[Inclosure in No. 281.]
Note on Corean ginseng.
The ginseng of Corea, as ordinarily spoken of, is cultivated. It is of
two kinds named by color red ginseng (Hong-Sum) and white ginseng
(Pak-Sum), both lands being the same root.
White ginseng is the plain root washed and dried. It is superior to the
red ginseng to Coreans, who say that the process of curing preserves but
reduces the strength of red ginseng.
White ginseng is abundantly sold in Corea and enormously used as a
strengthening and blood-purifying medicine. Red ginseng is cured white
ginseng. By law it can only be cured by the Government at one place. The
curing is a process of steaming and prolonged drying, which solidifies
the white root and changes its color to a fleshy pink. When broken red
ginseng presents a glassy, brittle section. Red ginseng is [Page 215] not an article of ordinary
trade, and may not be exported under the treaties of Corea. The whole
crop is carried to China by the annual embassy, and the proceeds of
sales belong to the King personally.
From personal experience and observation I am assured that Corean ginseng
is an active, strongly heating medicine. It is most commonly taken in
the form of a concentrated infusion. The fresh root is sliced and eaten
with honey. The use of it must be attended with caution. It often
produces boils and eruptions, sleeplessness, and flushing of the body,
and other temporary derangements of the system in the course of its
purification. Coreans say that but ten out of every hundred persons in
their own country may use ginseng without the above-described effects,
but say also that in every case the use of ginseng is beneficial, as
purifying and strengthening.
The best ginseng is the wild root, of and above thirty years’ growth.
Such commands a fabulous price, and is not ordinarily obtainable, nor
ever in the market.
Western people appear to regard the virtues of genseng claimed by
Orientals rather contemptuously, as imaginary and based on superstition;
the evidences are that the mystic value attached itself to genseng after
its virtues had been practically ascertained.
Of the specimens sent herewith, those of white ginseng are very good.
Those of the red ginseng have a yellowish color, which ought not to be
shown in the very best red ginseng. However, they show near the
extremities of the roots the right color.
Information as full as any yet known to Western foreigners on the growth
and curing of ginseng will be found in my report of a journey in Corea,
submitted to the Navy Department through the Department of State in
October, 1884. I have since then heard it remarked that in curing
sometimes cold water is dashed upon the ginseng at the end of the
steaming.
GEORGE C. FOULK,
Ensign U. S. Navy,
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.
