Ginseng, the Divine Root

Ginseng, The Divine Root uncovers an epic tale of plant medicine and a plant prized for centuries by emperors, healers, and smugglers. Collected by Daniel Boone, ginseng was one of North America’s first major exports to Asia. The book tracks the plant and its history through one season, following its wild ride from forests in Appalachia to markets in China, a journey laced with crime, myths, gourmet cuisine, pop culture, and continental drift.

Get it straight from the publisher, or Bookshop.org or any major platform!

Praise for ‘Ginseng, the Divine Root’

A “fascinating tour… a master storyteller.”  —Library Journal

“Adventurous.”  — Booklist

“Excellent . . . I would highly recommend this book … reminds me of Michael Pollan, author of The Botany of Desire and The Omnivore’s Dilemma.”  — Robert Beyfuss in Herbalgram

“An intelligent, wide-ranging account.”  —Publishers Weekly

“Fantastic book. It really immerses you in the history of ginseng.” – Sara Jackson on Stories from the Earth

“Once into this book you’ll be totally captivated” – Midwest Book Review

Read other reviews in ThriftBooks, Boston Globe and from the Society of Environmental Journalists 

Ginseng Facts, Recipes, Articles and Interviews

• Ginseng Fact Sheet
• Ginseng Recipes
• David’s Smithsonian article on the fight against ginseng poaching in the Great Smoky Mountains features one poacher’s cautionary tale.
• NPR’s Kojo Nnamdi Show, Good Food, and Here on Earth featured the book in these interviews.