Key Characteristics of Ginseng
Ginseng, also known as "earth spirit" or "stick root," belongs to the Araliaceae family. Most are cultivated, with only a few wild varieties. Wild ginseng is called "wild mountain ginseng" or "mountain ginseng," while cultivated ginseng is termed "round ginseng."
Common wild ginseng varieties like "transformed mountain ginseng," "seed-grown mountain ginseng," "dug-up ginseng," "pond-bottom ginseng," and "transplanted mountain ginseng" generally correspond to grades 8-9 of mountain ginseng.Due to their scarcity and prevalence of counterfeits, consumers should seek expert authentication when purchasing.
Cultivated ginseng is primarily produced in China's three northeastern provinces. Most commercially available ginseng is cultivated, with primary specifications including sun-dried ginseng, red ginseng, and white ginseng.Sun-Dried Ginseng: The main root is cylindrical or spindle-shaped, with a grayish-yellow surface. The upper part features sparse, shallow, discontinuous horizontal striations and distinct longitudinal wrinkles. The lower section has 2-3 lateral roots. The fibrous roots bear faint pearl-like dots. The texture is hard, with yellowish-brown resin dots scattered throughout the cortex. It emits a faint fragrance and has a slightly bitter, sweet taste.Red Ginseng: A steamed ginseng product resembling raw ginseng, with visible transverse striations at the upper end and 2–3 lateral roots. Fibrous roots are removed, presenting a reddish-brown, translucent appearance with a smooth fracture surface. White Ginseng: Pale white surface with numerous discontinuous annular rings at the upper end and 2–3 lateral roots at the lower end. Processing punctures are visible throughout, with a sweeter taste.
Ginseng is sweet and slightly bitter with a mildly warm nature. It profoundly replenishes vital energy, fortifies the lungs and spleen, generates fluids to quench thirst, and enhances mental clarity and tranquility. Due to differing processing methods, ginseng's medicinal properties vary. Those with yang deficiency should use red ginseng, while those with qi deficiency should use white ginseng or sun-dried ginseng.Patients with hypertension and arteriosclerosis should take ginseng fluid extract orally (20 drops per dose, twice daily), effective for hypertension, myocardial dystrophy, coronary artery hardening, and angina pectoris. Patients with hyperlipidemia may take 2.5g of red ginseng powder daily. After continuous use for 3 to 24 months, free fatty acids and lipid peroxides show significant reduction.Individuals with neurasthenia should take 5ml of 3% ginseng tincture three times daily for one month. This regimen improves symptoms like generalized fatigue, headaches, and poor appetite. Additionally, ginseng demonstrates particularly remarkable efficacy in treating mild diabetes and is effective for rheumatic, tuberculous, or geriatric anemia unresponsive to conventional anti-anemic agents.When used in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer treatment, ginseng preparations can increase white blood cell counts, improve liver function, and prolong life expectancy.
It is important to note that ginseng is not a panacea and must be taken under medical supervision. Care must be taken to avoid excessive dosages, as high doses can cause toxicity. Ginseng can be taken as a powder at 2–3 g daily or as a decoction at 3–10 g.
Authenticity is primarily determined by examining its shape, color, and taste.
1. Genuine Ginseng
1.1 Sun-Dried Ginseng: Features a crown head with a bowl-shaped base and short lateral roots. The outer skin is brownish-yellow with prominent longitudinal wrinkles and a relatively hard texture. The cross-section is yellowish-brown with distinct brown rings, and the cortex exhibits sesame-like dots.
1.2 Red Ginseng. Single root crown, long main root with short lateral roots. Surface reddish-brown and translucent, occasionally with grayish-yellow spots. Hard texture. Cross-section reddish-brown.
1.4 Korean Red Ginseng. Commonly features dual crowns (butterfly crowns), with the primary root thick and long, often forming a square column shape. Surface is reddish-brown and translucent, with a distinct transverse constriction ring between the crown and root body.Authentic specimens exhibit resin canals and crystal clusters in the exarch vascular bundles under microscopic examination.
2. Counterfeit Ginseng
2.1 Wild Ginseng. Root of Portulaca oleracea (Purslane family), lacking root crown or root bowl, with exarch vascular bundles containing crystal clusters.
2.2 Chinese Mountain Ginseng. Root of Aralia chinensis (Solanaceae), lacking crown and crown bowl, with external vascular bundles containing crystal clusters.
2.3 Phytolacca. Root of Phytolacca americana or Phytolacca chinensis (Phytolaccaceae), lacking crown and crown bowl, with lenticels on surface; cross-section shows concentric rings and concentric tripartite vascular bundles containing needle crystals.
2.4 Wild Cowpea. Root of the legume genus Vigna unguiculata, lacking root crown and root collar, with a bean-like odor; external vascular bundles contain resin canals.
2.5 Platycodon. Root of the bellflower genus Platycodon, featuring root crown and root collar, with transverse constrictions and longitudinal wrinkles.