Ginseng
Ginseng Detailed Encyclopedia
Ginseng is a precious traditional Chinese medicinal herb, known as the 'King of Herbs', with effects of greatly tonifying vital energy, restoring pulse, tonifying spleen and lung, generating body fluid, nourishing blood, and calming the mind. Mainly distributed in Northeast China and Korea, it is one of the most important tonic herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.
Basic Information
Family：Araliaceae
Scientific Name：Panax ginseng
Origin：Northeast China (Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang), Korea
Harvest Period：Autumn (September-October)
Growth Years：5-6 years
Plant Height：30-60 cm
Morphological Characteristics
Leaves：Palmately compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets, obovate, serrated margins
Flowers：Umbel inflorescence, pale yellowish-green flowers, blooming in May-June
Roots：Fleshy taproot, cylindrical or spindle-shaped, yellowish-white
Stem：Erect stem, smooth and hairless
Growth Environment
Soil Requirements：Deep, fertile, well-drained sandy loam, pH 5.5-6.5
Water Requirements：Moderate moisture, avoid waterlogging
Light Requirements：Shade-loving, requires 60-70% shade
Temperature Requirements：15-25°C, cold-hardy, can withstand -40°C
Humidity Requirements：Relative humidity 70-80%
Classification & Varieties
Main Varieties
Processing Types
💊 Medicinal Value
Nature & Taste：Sweet, slightly bitter, slightly warm
Meridian：Enters Spleen, Lung, Heart meridians
Main Efficacies
- •Greatly tonifies vital energy, suitable for severe qi deficiency and collapse
- •Tonifies spleen and lung, improves poor appetite, fatigue, cough and shortness of breath
- •Generates body fluid and quenches thirst, treats fluid deficiency and thirst
- •Calms the mind and improves intelligence, treats insomnia, forgetfulness, palpitations
- •Enhances immunity, anti-fatigue, anti-aging
Active Ingredients
📖 Usage Methods
Dosage
- •Decoction: 3-9g
- •Powder: 1-2g
- •Stew: Simmer with meat or soup
- •Tea: Slice and steep in water
⚠️ Contraindications
- •Contraindicated in excess heat syndrome and hyperactivity of yang
- •Use with caution in hypertension patients
- •Use under medical supervision during pregnancy
- •Children should use in moderation
🌱 Cultivation Techniques
Cultivation Points
- •Select shaded forest land with good drainage
- •Deep tillage, apply sufficient organic fertilizer
- •Autumn sowing, row spacing 20-25cm
- •Provide shade, timely watering and fertilizing
Common Pests & Diseases
Prevention Measures：Strengthen field management, maintain proper ventilation and light
Treatment Methods：Spray carbendazim or methylthiophanate at early stage
✂️ Harvest & Processing
Harvest Timing：Autumn (September-October), harvest after 5-6 years of growth
Harvest Method：Carefully dig up roots, remove stems and soil
Processing Methods
- •Fresh ginseng: Wash and use directly
- •White ginseng: Sun-dry or air-dry
- •Red ginseng: Steam and dry
Storage：Store in cool, dry place, sealed to prevent moisture and insects
🏛️ Cultural Value
History：Ginseng has been used for over 4000 years, listed as superior grade in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica
Symbolism：Symbolizes vitality, longevity, and health
Gift Culture：Traditional precious gift for health and wellness
Modern Research：Modern research confirms anti-fatigue, immune-enhancing, and anti-aging effects
Market Value：Jilin ginseng is world-renowned, an important medicinal material and export commodity