Ginseng is an herbaceous perennial plant from the genus Panax. The most common varieties are Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng), Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), and Panax notoginseng (Chinese or Korean ginseng). Ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and is considered the "King of Herbs". It is known for improving psychological function, immune function, and conditions associated with diabetes. The two countries that produce the most ginseng in the world are China and Korea. Cultivation of ginseng faces challenges like needing shade, a long growing period, and depleting soil nutrients.

1. Jake Lau Hort 4000 http://web.mit.edu/shiladit/www/Lab/InTheNews/Images/ginseng1.jpg

2. Question

3. What is Ginseng? Family ~ Araliaceae Genus ~ Panax Whorled Compound leaves Herbaceous perennial Rhizomes Red berries

4. Distribution of Panax P. quinquefolius P. notoginseng P. ginseng P. vietnamensis

5. History of Ginseng King of Herbs Man-root P. ginseng first discovered in Northern China 5,000 years ago. Medicinal uses recorded 3,000 years ago. http://www.bouncingbearbotanicals.com/images/ginseng_root.jpg

6. Question What color are ginseng fruit?

7. RED

8. History of Ginseng Due to over harvesting wild Chinese ginseng now very rare. About 600 years ago, cultivation began. http://www.gardensmarten3.com/images/lawnmower.jpg

9. Cultivation problems Photophobic - too much light will cause leaf damage and lower root yields 40 days below freezing or seeds won’t sprout Both well-drained and well-wattered Climate must be cool and temperate Specific levels of nutrients Depletes nutrient levels http://www.bcginsenggrowers.com/img/ginseng_shade_cloth.jpg

10. Other problems Takes a long time to harvest a crop! Cultivated are different from wild.

11. Question - what two countries produce the most ginseng in the world?

13. Numbers 60% of North American ginseng goes to China In 2007,Hong Kong imported 2,223,228 pieces worth $116,860,435. http://www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/images/012007/WV_ginseng_pile.jpg

14. An oldie, but a goodie! 100 years old $250,000 300 years old $400,000 http://yeinjee.com/asianpop/wp-content/uploads/2007

15. Question What are two challenges of cultivation? http://chinesemedicinenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/ginseng-korean.thumbnail.jpg

16. Question Why do the Chinese call ginseng man-root?

17. Improves psychological function, immune function, and conditions associated w/diabetes. Has anti-inflammatory properties, is an antioxidant, and has anti-cancer properties (dissolves tumors). Prevent coughs Aids in liver and lung regeneration Enhances blood alcohol clearance reduces the effects of alcohol helps prevent hangovers Increased energy and stamina Reduces aging, lower stress, increases memory

18. Not all ginseng is created equal Yin and Yang http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/Images/Herb/Ginseng_Asian.jpg http://z.about.com/d/forestry/1/5/C/D/sangcrofta.jpg

19. Types Honey Liquid extract Tea Dried Red ginseng Fresh http://www.tenrentea.com.au/images/ULenergy_booster.jpg http://tour.chungnam.net/images/engl/good/product_16_01.gif

20. Question What type of ginseng would you take if it was a Very hot day?

21. Questions?

22. References Hoon, Park. (2003). The history of ginseng cultivation in the orient. Acta Horticulturae. No. 620 pgs 453-460, Bailey, W.G. (2003). The globalization of ginseng. Acta Horticulturae. No. 620 pgs 427-451 Anne Kitchener (1996). Ginseng Panax spp. The Austrailian new crops issue. July. www.newcrops.uq.edu.au/newslett/ncnl6151.htm Kristine Cai. (2004). The Market for Ginseng Roots Grows in South China. www.fas.usda.gov/info/agexporter/1998/Sept%201998/ginseng.html Nicholls, Walter. (2004). American Ginseng. Washington Post. June 16th.