The history about Ginseng!
Wild Oriental ginseng is the historical root that had set emperors and dynasties against each other. In the year 221 B.C. the emperor Shoangtje sent over 3,000 foot soldiers to find wild ginseng, those who returned empty handed were beheaded. Even Daniel Boone was noted to have his hand in exporting ginseng to China.
Ginseng is often referred to as the "King of Herbs", because roots that resemble human figures are highly prized for their mystical and historical properties. Although there are many so called ginsengs on the market today, there are two distinct types known worldwide. Panax Ginseng (C.A. Meyer) is native to the Asian continent, discovered some 5,000 years ago in the mountain provinces of Manchuria, China. It is said to be the oldest. Panax Quinquefolius Linnaeus is native to North America, found growing wild about 1716 near Montreal by a French Canadian Priest.
North American ginseng is known botanically as Panax quinquefolius. Panax is a Greek word for panacea, meaning "cure all" and "Ginseng" a Chinese word roughly translated meaning "Man Root". Quinquefolius refers to the leaves having five lobes. Although Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius are similar in appearance, there are differences in their chemical properties.
Panax quinquefolius is noted to be the most potent of the two and has a cooling, calming effect on the body, while Panax C.A. Meyer is noted to have a warming quality.
Ginseng for thousands of years, grew naturally or wild in some areas of the world. In Canada as the demand for this wonder root increased it became second only to the fur trade. The wild ginseng plant is nearly extinct due to civilization, deforestation, human consumption and disease. Sang hunters (sang referring to ginseng) scoured the hills looking for this elusive pot of gold and without replanting of the wild ginseng seed it has become very scarce and extremely expensive. $600 to $800 plus a pound is not unheard of. Many U.S. States and Canada now have laws protecting what remains.
Ginseng as a rule has been bought and sold by its age, shape, size and type. Type referring to: Wild (growing naturally), Semi-wild (woods grown), or cultivated (field grown).
Wild ginseng root as you can see, is the most sought after herb for its natural properties and high ginsenoside levels. Simply put, ginseng that has had no human contact what so ever would be classified as "wild". It is found growing naturally in predominately hardwood forests in organic rich soil. Pajor's Woods Grown Ginseng is fortunate to have a hardwood forest rich in humus and the well-kept secrets of Mother Nature. Where else can ginseng be grown to take on the natural properties of "wild".