Why is Ginseng So Expensive?
Quick answer
Ginseng takes time to grow and mature, anywhere between 5 and 10 years, and the older the root, the more expensive it is. Ginseng also has a high demand in the market. Most of the clinical trials of Asian ginseng have been small and shorter than 3 months.
Key takeaways
- Short-term use of Asian ginseng by mouth, up to 6 months, in recommended amounts appears to be safe for most people, but questions have been raised about its long-term safety.
- Insomnia is the herb's most common side effect. Uncommon side effects that have been reported include severe rash, liver damage, and severe allergic reactions.
- Some studies of Asian ginseng suggest it may be unsafe when taken orally during pregnancy.
- Asian ginseng might lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, consult your health care provider before using it.
- Asian ginseng might interact with certain medications, so talk with your health care provider before using it if you take any type of medicine.
Ginseng has many health benefits, and it is a perennial herb that Asians first discovered.
You must be wondering, why is it so expensive and where to buy Ginseng, isn’t it?
I will try to explain to you in the below article what makes Ginseng so expensive.
Why is Ginseng Worth So Much?
Unlike the other herbs, Ginseng has a variety of medicinal uses. There are various reasons for this herb to be expensive. Here, I will talk about the top three.
1. Million Dollar Health Benefits of Ginseng
There are many herbs with unparallel medicinal benefits. Ginseng is above many of such herbs because it has innumerable health benefits.
- Asian ginseng has been promoted for stress, cognitive function, flu, fatigue, athletic performance, diabetes, aging, asthma, anxiety, and other conditions, but most of the clinical trials have been small and shorter than 3 months.
- Some evidence suggests that Asian ginseng might lower blood sugar levels, but research on its use for improving blood sugar control in people with diabetes is overall inconclusive and conflicting. It reduces LDL, that is, Low-Density lipids, and increases HDL that is High-Density lipids. LDL is bad cholesterol while HDL is good.
These are just some of the benefits of much more. So now you know what importance Ginseng holds! If you get so many health benefits from just one herb, it is bound to cost you high.
My recommended Ginseng products from Amazon:
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| Ginseng Powder | Brand | Ginseng Type | Ginseng per serving (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGC Ginseng Extract | Korean Red Ginseng Powder | 1 |
| Stakich | American Ginseng Root Powder | 1.5 |
| NuSci | Panax Ginseng Extract Powder | 0.25 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
2. Time Taken to Mature the Ginseng
Another factor that contributes to the expensiveness of Ginseng is it takes a proper time to mature.
Ginseng takes the time to grow and mature. It is anywhere between 5 – 10 years.
The root grows in specific weather conditions. It is not that you can grow Ginseng anywhere and everywhere. More the age of Ginseng root, the more expensive it is.
Most mature roots have the maximum health benefits. People also sell Ginseng roots that are more than 20 years old for an unbelievably high cost.
Asian ginseng is native to the Far East, including Korea, northeastern China, and far-eastern Siberia. Korean or Chinese Ginseng is the best amongst all its variants. Wild American Ginseng is also very high in demand.
3. Scarcity of Wild Ginseng
Wild Ginseng means the Ginseng that does not grow in artificial weather conditions. Wild Ginseng grows in moist soils, on the slope of a mountain, and in the shades of trees.
Wild Ginseng is declared endangered in many parts of the United States. You don’t have control over environmental factors such as floods, storms, etc.
These can cause wild Ginseng to get destroyed. To keep the wild Ginseng protected for years together is a task.
Plus, Ginseng dealers keep holding it from going in the market so that the demand rises and eventually the prices as well.
Ginseng has a high demand in the market. China is the largest producer and also consumer of Ginseng. America imports Ginseng from China because of the low supply and high demand.
I wanted to become a Ginseng farmer after knowing this. You can grow Ginseng at your home as well if you have, or you can create favorable conditions.
How to Grow Ginseng Root?
Ginseng demands a lot of attention while growing. You have to be a committed gardener for cultivating Ginseng. You can go ahead with Ginseng seeds that you can bow.
Else, you can also try 1-2 years old Ginseng root. But, make sure you select a place in your garden or backyard that is dark, shady and has moist soil.
It grows in deep rich loamy soil and 80% shade. Bow the seeds or transplant the roots very carefully. March and April are the months when Ginseng begins to bud.
You can grow Ginseng in a smaller quantity. You can buy Ginseng easily if the use is for a medical purpose.
How to Store Ginseng?
Ginseng is much like Ginger. So the moment you peel the skin of Ginseng, it starts to oxidize.
When you buy Ginseng roots, clean them and wrap them in the paper. After this, please keep it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. It is useful when you want to use it within a week.
You can store it for 3 to 6 months by refrigerating Ginseng roots at 1 or 2-degree celsius. Make sure you wash and clean the Ginseng roots before storing them.
Take an airtight jar for this storage. For longer storage that lasts up to 2 years, dry the roots and store.
While talking about Ginseng, you need to know the precautions. Ginseng is good for health but might show adverse effects.
How to use Ginseng?
Ginseng is widely used as a tea because it provides many health benefits. If you are looking to use it as a tea, then be sure to check out my post where I review the best ginseng tea brands.
Also, you can buy ready-to-use Arizona green tea with honey and ginseng, as it is one of the most popular in the market: https://www.nutriinspector.com/review-arizona-green-tea-with-ginseng-and-honey/.
Precautions
- If you are pregnant, avoid using Ginseng in your diet. It is advisable to consult your doctor before you have it.
- Short-term use of Asian ginseng by mouth, up to 6 months, in recommended amounts appears to be safe for most people, but questions have been raised about its long-term safety. If you are planning a higher dose daily, try with small doses first.
- It can cause nausea, vomiting, or dizziness in some people. If you suffer from any discomfort after having ginseng, consult your physician.
Overall, Ginseng is very beneficial to health. I make sure to add Ginseng to my diet as I want to monitor my weight and not let it increase.
I hope with this article, your doubts are clear. Now that you know why this herb is expensive and where to buy Ginseng, share it with your friends as well.
If you like reading this article, please mention your thoughts or queries in the comments below. I love to hear from my readers.
References
- https://www.quora.com/Why-is-some-ginseng-so-expensive
- http://www.profitableplants.com/growing-ginseng-for-profit/
- http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/American_ginseng.aspx
- http://www.hardingsginsengfarm.com/cultivate.htm
- http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/news/article/13035932/million-dollar-man-root
