from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ginseng \Gin"seng\, n. [Chinese.] (Bot.)
A plant of the genus {Aralia}, the root of which is highly
valued as a medicine among the Chinese. The Chinese plant
({Aralia Schinseng}) has become so rare that the American
({A. quinquefolia}) has largely taken its place, and its root
is now an article of export from America to China. The root,
when dry, is of a yellowish white color, with a sweetness in
the taste somewhat resembling that of licorice, combined with
a slight aromatic bitterness.
[1913 Webster]