Korean ginseng (Panax schinsen) is a type of ginseng native to Asia.[1][2] Korean ginseng is known as a tonic, and has been known to treat diabetes mellitus and help develop human brain efficiency.[2]
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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 on a peninsula that has a 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 a good element for growning Korean ginseng.
Korean ginseng is a medicinal plant reported 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.
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.
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).
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. Like all Panax ginsengs, Korean ginseng has the active constituents called 'ginsenosides' [3]. There are also 'Acidic Polysaccharides' [4], which boost the immune system and 'Polyacetylene'[5], which helps prevent cancer.