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Ginseng

Other plants

The Mountain’s Gift

Ginseng

A Korean legend dating back about 1,500 years tells of a young scholar named Kang who prayed for days in a cave on Mount Jinak to save his gravely ill mother.

One night, a mountain god appeared to him in a dream and pointed out a plant bearing three red fruits. Kang found the plant in the place shown to him, boiled its root and gave it to his mother, who is said to have miraculously recovered. He then planted the ginseng seeds, giving rise, according to legend, to the first cultivated ginseng in the Geumsan region.

Ginseng

Medicinal properties

Root

Ginseng is traditionally used as a tonic to support the body during periods of fatigue, weakness or stress. Clinical trials suggest that it may modestly reduce general fatigue and improve feelings of energy, although results vary depending on the preparations used.

Recipe

Ginseng Root Tincture

Ginseng Root Tincture
Plant part
root
Duration
4 to 6 weeks

Ingredients

  • 50 g dried, finely cut ginseng root
  • 250 ml food-grade alcohol at 60% ABV

Preparation

  1. Place the dried root in a clean, dry glass jar.
  2. Pour the alcohol over the root, seal the jar tightly, then label it with the plant, the 1:5 ratio, and the date.
  3. Leave to macerate for four to six weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking the jar regularly.
  4. Strain through cheesecloth, pressing the root well, then pour the tincture into a clean, labelled dark-glass bottle.

Sources and references

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