Korean ginseng is called insam. It is considered a unique plant for its healing properties, as well as historical significance. This ginseng is considered true. It grows in an ideal climate for it, where all 4 seasons of the year are pronounced. The active period of the plant is six months, which is on average several months longer than that of the Chinese and American plants.
History
The first mention of this plant was noticed in the first century BC. Even then, Korean ginseng was considered a panacea for all diseases. Since the 16th century in China, this plant has been taken rare, so it was banned for use. Only the emperor was entitled to use it. For a long time, China was the main consumer of ginseng, so Korea often paid tribute to them. As a result, at the moment, this plant is used not only as a therapeutic agent, but also as a regular food product.
Types of Ginseng
Korean ginseng is divided into several types depending on the processing.
- Peksam. This is white ginseng. It is dried, after removing the peel from it. Do this without exposure to sunlight. Depending on how much the root has been dried, its shape also changes. Such ginseng is stored for about a year.
- Susam. This is a fresh plant that is only dried in the wind. However, only 4-6 year old plants can be consumed in this form.
- Honsam - Red Ginseng. It is considered the most common and useful. Fresh root is treatable, making it hard and red.
- Tagysam - is a fresh ginseng, which is treated with water. As a rule, it is used for cooking products.
Ginseng Production
Until the end of the 20th century, Korea had a monopoly on the export of ginseng, but at the moment it is canceled. Because of this, production is strictly controlled. Thanks to this state approach, products with the addition of Korean ginseng are always at the highest level.
When assembling insam, it is always sorted. In order for the master to understand this perfectly, he should study for several years.
A root with a certain number of shoots and without flaws is usually called Heavenly. If ginseng has few processes, or it does not look like a human figure, then its name is Earth. The remaining roots are called good. If ginseng is damaged, then it is not packaged. Its name is cut.
Packaging is carried out as thoroughly as possible. The roots are wrapped in paper, then put into a box of wood. The jar is sealed. Thanks to this approach, the shelf life of the product can be extended. Recycled are those roots that did not end up in banks. In order to make ginseng extract, a heavenly product is used. The rest is washed into powder, which is then added to food.
Growing problems
This plant does not tolerate sunlight at all, and also it can not be fertilized. The Koreans spent many years creating optimal conditions for the growth of ginseng. He needs a moderate amount of light.
It is impossible to grow the plant root again in one area. If ginseng has been planted, it has grown and collected, then you can plant it again here only after 8-10 years.
Ginseng Cost
The price of this plant and food products with it completely depend on how old he is, where he is bought and in what form.
You can find Korean ginseng tea in a regular store. The cost for it will be about 500 rubles. However, to find out how much the root of the plant is here is completely impossible. That is why many advise to purchase bottles with this product separately and add it to tea yourself.
Making Red and White Ginseng
Korean red ginseng is produced by state-owned companies. Private entrepreneurs are prohibited from making this product. According to rumors, this plant brings huge amounts of money to the state.
Private companies can grow white ginseng. Such a plant will cost a little cheaper than the red analogue, however, the healing properties are slightly weaker. In the production and processing of ginseng, companies undergo rigorous screening. This is due to the fact that the plant is not only used by local pharmaceutical companies, but also exported.
Ginseng Composition
When technology evolved to the modern level, scientists decided to find out what makes this product so useful. Saponins that resemble soap suds were bred. They are contained in the root of the plant, making its properties as diverse as possible.
Ginseng has vitamins C and B, a huge amount of amino acids, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron.
Product property
Korean ginseng root is valued for health benefits. Its components are responsible for vital signs.
Saponin Rg1 gives vigor. Thanks to him, ginseng can be used for fatigue. It improves performance. After it, the body becomes more resilient in physical and psychological terms.
Saponin Rb acts differently. It allows the body to relax, get rid of stress, relieve physical and mental stress.
Due to the large number of nutrients, ginseng has many properties. Thanks to him, muscles are strengthened, their strength increases. Ginseng has a positive effect on physical activity. It has an effect on blood circulation, therefore, after a time after its use, you can feel a sensation of heat. The temperature does not rise, just the blood begins to circulate better.
Asian longevity is possible due to the fact that the healing root does not allow dehydration to develop. It is able to strengthen organs such as the lungs, spleen, and stomach. It is used for viral colds, as Korean ginseng strengthens the immune system. Often it is used if it is necessary to remove toxins from the body.
Ginseng use
This product is recommended for people of advanced age, as well as those who have an exhausted and weakened body. But this does not mean that for other people insam will be less useful. It is just on the old body that its effect will be as clear as possible. If you give ginseng to children, then you can prevent developmental problems, improve brain activity, as well as endurance. However, it must be remembered that the children's daily dose is slightly less than the adult.
In Europe and America, the root is used as a medicine. In these countries, Korean ginseng extract is especially popular. In China and Korea, the situation is different. Here they are used to eating the plant for food, therefore food products with this plant are common. Now actively selling sweets, marmalade, tea, ginseng chips.
6 year old ginseng extract
Scientists believe that it is in the extract that contains a large number of useful properties. It is released either in liquid form or in capsules. About 30 g of extract is contained in a standard package. The saponin content is about 12 mg per gram. This figure is quite large. The price of the extract depends entirely on which ginseng it is made from - heavenly, earthly, good or cut.
Complete with extract of red Korean ginseng with a spoon. 1 g without a slide is placed in it - this is the daily dose. The extract itself looks like a thick viscous mass of black. Reminds resin. When using, it is better to first add the extract to hot water, and then dilute with cold. Otherwise, due to the viscous consistency, the mass will dissolve for a long time.
On the advice of people who use the extract regularly, you need to drink this substance after eating. It tastes like licorice root. It is advisable to use the extract in the autumn-spring period. It is at this time that one can relieve fatigue, immunity. Thanks to the extract, you can improve the body. Even after irregular use, the person’s general condition improves.
Reviews
As already mentioned, reviews of the white and red root of Korean ginseng are positive. Buyers emphasize that it is best to purchase this plant directly in South Korea. In this country, there are 100% no fakes, since its production is strictly regulated at the legislative level. If it is not possible to purchase it in Asia, then you need to carefully choose in local stores. You should learn more about product information on the Internet, see how the package looks. So you can avoid buying a fake.
In the reviews, many indicate that it is not worth exceeding the daily dosage of the root or extract. This can lead to a general deterioration in well-being and even poisoning.
Some notice the high cost, but it is quite justified by the beneficial properties of the plant. To prevent colds and other diseases, you can drink it, it will help to survive even the coldest winter.
Summary
This plant is treated respectfully. It costs quite a lot, but its properties fully justify the price. Asians believe that if there is a cure for all problems, then it is ginseng that is.
Reviews about Korean ginseng from both Asians and Russian people are as good as possible. This is the product that is really able to improve the body. Many note that if a person is tired, feels weak, constantly walks sleepy, then ginseng will ideally help to cheer up. If you drink it regularly, then even with problems with sleep and a huge amount of work, you can recover and feel as good as possible.
In the old days, decoctions from ginseng root were prescribed to sick people. He helped strengthen blood vessels, lungs, stomach, improved physical activity. In addition, it was used for colds. Thanks to him, the immune system improved, and the person quickly recovered.