Could it be gold growing in the shady, hilly forests of Southern Ohio? Not exactly, but the shy little ginseng plant has become a root literally worth its weight in gold.

Thursday, September 21, 2000

Could it be gold growing in the shady, hilly forests of Southern Ohio? Not exactly, but the shy little ginseng plant has become a root literally worth its weight in gold.

Officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources say the the wild root is worth an estimated $400 per pound to Asian buyers once dug from the ground and dried.

"Traditionally, ginseng digging has been around for years in southern Ohio," said Mike Taylor, ODNR law enforcement supervisor. "Many of the people in the Appalachian region have been raised and taught the art of harvesting ginseng – especially the people in southern Ohio.

He said the current rates of ginseng fluctuate, but that it currently sells for about $350-400 per pound.

He said the roots of the ginseng plant have become worth so much because Asian buyers and users have a difficult time obtaining the plant in their own country.

"Its value to the Chinese appears to be as much spiritual as it is physical," Taylor said. "They have literally dug themselves out of a home and the plant can no longer be found in China. Simply put, the ginseng plant has become the most popular medicinal plant in the world. The Asians use the dried root to chew raw or brew into tea. They believe the plant can be worn as an amulet to prolong life, heighten vitality and prevent disease."

He said Manchurian legends hold that the ginseng root represents the essence of the earth crystallized in human form.

"The most prized ginseng roots roughly resemble the human anatomy with a torso, two branch ‘arms’ and two branch ‘legs,’" he said. "The Chinese recognize over 140 quality grades of ginseng root."

Green or "wet" root can be dug and sold from Aug. 15 to Dec. 31, while the season to sell dried root is from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, he said.

"We are required by federal law to have a management system," Taylor said. "We are monitor where the root is heading and we are required to only certain aged roots to be dug."

He said the law stipulates that only mature plants, or those with three or more branches of five leaflets, can be harvested.

"The berries from harvested ginseng must be replanted," he said.

He said the ginseng business can be rewarding for diggers and buyers

"This is a very lucrative business," he said. "The profit margin for dealers can be 200 to 300 percent while diggers’ earnings can be just as great."