Korean ginseng is a type of ginseng

Ginseng

Ginseng is any one of eleven species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, belonging to the genus Panax of the family Araliaceae....

 native to Asia. Korean ginseng is known as a tonic

Tonic

Tonic may refer to:*Tonic water, a drink traditionally containing quinine*Soft drink, a carbonated beverage*Tonic , the response of a muscle fiber or nerve ending typified by slow, continuous action...

, and has been known to treat diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced...

and help develop human brain efficiency.

Habitat

DPRK (North Korea), South Korea, China, Japan, Other regions of Asia.

Especially, Korea is placed in perfect spot to cultivate Korean ginseng. Averagely the periods that ginseng can grow properly are 180 days in a year. Korea has perfect geographical element (33 degrees to 43 degrees north latitude). In addition, Korea is peninsula that has long and narrow body. It makes the ocean type wind blow to Korea. Because the ocean type wind helps ginsengs to grow, it is also good element in Korean ginseng.

Traditional Usage

Korean ginseng is a medicinal plant purported to have wondrous palliative powers. Although it grows in other countries as well, it is wildly cultivated in Korea where the climate and soil produce the world's finest specimens. It is a perennial herb that belongs to the Araliaceae family. Scientifically, it is known as Panax schinseng Nees.

Appearance

A ginseng plant usually grows to be about 60 cm tall. The subterranean stem is short, and stands either straight or slightly tilted. The root looks similar to that of a Chinese bellflower, with a single stalk growing out the stem. Three or four leaves grow at the end of the stalk. Light-green flowers blossom in April. When the flowers wither away, they are replaced by round, reddish fruit.

Goryeo ginseng

To distinguish it from ginseng grown in other parts of the world, Korean-grown ginseng is specifically called "Goryeo ginseng" named after the ancient dynasty of Goryeo. Even in the old days, Korean ginseng used a different Chinese character for "sam" (meaning ginseng).

Medical Effect

The pharmacology book, which is the oldest in the Orient, said that Korean ginseng has an effect on the eyes, tranquilization and setting the heartbeat at ease. In addition, Korean ginseng has 'Ginsenosides' , which are a special component only found in Korean ginseng. There are also 'Acidic Polysaccharides' , which boost the immune system and 'Polyacetylene', which helps prevent cancer.