For many shoppers, it can be quite difficult not to notice a drink on store shelves with a whole ginseng root soaking in every bottle.
"Stay up a whole night and drink the whole thing" is the botanical drink's advertising slogan, which claims that it can help people regain energy.
About a month ago, the drink, simply called "The Whole Thing", first retailed at Lawson convenience stores. Now it has become a trending topic on Chinese social media.
botanical /bəˈtænɪkl/ adj. 植物（学）的
According to the manufacturer, the ginseng used in the drink is farmed and less than five years old. Some trade insiders said that the wholesale price for such ginseng is only about two yuan each.
And it's more like a food ingredient so its medicinal effect could be very limited.
Wang Xing, a doctor specializing in cardiovascular medicine, said marketing a product as something that can help people recover from burning the midnight oil is just a promotional stunt.
"The damage of staying up the whole night, such as feeling weak, is irreversible. It can only increase the risks of cardiovascular disease," Wang said. He added that all people need to do to avoid symptoms caused by staying up late is to have a good night's sleep.
stunt /stʌnt/n. 噱头，作秀 cardiovascular disease：心血管疾病
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