/oss/taxonomy/term/798/all en /oss/article/medical-critical-thinking/cockroach-scorpion-and-turpentine-extract-heart-disease <p>What would you think if after a heart attack your doctor prescribed capsules of extracts of ginseng, Chinese scorpion, cockroach, leech, peony root, sandalwood and turpentine? I suspect this might evoke a touch of skepticism. But believe it or not, that is just the treatment that 1899 Chinese heart attack patients received to prevent further complications.</p> Fri, 10 Nov 2023 14:50:53 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 9717 at /oss /oss/article/you-asked/does-taking-supplement-maca-root-have-any-merit <p>A good story can sell a product especially when it comes to dietary supplements. Talk about some legendary use by natives, throw in terms like increased stamina, improved mood, natural and aphrodisiac, and you are off and running to the marketplace. Maca root powder, here we come! Maca is grown mostly in Peru and its cooked root, with a composition much like wheat or rice, has a long history as a dietary staple. But it is stories about the enhanced virility of Inca warriors who supposedly downed maca root before going into battle that captured the imaginnation of supplement manufacturers.</p> Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:20:09 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2273 at /oss /oss/article/health-history/hype-hope-and-ginseng <p>Probably what first attracted the Chinese to the odd looking root was its shape. It had a decidedly human appearance and was therefore given the name "ginseng," meaning "man- like." The uncanny resemblance to the body undoubtedly encouraged experimentation with ingestion and led to the first recording of claims about beneficial effects. Ancient Chinese manuscripts speak of ginseng brightening the eyes, opening the heart, invigorating the body and prolonging life. Since that time, the claims have become even more extravagant.</p> Sun, 25 Nov 2012 04:30:51 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1831 at /oss