widespread use begins now also in the liqueur industry, both for its supposed characteristics as "aphrodisiac" and, as we believe, for its very pleasant taste.
Notes: Although not recorded in a systematic manner, the following side effects have been observed at high doses for long periods: insomnia, nervousness, diarrhea, hyper-excitability.
Ingredients: - 1 large ginseng root - some cane sugar - 1 liter of Grappa
Preparation: With a very large root, some cane sugar and a liter of Grappa you get a distillate with undisputed stimulating and digestive properties. After an aging of at least six months, the Grappa will have a light yellow color and a very aromatic taste. The maceration instead is carried out in a sunny place and should last three months. You get a very good Grappa, with one mistake: it is a bit expensive!
