Korean Ginseng/Koryo Insam (Heaven 15). Korean ginseng is a perennial rhizome plant. Authentic Korean ginseng refers specifically to ginseng produced on the Korean peninsula and has a history of thousands of years in North Korea. Since the Korean era, it has been widely cultivated and recognized by the world as the best ginseng. The roots with rhizomes of Araliaceae plants are processed and steamed. Its effects include nourishing vitality, nourishing and strengthening the body, relieving thirst and calming and nourishing the mind. It is suitable for people who have insomnia, physical weakness, heart failure, and cardiogenic health issues. Authentic Korean ginseng has been grown for 6 years. There are two types which are white ginseng and red ginseng, but the Korean ginseng is usually referred to as red ginseng. During the processing of red ginseng, a variety of other Chinese medicinal materials are used to resolve the “dryness” of ginseng and increase its efficacy. Red ginseng is classified into four grades. Heaven, Earth, Good, and Cut. A Heaven-grade product, which is very rare and special, should not have cracks and scratches. The color of the textures must be maroon, brown, or dark brown. An Earth-grade product has cracks and scratches on less than a quarter of them. Earth-grade rootlet grading is the same as that of heaven-grade. There must be a diameter of? 2.0 mm of whitening and pitting effecting less than a quarter. The earth-grade textures/colors are similar to heaven-grade. The Good grade standard is not limited to the body. Whitening of the body length is one third or less, and the pitting of the body length is one half or less. Like the other two grades, the Good-grade color is shiny, but the color is not uniform. The Cut-grade has no standard and grade. Korean red ginseng roots are carefully selected, steamed with the skins unpeeled, preserving vital nutrients and flavors. Light yellowish brown to light reddish brown in color, the steamed and dried Korean red ginseng roots may remain preserved for periods up to 10 years or more. If the ginseng is different from the above colors, it is definitely not genuine. Cautions: Do not eat Korean ginseng with Wulingzhi, Veratrum (American hellebore) or radish. Consult an herbalist if you mix red ginseng with other stimulating herbs or medicines.
