[Mind & Body] Ginseng: secret to long life no longer secret; Korea's famous panacea strengthens immunity, fights cancer.
Ask someone what the most famous herbal medicine in Korea is, and they will more than likely reply, "ginseng," the world-famous name for what Koreans call "insam."
Because of its great natural effectiveness and its tremendous power to help lengthen one's life span, the variety of ginseng grown in Korea is probably the most famous around the world.
Historical records show that in ancient times it was provided for the kings, who eagerly pursued a long, healthy life. There is a very well known story of a Chinese emperor named Quin, who sent his men and envoys to Korea in order to bring back this herb of eternal youth.
Among many Asian countries that cultivate ginseng, Korea has the best natural conditions for growth. The four seasons and weather patterns here simply produce a better, more efficacious herb.
For thousands of years, people from all over the world have sought "Korean ginseng," which is much smaller than its cousin from China, but is much more medically effective.
There are two different types of ginseng: a cultivated, domesticated variety and a natural, wild one. Usually, the latter, which grows in the mountains, is considered the most effective, and is more widely used to remedy diseases. The difference between the two lies in where they grow, either in the mountains or on a farm.
Ginseng helps warm up the body, strengthen immunity and even fight cancer. It is particularly effective for those who suffer from chronically cold hands and feet, bodily aches and pains as well as those who are anemic or get easily fatigued. It is not, however, recommended for those whose hands and feet are perpetually hot.
It is often said that no plant can grow in the same field where ginseng is cultivated, because the roots of ginseng absorb all the essential nutritive substances from the soiiiiiil. Ginseng contains germanium, which plays a great role in promoting blood circulation, promoting growth of blood vessels in the brain, and even preventing cancer.
Ginseng is also a great remedy for those with low blood pressure or people with a "yin" constitution, who always feel chilly and suffer from cold hands and feet.
If you are one of those people who frequently yawn, have a hard time getting up in the morning due to fatigue or always feel sleepy and weak after lunch, this is a signal that you lack "chi," the life force. To remedy this, there is nothing better than ginseng. And the effect can be made even stronger by adding equal parts of the herb Koreans call "hwanggi."
It is not, however, good for those who have hives, feel pressure in the chest area or have a fever or "yang" constitution, the perpetually "hot" body type. Some people are also allergic to ginseng, so it is better to try a tiny bit before taking strong doses, to prevent a serious reaction.
To make a potent ginseng tea, chop about 10 grams of the herb and boil it slowly in about a liter of water for at least 30 minutes. But make sure you remove the top, or the head, because this part of the plant is know to cause nausea in certain people.
You can find ginseng in department stores and at Kyong-dong Market, a wholesale market for Oriental herbal medicine supplies outside Chegi-dong subway station on the red No. 1 line. The freeze-dried packets of ginseng tea are just as effective as the homemade tea, but they contain chemicals used for processing.
To find more articles about Oriental medicinal herbs in this series, go to The Korea Herald Web site (www.koreaherald.co.kr) and type "herb and shin" into the search field. For more information, contact Dr. Shin Min-shik at 02-501-3333 or 011-710-9812. - Ed.
Korea Herald
2001.03.16
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