The Ginseng Story

Ginseng Cultivation

   Korean Ginseng is cultivated in accordance with ancient methods and benefits from the most favorable climate and soil conditions for ginseng cultivation.  It is always grown and exported under strict government requirements to ensure quality. 

   Korean ginseng takes 4-6 years to mature before it can be harvested.  After cultivation, the same field cannot grow ginseng for 10-15 years as ginseng depletes so many nutrients from the soil.  It is so demanding that the field soil must be prepared for 2 years by tilling the soil repeatedly with fresh mulch such as oak leaves.  When roots are grown more than 7 years, root growth appears to be retarded and becomes ill-shaped with woody skin and a higher rate of cavities. 

The Man Root

   Korean ginseng has a root system which includes a rhizome head, main root and lateral roots from which numerous fine roots develop.  As a whole, Korean ginseng has such a balanced shape that it resembles the shape of the human body.  Is is believed that this shape is a sign from nature that ginseng is a non-specific herb which is good for the entire body.

Processing Method

   Generally, Korean ginseng is harvested 4-6 years after the sowing.  The fresh harvested ginseng root is called "Susam" or fresh ginseng for its is not dried yet.  Susam contains 75% water, so it is prone to damage or rotting which makes it difficult to store more than a week.  Ginseng in which the outer skin has been removed and the root is dried is called white ginseng. 

   Korean red ginseng is make by steaming and drying carefully selected ginseng roots without peeling off the skin.  It maintains the original shape but the color turns into light reddish brown and can be stored longer with little loss of potency.

   Through a steam pressure process, the pure liquid essence of the root is drawn out of the root as a dark syrupy extract.  Next to eating freshly harvested raw ginseng root, this concentrated pure extract is the most potent and effective form of ginseng.

Long Term Benefits

   According to the book "About Ginseng" by Stephen Fulder, M.A., Ph.D., in Chinese medicine, "the herbal tradition of ginseng states explicitly that the more ginseng is taken, the more long term benefits can be obtained from it.  It is recommended that everyone who can afford it should take a course of ginseng every year.  The effect of ginseng is cumulative.  The regular use of ginseng, it is stated, will not only increase health and vitality but will also prolong life.  Old people are advised to take some every single day to extend their life span and to encourage protection from the diseases of old age."