Ginseng ordinary: description and useful properties. Ginseng root where it grows in Russia What does ginseng look like in the forest

Ginseng, recognized as a symbol of oriental medicine, is not only the most valuable "green doctor", but also one of the rarest medicinal plants. In ancient times, Chinese doctors considered ginseng root to be almost miraculous, capable of raising seriously ill patients to their feet, restoring youth and strength.

The plant was recognized by official medicine relatively recently, but the need for roots turned out to be so great that the natural range of ginseng was reduced many times, and wild-growing specimens were legally protected.

What does ginseng look like

When mentioning medicinal plants, one of the first to come to mind is the name "ginseng". The culture gained wide fame due to its healing properties and branched rhizome, outwardly resembling a bizarre human figure. But what ginseng looks like, or rather its aerial part, is known to few.

Common ginseng, recognized as the most valuable in terms of medicine, is a herbaceous perennial, with one or less often several erect stems from 30 to 70 centimeters high. A thin, no more than 6 mm thick shoot in the upper part is crowned with large cut foliage, consisting of five oval or ovoid parts. Dense palmate ginseng leaves are attached to the stem with strong petioles, have finely serrated edges and a maximum length of up to 15 cm.

In the middle of summer, ginseng blooms, forming an umbrella inflorescence, about three centimeters in diameter and consisting of 15–40 small buds of a greenish hue. The ginseng flower depicted in the photo can hardly be called bright or decorative. White or pinkish corollas with a green serrated calyx and five petals are pollinated by insects. When flowering ends, ovaries appear in place of flowers, ripening in the last days of summer or in September.

Looking at the photo of what ginseng looks like at this time, you can understand how much the appearance of a generally inconspicuous plant is changing. Rounded bright red berries with juicy pulp and 2-3 seeds inside ripen on a peduncle 10–24 cm high.

In the cold season, the aerial part of the plant dies, but a large rhizome remains underground. It preserves the life of ginseng until the onset of heat and carries all the accumulated beneficial substances. Ginseng is a long-lived plant. The older the root, the greater its mass and the higher the healing power. At the beginning of the last century, a bicentennial root was discovered in Manchuria. Today it is hardly possible to find such a giant.

Due to the high demand for medicinal raw materials, a merciless hunt for ginseng in its natural habitats began in the 19th century. It led to a sharp decrease in the number of population and narrowing of the area of growth .

Where does ginseng grow?

Ginseng is a relic plant. An indirect confirmation of this is the unusual area of culture, torn into two parts by the Pacific Ocean. Most of the 12 types of ginseng are indigenous to the Far East, but not so long ago one of the varieties was discovered on the territory of the American continent. Today, five-leaf ginseng is grown in extensive plantations as an effective medicinal plant.

In addition to the west coast of the United States, the ginseng range covers the Korean Peninsula, Vietnam, and Northeast China. Where does ginseng grow in Russia? Our country has the largest stock of this vegetable raw material. Medicinal ginseng in a wild form is found in the southern part of the Khabarovsk Territory, in Sikhote-Alin, as well as in Primorye. Everywhere the plant is included in the list of specially protected species. There is a mention of ginseng in the Red Book of the Jewish Autonomous Region, however, living specimens have not been found here for a long time.

Wherever ginseng grows, not only the collection of roots is prohibited, but all measures are taken to preserve and increase the population.

Today it is known for sure that the plant prefers to settle in broad-leaved forests, under the protection of lindens and hornbeams, fir, cedar, birch and maple. Ginseng loves shade, moisture, needs nutritious loose soil. Under favorable conditions, perennials can form continuous clumps. But at present the picture is not so joyful. For example, in Primorsky Krai, ginseng grows in many areas, but an inquisitive nature researcher is unlikely to be lucky enough to see a large group of plants.

Most often, wild-growing ginseng, the number of which in Russia amounts to tens of thousands, grows singly, in untouched corners on the southwestern or southeastern slopes.

How is ginseng protected?

Of course, poachers still cause serious damage to the number of medicinal plants. However, they are not the only enemies of ginseng. The population of wild plants is declining due to the cutting down of forests suitable for the resettlement of plants, fires, and thinning of the forest litter. Unfortunately, ginseng produces few seeds. Not all of them germinate, and some of the seedlings die in the first years, without having formed a powerful valuable rhizome.

Planting in protected areas protects Far Eastern ginseng from extinction. In which reserve does ginseng grow? There are not just one place like this, but several. Today, programs to restore the abundance of the medicinal relic are working in four reserves in the Russian Far East at once. These are "Kedrovaya Pad", as well as the reserves Lazovsky, Bolshekhekhtsirsky, Ussuriysky.

Not only in Primorsky Krai, but also in other parts of the country, for example, in Sakhalin and Cheboksary, ginseng is grown on specially prepared plantations, where conditions close to natural are created. They also receive raw materials for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products in China, Korea, the USA and Australia. At high humidity, under conditions of 20–30% illumination, the plants stay for 4–6 years. Then the ginseng roots, which have managed to accumulate a fair amount of useful substances, are dug up, cleaned and dried, sorted and crushed.

Although ginseng cultivation helps protect natural resources, and the plants themselves are indistinguishable from wild specimens, they take several years and painstaking, labor-intensive care to mature. So botanists turned to modern science. Today, more and more ginseng is obtained using in vitro cell culture.

Video about the search for ginseng in the Ussuri taiga

Our distant ancestors called this plant the root of life, from the Greek language its name is translated as “healing everything”. This miracle is called ginseng. Where does it grow and in what countries is it cultivated? What useful properties does it have? You will learn about this from our article.

Where in the world does ginseng grow?

local views

Wet mixed and cedar forests with a lot of shaded places. These are the territories where the ginseng root grows in Russia. The range of local ginseng is the Far East, namely Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories. Its small territories are found in the north of the Korean Peninsula and in Altai.

This plant is perennial and herbaceous, the stem of which reaches a height of up to 80 cm. In Primorsky Krai, where ginseng grows, it grows singly or in small families. It is especially noticeable in July. At the tops of its stems are inflorescences of umbrellas, which are white or pink.

Botanical characteristics

Cultivation Secrets

Significance for a person

miraculous root

Vitamins C, A and E provide cleansing of the liver from toxins, normalization of the endocrine system. This is especially important for people with diabetes. Mineral salts of calcium and zinc contribute to the regenerative capacity of tissues, wound healing. All this significantly contributes to slowing down the aging process of the body.

So, now everyone will be able to answer the question where ginseng grows and what properties a person uses. This perennial herbaceous plant grows in the shade of mixed and cedar forests in Russia, Korea, China and Vietnam. Under natural conditions, its root accumulates nutrients for several decades. The underground organ of ginseng grows very slowly. Therefore, to increase its productivity, artificial plantations are created. This raw material is widely used in medicine and pharmacology due to its general tonic effect on the body.

Ginseng: where it grows in Russia, useful properties and contraindications

Where does the "root of life" grow in Russia

Ginseng has been used to heal and restore well-being for centuries. Over 3000 years ago, ancient Chinese physicians actively used this plant. "The root of life", as the grass is called in the East, grows in Tibet, Korea, Vietnam, China. It is also grown in Japan and America.

Moreover, some types of ginseng grow in the Russian Federation. Many years ago, it was possible to find a healing plant only in the forests. However, in recent years, cultivated grass species have been actively grown. Most often, the "root of life" grows in Siberia. However, cultural plantations have been established there. Scientists have been diligently engaged in them since the 19th century. In addition to Siberia, ginseng is grown:

Attention! Experts note some differences in properties between the Siberian "root of life" and its other species.

Useful properties of the plant

The value of ginseng for human health is incredibly high. The benefits of this unique plant are due to the unique biochemical composition of the "root of life". An incredible concentration of useful components is found in the root, stem and leaves of the herb. The effectiveness of treatment using this plant is due to the presence in its composition:

B vitamins;
pectins;
minerals;
nicotinic acid;
essential oils;
resins;
folic acid;
tannins;
tocopherol;
vitamin F;
retinol.

Not surprisingly, ginseng is very beneficial for women. Its key advantage lies in the ability to normalize metabolism. The plant perfectly activates the metabolism, which leads to the effective burning of fat. That is why many ladies use ginseng for active and safe weight loss.

"Root of Life" perfectly strengthens the immune system. It is especially useful to take ginseng in the autumn-winter season and in the spring, when the female body is extremely resistant to the attack of viruses and the spread of infections.

The value of ginseng for women

The use of this unique plant will be appreciated by all women who take care of themselves and love high-quality, natural and safe products. The use of this herbal remedy has a beneficial effect on the condition of the hair and skin. The use of a natural remedy will help:

Return hair volume.
Stop hair loss.
Activate the growth of strands.
Eliminate dandruff.
Smooth out the skin.
Slow down the aging process.

In addition, the unique value of ginseng for women is also manifested in the fact that the "root of life" is able to restore strands of diamond, natural shine and strength. As for the skin, the benefit of the plant is that it normalizes the complexion, returning a natural and healthy pinkish-pearl color. The herb will help increase the turgor of the skin, restore firmness and elasticity. Ginseng helps to eliminate fine lines of wrinkles, making the face fresher and younger.

Almost every lady is familiar with the state when everything around is annoying with incredible force. Ginseng will help women cope with an unstable emotional background. The plant relieves stress, relieves depression, gives an excellent boost of energy. The use of this natural remedy helps to live positively and easily.

Among other useful properties of ginseng for ladies, one cannot fail to note the ability to effectively reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. "Root of Life" will improve the well-being of those who have diabetes. Also, a natural remedy helps to minimize the risk of developing diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

The value of ginseng for men

The plant is very useful not only for ladies, but also for representatives of the strong half of society. Even in ancient times, men took this natural remedy to improve potency. "Root of Life" has a positive effect on the genitals, activating the proper functioning of the reproductive system. In addition, the beneficial effect of a natural remedy affects the state of the nervous system of a man. Ginseng is especially useful in moments of emotional overstrain and strong physical exertion.

Also, the "root of life" helps restore erection and improve potency during the treatment of diseases that adversely affect the functioning of the genital organs:

The functionality of the penis of a man, due to the intake of medicinal herbs, increases significantly. The thing is that ginseng ensures the normalization of the saturation of the penis with oxygen. As a result, the blood supply process improves, and the organ's performance is restored.

Advice. It is also recommended for men to take the "root of life" in order to improve the quality of sperm.

Contraindications for taking ginseng

Despite all the unique properties and valuable features of ginseng, the plant, like all medicines, has a number of contraindications. It is recommended to stop taking a natural herbal product during:

increased excitability;
bleeding;
pregnancy;
inflammatory processes.

By itself, the tool can not harm health. However, the "root of life" stimulates various processes in the body. As a result, this can affect your well-being. Also, ginseng is not recommended for those who are not yet 45 years old.

In hypertensive patients, taking this natural remedy can lead to a deterioration in well-being. Sometimes the drug causes severe headaches. It is extremely rare, but such situations have also been noted, the use of the product leads to an increase in blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting.

If self-administration of ginseng has caused side effects, you should immediately consult a medical practitioner.

The benefits and harms of ginseng - video

The miraculous "root of life": the benefits and harms of ginseng. Is it grown in Russia

The fact that ginseng has beneficial qualities has been known to people for centuries. Since then, knowledge about the healing properties of this root has been passed down from generation to generation. But the use of the plant is not always beneficial: there are serious contraindications for its use by women, children and men. This culture does not grow in all countries. It is difficult, but still possible to find ginseng in Russia.

Where to look for ginseng. Is it possible to grow it yourself

Back in the Middle Ages, this plant, multifaceted in its properties, was literally worth its weight in gold in the countries of East Asia. At home, ginseng was credited with truly magical qualities. For example, in Chinese medicine, it was considered a remedy for almost all diseases known at that time. It is not for nothing that “ginseng” is translated from Latin as a panacea, and the hieroglyphs that make up the word add up to the meaningful phrase “root of life”. People believed that this culture was a way to work miracles, returning not only health, but also youth.

The plant is one of the rare ones, so its collection in the wild is prohibited. As a medicinal raw material, ginseng is cultivated in China, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the USA.

The first artificial plantations in Russia appeared in Siberia, then in the Urals. Now they are also in the Moscow region and partly in the south of the country. Under natural conditions, the "root of life" can be found in the Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories, in the shade of broad-leaved forests rich in cedar plantations. Untouched by man, in the wild, ginseng lives up to 200 years, and with artificial cultivation, this period is reduced to 20-30 years.

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Attention! Self-cultivation of a miraculous plant in a summer cottage is a long and laborious process. The root gains valuable properties at least 7-8 years after planting. This crop depletes the soil very much, the period of restoration of the land after its cultivation is up to 10 years.

A hundred troubles - one answer. The benefits of the "root of life" for the male and female body

Today, botanists know at least 10 types of ginseng, which differ not only in their habitat, but also in their beneficial properties. Commonly used in medicine:

real ginseng (aka ordinary), which grows in the east of Russia, in China and Korea;
American ginseng - it is grown in the north of America;
Chinese ginseng - cultivated in China.

Tablets, capsules, powders, tinctures and decoctions are made from the root, which help:

Normalize blood sugar levels. This makes it possible to use ginseng in the complex treatment of diabetes.
Improve immunity. For this reason, the "root of life" is prescribed to HIV-infected and cancer patients.
Cure colds, viral infections, coughs.
Relieve headaches and pain in arthritis and gout.
Stimulate the blood circulation of the brain, thereby improving memory and brain activity.
Cleanse the body by removing toxins and restoring the liver.
Overcome stress and fatigue, get a charge of vivacity and strength and positively affect performance.
Raise blood pressure.

Advice. Ginseng is used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. It is often added to masks, creams, shampoos and lotions. This miraculous remedy can improve skin tone, rejuvenate it, smooth out wrinkles, remove circles and bags under the eyes. "Root of Life" is also able to help those who have hair problems. In particular, it is effective for their fragility, dryness and loss.

It is not for nothing that ginseng is called a panacea: it helps to solve intimate problems for both women and men. In the fair sex, who take medicine from the "root of life" during menopause, pressure normalizes, and the emotional background improves. Men use it to treat weak potency, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. In addition, the plant is a good natural aphrodisiac.

Panacea, but not for everyone. Who is contraindicated miraculous ginseng

In large quantities or at the wrong dosage, the "root of life" can harm the body. In this case, it causes increased excitability, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, tachycardia, skin rashes. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations and strictly follow the medical instructions for taking the drug. However, there are a number of reasons that impose a taboo on the use of ginseng, even in small doses. These include:

hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
increased excitability;
insomnia;
convulsions;
epilepsy;

high blood pressure;
chronic alcoholism;
hypertension;
high body temperature;
problems with blood clotting;
acute infectious disease;
mental disorders;
individual intolerance of the body.

It is forbidden to take ginseng in the heat, as well as before bedtime. In addition, pregnant and lactating women should forget about the miraculous drug. Such medicines are strictly contraindicated for children - at least up to 16 years. At the same time, some doctors believe that adults should consume ginseng only after 45 years of age. Such tablets and tinctures are very useful for influenza and SARS, after a protracted illness, but you can’t drink them just like vitamin complexes. In any case, it is worth remembering that the need for taking drugs based on the "root of life" should be determined by the doctor.

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What is useful to know about ginseng: video

Ginseng: photo

My husband drank Chinese ginseng infusion, so his potency was such that no smartprost was needed. And our tincture does not even come close to such an effect.

Where does ginseng grow in the world - countries, features and interesting facts

Our distant ancestors called this plant the root of life, with its name translated as “healing everything”. This miracle is called ginseng. Where does it grow and in what countries is it cultivated? What useful properties does it have? You will learn about this from our article.

Where in the world does ginseng grow?

In China, they still say that ginseng is the king of plants. East Asia is the birthplace of this plant. Thickets of this grass are found on the territory of modern China, Vietnam, Korea and Tibet.

The continents where ginseng grows are North America and Eurasia. This plant is part of mixed cedar-broad-leaved forests. Ginseng is a rather shade-loving plant. Under the influence of direct sunlight, it simply dies. Therefore, it is often found together with fir, spruce, linden and maakia, oak and hornbeam. Ginseng can grow at a considerable height above sea level. The most comfortable for him are the western slopes of the mountains.

local views

Where does ginseng grow in Russia? It is extremely rare in natural conditions. The unlimited collection of ginseng has led to a sharp decrease in its quantity. At the moment, it is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. The fact is that for medicinal purposes, a wild rather than a cultivated plant is more effective.

Where does ginseng grow and what does it look like?

This plant is perennial and herbaceous, the stem of which reaches a height of up to 80 cm. In ginseng grows, it grows singly or in small families. It is especially noticeable in July. At the tops of its stems are inflorescences of umbrellas, which are white or pink.

Ginseng is no less attractive in September. During this period, the fruits are already ripening. They are collected in clusters of scarlet color. Therefore, they are visible even from afar. But this color is warning, because these fruits are very poisonous.

But ginseng acquired its celebrity thanks to the root, which has healing properties and often resembles a human figure in appearance.

Botanical characteristics

In Russia, where real ginseng grows, it is represented by single plants. Its stem is more than 50 cm long. Sometimes there are specimens with a large number of stems.

Ginseng leaves are simple. They grow on long petioles, located on the tops of the stems in the form of a rosette. Small flowers are collected in 10 pieces in a simple umbrella. They are self pollinating. The fruits ripening by autumn are represented by juicy berries. Up to 3 seeds ripen in their pulp.

Cultivation Secrets

Growing this plant in artificial conditions requires careful care. Therefore, the place where ginseng grows must have special conditions. Grasses are always covered with a canopy, the soil should not be waterlogged. It is very important that it is loosened in time.

For plantations, it is better to choose the northeastern and western areas. In this case, the sun shines on the plant only in the morning and evening. Under artificial conditions, you need to be prepared for the fact that the root will acquire healing properties only after 6 years, and in natural conditions - after 20. After harvesting, it is advisable to plant new plants only after 10 years, since ginseng greatly depletes the soil.

The resulting roots are sorted, which takes into account the shape, size and weight of the product. Depending on the quality, several types of raw materials are distinguished. The most expensive is heavenly. Less high-quality, but quite suitable - this is an earthly, good and cut root.

Korea is the leader in ginseng cultivation. This production is also well established in Australia, the United States, China, Canada and Vietnam. In Russia, Primorsky Krai is traditionally considered the main area for growing ginseng.

Significance for a person

This magical root contains substances that have a general tonic effect on the body. No wonder people who live where ginseng grows are distinguished by good health and longevity. Before the fifth year of life, it makes no sense to use it. The root is freed from the shoot, cleaned from the soil, dried. In this form, raw materials can be stored for about 5 years.

The healing properties of the “magic” root are due to the presence of saponins, esters, peptides, fatty oils, a number of vitamins and mineral salts in it.

Preparations from the ginseng root stimulate mental development, the activity of the nervous system, increase blood pressure, significantly lower the level of sugar and cholesterol in the blood.

miraculous root

In China, where ginseng root has been growing for a long time, it became a popular remedy 20 centuries ago. But his fame reached the European territories only by the 17th century.

The underground organ of ginseng is usually quite large. Length up to 25 cm with a thickness of about 3. Its main root thickens due to the development of connective tissue. A few years later, valuable minerals, organics and trace elements accumulate in it. Particularly large specimens are known, weighing more than half a kilogram. Given the slow growth, it is easy to calculate that such roots are over 400 years old.

Ginseng root, because of which this plant is grown, grows extremely slowly. Just imagine: in one year it increases in diameter by only a centimeter. Considering that useful substances accumulate in it only after a few years, and in wild species - even dozens, its high price is easily explained. For one kg of wild oriental ginseng raw materials, manufacturers ask for up to 75 thousand dollars.

Based on this raw material, ointments, capsules, tablets, creams, syrups and tinctures are made. When choosing a root in a pharmacy, you should pay attention to the country of origin. It can be Russia, Korea, China and Canada. Moreover, pharmacists claim that local products are of the highest quality. The fact is that the use of chemicals that are used to accelerate root growth negatively affects its qualitative composition.

This plant is surrounded by a lot of legends. According to one of them, the appearance of a miracle root is associated with a lightning strike on a water stream. At this place, a single stem appeared, which absorbed the fire of heaven. Another story tells about a man over whom even time had no power. His name was Zhen Shen. His gift aroused the envy of evil people, from whom he hid in the dense taiga. There, nature protected him by turning him into a plant.

Whether these stories actually happened or not, we do not know. But the fact that ginseng saves from many ailments is true.

Preventive use of preparations based on the miracle root will increase the body's resistance to stress, viral and bacterial diseases, physical and mental stress. Glycosides have a beneficial effect on the activity of the heart muscle and blood vessels, the normalization of pressure.

Vitamins C, A and E provide cleansing of the liver from toxins, normalization of the endocrine system. This is especially important for people with diabetes. calcium and zinc contribute to the regenerative ability of tissues, wound healing. All this significantly contributes to slowing down the aging process of the body.

So, now everyone will be able to answer the question where ginseng grows and what properties a person uses. This perennial grows in the shade of mixed and cedar forests in Russia, Korea, China and Vietnam. Under natural conditions, its root accumulates nutrients for several decades. The underground organ of ginseng grows very slowly. Therefore, to increase its productivity, artificial plantations are created. This raw material is widely used in medicine and pharmacology due to its general tonic effect on the body.

Chinese medicine, which used the root as early as 3000 BC, endowed ginseng with extraordinary properties that could cure all diseases. Such a medicine was valued very dearly, on a par with gold and precious stones. Of particular value are ginseng roots weighing 200-500 g.

Ginseng is a unique long-lived plant that can live 1-1.5 centuries.

Origin

Under natural conditions, ginseng grows in the Far East of Russia, in Korea, and China. For habitat, the plant chooses mountainous areas with cedar, deciduous and mixed forests. It needs loose, organic soil with moderate moisture. It grows in the shade of trees, thickets of shrubs and where there is no direct sunlight.

Name

) belongs to the perennials of the Araliaceae family.

In China, ginseng means "root man". The name is given for the humanoid structure of the root. It is also called stosil, the root of life and the gift of the gods.

Description

The plant (see photo) has straight, rounded single stems. Several leaves at the top are obovate in shape and have a sharp edge. Long-leaved leaves of 5 leaflets are covered with thorns on veins. The thin stem of the plant, hollow at the cut, does not grow above 50 cm.

The root is fusiform, light yellow in color with weak branching. The central short rhizome forms two rod-shaped, succulent processes 20 cm long and 2 cm thick, similar to legs. The upper zone of the rhizome, called the neck, is covered with scars of annual shoots, by which the age of the root is determined. In the upper part of the neck, a bud is stored for the winter, which will give rise to the next year.

The outer surface of the root is wrinkled, white on the cut. It has a peculiar smell and sweetish taste.

In the ground, the root is located at an angle of 45-30 °.

During the flowering period, in mid-summer, small, unsightly flowers with a white corolla appear. Sometimes slightly pink or greenish white. Small flowers with a weak aroma are collected in an umbrella of 15-20 pieces. A couple of months after flowering, with the advent of autumn, ginseng forms a bright red fruit with 1-3 flat, gray-yellow pits (in the photo of the plant).

The method of reproduction is exclusively seed. When sowing seeds, one feature should be taken into account that seedlings will appear only after 1.5-2 years. The flowering of a young plant will come no earlier than in 3 years.

root healer

The extraordinary medicinal properties of ginseng are legendary. The healer root relieves diseases and is able to bring the dying back to life.

The rich chemical composition explains the use of the root for medicinal purposes since ancient times.
It contains:

resin,
alkaloids,
panaxic acid,
tannins,
sulfur and phosphorus
essential oils,
phytosterol,
sugar,
manganese,
iron, in
vitamins and trace elements
saponins,
panacea oil,
pectins,
starch.

There is a general tonic, stimulating and analgesic effect, the ability to increase efficiency, normalize blood pressure and blood sugar, remove bile, stimulate thyroid function, and improve gas exchange processes in the lungs.

Ginseng is effective for nervous disorders, overwork, for the treatment of hypotension and depression. The use of ginseng root enhances mental activity and promotes longevity.

Soil preparation

On the site for planting ginseng, moisture stagnation, flooding, and the proximity of groundwater are excluded. A northeast or northwest slope will do. It should be ensured that the rays of the rising and setting sun hit. With strong shading, the roots weaken. 1/10 daylight is sufficient for development. A young plant needs less light than an adult.

Soil preparation requires special care. Its components must mature within a few years to resemble the natural taiga.

The soil requires loose, with high permeability of moisture and air, neutral acidity pH 5.7 - 6.8, containing enough organic matter and up to 8% humus.

The soil mixture is prepared from:

forest earth mixtures,
five-year-old mullein humus,
soddy land and rotten leaves,
sand,
lake silt,
wood dust,
ash.

Ridges 30 cm high and 1 m wide are prepared in 2-3 months. Orientation from east to west is required.
To avoid infection, ginseng should not be planted after potatoes, cucumbers and tomatoes.

Growing Features

4-year-old plant seeds are suitable for sowing. The collected seeds are freed from the pulp and washed. Then aired in the shade and soaked in a manganese solution for 20 minutes. Prepared seeds are placed in a nylon stocking, previously mixed with coarse sand in a ratio of 1:3. Sand is preliminarily sieved, washed and roasted on fire.

Seeds with cracked pits are considered ready for sowing. A mixture of seeds and sand is buried 10 cm into the ground in late April or early May. In late autumn, before the ground freezes and in the spring after thawing, the seeds are removed, aired, disinfected and placed back. The soil is kept moist.

Seeds will hatch by the fall of next year. They are cleaned of sand, treated with potassium permanganate and sown in September or October to a depth of 5 cm with an interval of 3 cm in a row. The rows are placed at a distance of 10 cm. When planting seedlings, they are kept 15 cm between the roots, the row spacing is increased to 20 cm. - 5 cm with an orientation to the east. The root is placed at 45°.

In the first year, one leaf with 3 leaves will appear, the next year 1-2 leaves with 3-5 leaves. A four-year-old plant has 4 leaves, with an annual increase in the number for the next 2 years.

How to care for a plant

When growing ginseng, you should monitor the looseness and moisture of the soil. Watered if necessary. The required soil moisture is 60-70%. Weeding and loosening to a depth of 10 cm is carried out manually. Then mulch with a layer of sawdust, old leaves or needles.

After seasonal seed ripening, rhizome growth begins. At this time, enhance the lighting.
For preventive purposes, plants are treated with Bordeaux mixture before germination and at the end of the growing season.

To protect against cold weather, the beds are covered with biohumus with a 2 cm carpet.

Procurement of raw materials

Ginseng is listed in the environmental books of different countries. Medicinal raw materials are cultivated on plantations. When cultivating ginseng, it is possible to increase the root mass in 6-7 years. Under natural conditions, due to slow metabolic processes, it takes about 20 years to obtain a sufficient mass of ginseng root.

Adult plants 5-8 years old are subject to collection, when the roots have time to gain weight up to 100 g.

In autumn, the roots are carefully dug out with wooden spatulas so as not to damage the lobes that have grown into the ground. The roots cleared of lumps of earth are not washed. They are dried for 2 months. Dry, hard root is stored up to 5 years.

The green mass is harvested from 3-6 year old plants with the advent of September. The leaves are dried in a shady place and stored for 1 year.

Where in the world does ginseng grow?

In China, they still say that ginseng is the king of plants. East Asia is the birthplace of this plant. Thickets of this grass are found on the territory of modern China, Vietnam, Korea and Tibet.

local views

Where does ginseng grow and what does it look like?

But ginseng acquired its celebrity thanks to the root, which has healing properties and often resembles a human figure in appearance.

Botanical characteristics

In Russia, where real ginseng grows, it is represented by single plants. Its stem is more than 50 cm long. Sometimes there are specimens with a large number of stems.

Cultivation Secrets

Significance for a person

The healing properties of the "magic" root are due to the presence in it of saponins, esters, peptides, fatty oils, a number of vitamins and mineral salts.

Preparations from the ginseng root stimulate mental development, the activity of the nervous system, increase blood pressure, significantly lower the level of sugar and cholesterol in the blood.

miraculous root

In China, where ginseng root has been growing for a long time, it became a popular remedy 20 centuries ago. But his fame reached the European territories only by the 17th century.

Based on this raw material, ointments, capsules, tablets, creams, syrups and tinctures are made. When choosing a root in a pharmacy, you should pay attention to the country of manufacture. It can be Russia, Korea, China and Canada. Moreover, pharmacists claim that local products are of the highest quality. The fact is that the use of chemicals that are used to accelerate root growth negatively affects its qualitative composition.

Whether these stories actually happened or not, we do not know. But the fact that ginseng saves from many ailments is true.

Ginseng is grown in many countries

Attention! Self-cultivation of a miraculous plant in a summer cottage is a long and laborious process. The root gains valuable properties at least 7-8 years after planting. This crop depletes the soil very much, the period of restoration of the land after its cultivation is up to 10 years.

A hundred troubles - one answer. The benefits of the "root of life" for the male and female body

Today, botanists know at least 10 types of ginseng, which differ not only in their habitat, but also in their beneficial properties. Commonly used in medicine:

real ginseng (aka ordinary), which grows in the east of Russia, in China and Korea;
American ginseng - it is grown in the north of America;
Chinese ginseng - cultivated in China.

Attention! Siberian ginseng is a distant "relative" of the real "root of life", and not its separate species: they have common properties and indications for use. Its scientific name is Eleutherococcus.

Tablets, capsules, powders, tinctures and decoctions are made from the root, which help:

Advice. Ginseng is used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. It is often added to masks, creams, shampoos and lotions. This miraculous remedy can improve skin tone, rejuvenate it, smooth out wrinkles, remove circles and bags under the eyes. "Root of Life" is also able to help those who have hair problems. In particular, it is effective for their fragility, dryness and loss.

Panacea, but not for everyone. Who is contraindicated miraculous ginseng

hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
increased excitability;
insomnia;
convulsions;
epilepsy;

Remember that the list of contraindications for taking ginseng is also quite large.

high blood pressure;
chronic alcoholism;
hypertension;
high body temperature;
problems with blood clotting;
acute infectious disease;
mental disorders;
individual intolerance of the body.

Attention! You can not simultaneously take drugs based on ginseng and sedatives, tranquilizers. During the treatment period, alcoholic beverages, strong tea and coffee should be excluded from the diet.

Unhealthy skepticism

It is worth noting that the first European who announced the power of ginseng was Nikolai Spafari, a native of Moldova, the head of the embassy of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich in China: “... and that root is boiled and given to those who are weak from a long illness, and gives great help.” However, even earlier, ginseng sporadically visited Europe: in the 9th century, the Arabs already supplied it from Asia, a little later, the authoritative Avicenna mentioned the properties of the root in the Canon of Medicine, and at the end of the 13th century, the Venetian Marco Polo brought the “gift of immortality” for testing . However, the Dutch merchants were destined to promote the Manchurian root, distributing it under the Latin name "ginzeng" or "panax".

legends

Rumor has it that ginseng is born from lightning. If it hits the clear mirror water of a mountain spring, then the spring will go underground, and in its place will take root, hiding the power of heavenly fire, the pantsui. During flowering on one of the nights, ginseng gives off a special radiance, and whoever gets it can even resurrect the dead.

Finished the game!

The last dynasty of the Qing emperors brought not only the country, but also the population of ginseng to white heat. For centuries, the soldiers of the empire have traversed the length and breadth of the forest, hunting down poachers. Subsequently, the state began to issue licenses for collection; annually an average of one and a half thousand. Rooters gathered in groups of 12-15 people and, under vigilant supervision from above, extracted the root.

Habitat

Today, only three isolated areas have survived in which the "root of life" lives: the southern Sikhote - Alin, the Nadezhda and Khasan regions of Primorsky Krai and the Chinese provinces of Jilin and Heilongjiang. For wild ginseng, cedar-deciduous forests, occasional spruce and black fir forests, as well as oak forests with an admixture of linden and aspen are most preferable. Closer to the border with China, the plant can often be found next to yellow birch and in hornbeam cedar forests. An experienced root grower knows that the healing root loves heat and is very sensitive to cold. A long-liver (up to 200 - 400 years old!) Is characterized by shaded places (but illuminated by the sun in the first half of the day) with high humidity.

What is useful?

Ginseng root makes a person less susceptible to diseases, increases metabolism and, accordingly, restores strength and performance. It also improves appetite, makes the heart rate more rare, regulates blood pressure, promotes the speedy healing of wounds. Chinese pharmacists every time prescribe drugs from the root to the elderly: at the same time, they do not recommend it to children, with hypertension and summer heat. In Korea, both the root and the leaves are used.

endangered species

The high cost and even higher demand exacerbated its already illegal collection and smuggling. More than three thousand tons of root pass through the world market of ginseng - Hong Kong.

prejudice

Usually ginseng is dug up in the evening, exactly at sunset, so that the root has as little time as possible in the light and in dryness. It is carefully removed from the soil with a special spatula in order to keep it in its original form. According to the unwritten laws of the ethics of the rooter, all ripe fruits should be collected and planted back into the soil. In search of ginseng they go unarmed, armed only with a stick called a pantsuyka. The stick is a faithful companion of the rooter: it should be light and strong, preferably made of maple, reaching one and a half meters in length. The hunter invariably leans on it during the ascents and descents, when crossing the river; with it, he pushes the grass apart, looking for the desired leaves.

Often, an unarmed hunter himself became a victim: before Mao Zedong came to power, not so much thousands of desperate rooters roamed the forests, but miniature armies of reckless drivers - hunghuz, taiga robbers. However, even today, ginseng root seems to be an extreme and unforgettable journey.
understand the terms

Hunting for ginseng is called a root, ginseng harvesters call themselves rooters. Even in ancient times, Chinese pickers created a special ginseng language, called "hao - shu - hoa". Initially, the language is too laconic, but eloquent: root growers put conventional signs on trees and marks on bushes. According to custom, the root "in red" lasts from August to mid-September, when ginseng berries are actively ripening. Nevertheless, the vast majority of fishermen do not shy away from roots “by shoots” (May - June), “by leaf (by stem shape) and “by yellow”, when the leaves turn yellowish in autumn.
root code

A real ginseng hunter must follow three rules: do not take small roots, do not take roots before the seeds ripen, and do not take roots previously found by others and marked with signs. Usually there is an ordinary root weighing 15 - 20 g, although some manage to find half-century roots (40 - 50 g). As befits the king of plants, ginseng often takes on a personal name akin to "Emperor" or "Great Hermit": this happened in 1908, when a root weighing 600 g was found during the laying of the Manchurian railway.

Who seeks will always find

Usually, on the cedar closest to the place where ginseng was found, from the side facing this place, the bark is torn off - the undercoat. The classic undercoat is made about 20 cm wide and up to 80 cm long, and thus it is preserved for decades and is visible from afar. This sign marks that if once a root or a whole family was dug here, then crumbled seeds, small or large “sleeping” roots could remain.

taiga law

The rooter thus, as it were, shares a secret with his colleagues in the shop. The finder also has the right to put a mark by sticking a stick, they say, "I found it, but left it to grow up." However, today many disdain the law and tear out the roots without observing a single rule. Therefore, more and more often they resort to wrinkling: an experienced rooter all the time breaks bush branches on the go. The breaks are saved less than the subsections, but it is also much more difficult to notice them.

How to communicate?

You should not shout and whistle, as a rule, they beat with a stick on an even and smooth coniferous tree, from bottom to top, along the trunk so that most of the stick lies on it. The sound “so-so-so” on the slope gives off to others “knock-knock-knock”: it may seem like a woodpecker, and at this time you and your friends converge.

How to dig?

A circular trench is made around the neck (rhizome). Then the neck with the head is released from the ground and the size of the root is determined. After that, from any edge of the trench, they dig in the root processes with bone sticks, feel all the hairs under a layer of loosened soil with their fingers and, making shaking movements, slowly release them in a circle. Having freed the entire “beard” of the root from the ground, they dig out the main processes and the body of the root in the same way.

The dug out roots are immediately placed in an envelope made of cedar bark. The bottom of the envelope is covered with a layer of moistened moss (2-3 cm thick); it is followed by a layer of earth taken right there, sifted through a sieve. Carefully folded roots are covered with the same layer of moss and earth. The edges of the envelope are folded over and the new “box” is tied with string. Being packaged in this way, the roots do not deteriorate within 10 - 12 days: try to proceed as quickly as possible to the last and most crucial moment - the realization of the treasure. We have already talked about the unusual truffle hunt. In terms of intensity and interest, hunting for the “root of life” is not inferior to them, an authentic craft of the inhabitants of Manchuria, which brings both fabulous profits and sorrows and hardships.