King of Herbs (Ginseng)

Member Name: michaelhudson

Product:	Ginseng
Date:	23/10/01 (1291 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Boosts energy, Keeps you warm, Can help combat illness

Disadvantages: Korean Ginseng can be a little expensive.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Korea's oldest export product, Ginseng is revered throughout the Far East as the king of herbal medicines. Koreans regard the herb as a 'cure-all', claiming that it aids against a multitude of ailments ranging from insomnia and toothache right up to the ability to prolong life itself. It is used here-the acknowledged prime source of the world's best Ginseng-as a general tonic, with much symbolic value placed in the appearance of the root itself. For, in resembling the shape of a human body, the Ginseng root is seen as a panacea for most, if not all, human medical problems (the Chinese character for 'Gin' literally translates as 'man').Given the Greek classification of Panax Ginseng in 1843('Pan' means 'all' while 'axos' means 'medicine'),it is widely claimed that this 'miracle' herb aids against the following:

Malaria
Epilepsy
Neurosis
Hysteria
Anemia
Diabetes
Fatigue
Gastroenteritis

In addition, it is widely used to boost energy levels, as an aphrodisiac, to increase blood circulation and as a 'hangover' cure.

Known as Insam in Korea, Ginseng comes in two varieties-the cheaper White and the far more expensive Red. While White Ginseng is produced privately, the government maintains a monopoly on the production and sale of Red Ginseng.The herb can be purchased in its raw state, in dried capsules, as tea(in foil packets generally costing about two pounds for 25 White Ginseng packets), as an extract paste or as an ingredient in a variety of products such as sweets, alcohol, soap and cosmetics. Japanese and Chinese tourists buy as much Korean Ginseng as they can get their hands on, although exports are limited to 3kg per person.

MY EXPERIENCE

Having taken Ginseng Tea(Insam Cha) since I arrived in Korea, I can certainly vouch that it not only increases my alertness, but also raises your body
temperature. While this is a boon in the chilly Korean winter, I learnt to avoid taking any Ginseng during the hot and humid summers here after spending a couple of days dehydrating while teaching. I've also started using Ginseng shower gel which seems to perk me up in the mornings. On the other hand, Ginseng Wine(Insam Ju) is definitely an acquired taste! At the moment I'm drinking the more expensive Red Ginseng tea(Hongsam Cha). A present from a student, this really heats me up and seems to drag the tiredness out of me immediately. Further, my girlfriend's mother is a diabetic and she swears by the stuff, consuming as much as possible.

On the other hand,given the fact that Ginseng raises body temperature, I'd advise against taking Ginseng if you have a high body temperature or fever.


WHERE TO BUY

The Ginseng capital of Korea is undoubtedly the otherwise unremarkable town of Kumsan. With 80% of the antion's supply being collected and marketed here, Kumsan is a true mecca for Ginseng enthusiasts. In addition to the several markets and exhibitions, the town hosts a Ginseng Festival every September. I'd definitely recommend trying Samgye Tang(Ginseng Chicken Soup), which is basically a small chicken stuffed with Ginseng, Jujube, Chestnuts and vegetables served with rice in soup. It costs about four pounds a bowl and is thought to boost a man's virility significantly. Kumsan is best reached via a 40 minute bus ride from Taejon's Tongbu(East) Bus Terminal.

Kangwha-do is probably the major site of Ginseng production. This small island located east of Seoul is best reached by taking a bus from the Sinchon terminal in the capital(Get off at Sinchon Station on subway line 2 and take the road running between the Grand Mart Cinema and the Korea Exchange Bank. After 3-4 minutes you'll see a footbridge and a small bus station just to the right. Tickets cost about two pounds, the ride takes around eig
hty minutes.)

In Seoul itself, try the northern end of Daongdaemun Market(take the subway to Dongdaemun or Dongdaemun Stadium stations.)

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