Sancai Tuhui, Volume on Grasses and Trees, Part 1

Ginseng original: 人參 (Renshen) grows in the mountain valleys of Shangdang A region in modern-day Shanxi province, historically famous for producing the highest quality ginseng, as well as in the various prefectures of Liaodong, Hedong, and Qinshan. It is also found in Hebei, Huaiyang, and Fujian; the variety from the latter regions is known as Silla Ginseng original: 新羅人參; Silla was an ancient Korean kingdom, and Korean ginseng has been a prized trade commodity for centuries. However, none of these varieties are as excellent as the ginseng from Shangdang.

The root is shaped like that of the Siler plant Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia divaricata), but it is moist and solid. In spring, the sprouts emerge; in the third or fourth month, it produces tiny flowers like millet grains, with thread-like stamens of a purplish-white color. After autumn, it bears seeds. Those roots that take on the shape of a human are considered to possess a divine spirit. The variety produced on Mount Tai is quite distinct, having green stems and leaves but a white root.

In the Yangtze and Huai regions, there is a variety called "Earth Ginseng" original: 土人參 (Tu Renshen). Its leaves are small and spoon-shaped, resembling the Balloon Flower Jiegeng (Platycodon grandiflorus), and it has an extremely sweet and pleasant flavor.

According to local lore, there is a way to test for genuine Shangdang Ginseng: have two people walk together, one with a piece of ginseng held in their mouth and the other without. After they have walked about three to five li A traditional Chinese unit of distance; 5 li is approximately 2.5 kilometers or 1.5 miles, the person who did not have the ginseng will certainly be panting heavily, while the one who held the ginseng in their mouth will breathe normally. This proves the ginseng is authentic.

Ginseng is also known by the names "Human Bit," "Ghost's Parasol," "Divine Grass," "Human Tenuity," "Two Essences," and "Blood Ginseng." Those shaped like a human are particularly spiritual.

Flavor and Nature:
Sweet in taste. Its nature is slightly cold or slightly warm, and it is non-toxic.

Primary Uses:
It is primarily used for deficiencies in the Qi Vital life force or energy of the Five Viscera The Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys, as well as for exhaustion, injuries from overwork, and general physical depletion. Long-term consumption makes the body feel light and extends one's years.