Explore herbs and dietary supplements, including traditional herbal products, active compounds, potential benefits, safety considerations, nutrition, supplement quality, and scientific research on natural health products.
Date: September 20, 2025 (KST) Wild Korean ginseng—sansam (山蔘)—is back in the headlines. Earlier this month, a forager near Mount Jiri (Jirisan) uncovered a remarkable cluster of wild ginseng roots, some estimated to be decades old, drawing national attention to the rarity and high value of authentically wild plants. This find, reported by Korea JoongAng
OverviewWild ginseng—san-sam in Korean—remains the most coveted expression of ginseng thanks to its rarity, heritage, and perceived potency. In September 2025, South Korea saw a headline-making discovery at the foothills of Mount Jiri (Hamyang County): 38 rare wild ginseng roots—some estimated at up to 50 years old—were unearthed and appraised at ₩150 million (≈USD 100,000+),
Wild Ginseng (San-Sam) 2025: What’s New, Why It Matters, and How to Buy Authentic Roots Read More »
Historical Legacy of Wild Ginseng Historically, wild ginseng (산삼) has always been regarded as the original ginseng, with a reputation that far surpasses cultivated varieties. Until about 400 years ago, before the introduction of agricultural techniques to grow ginseng, all ginseng used in Korea was wild. This rare herb, discovered deep within untouched mountain ranges,
Korean Wild Ginseng: The True Source of Healing Read More »
Ginseng has been used for centuries as a “vitality” herb. Modern research paints a nuanced picture: there’s promising evidence for some outcomes (e.g., certain aspects of immune support, blood-sugar control, disease-related fatigue, and short-term memory/alertness), mixed or modest effects for others (e.g., erectile function, overall cognition, athletic performance), and important safety and quality considerations you
The Benefits of Ginseng (Panax): An Evidence-Based Guide Read More »
