Ilhwa Korean Ginseng Malaysia

Hi and welcome to Korea. I'll be your tour guide today as we cross oceans, continents, and borders into a different culture to introduce to you, in a more intimate manner, the interesting facts that make Korea unique. On our first trip today, we'll take a look at the most expensive herb in the world, Korean ginseng. It is not only expensive, but also difficult to cultivate. Hence, the expensive price tag. Let's visit the ginseng farm for a little chat session with Mr. Kim.

Audrey:	Good day, Mr. Kim. I've brought some visitors here today. We're all keen to learn more about ginseng. Perhaps you could start by giving us a brief background on the herb?
Mr. Kim:	Ah�yes, of course. The Korean ginseng is actually a herb tonic used for over 2000 years in oriental countries. Reputed to be a mysterious medicine among people, the Korean ginseng is believed to be a tonic and prevention against various diseases. However, it is not regarded as a direct curing medicine. Its scientific name is Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer. Of course, it's better known as the Korean ginseng.
Audrey:	Where can we find this natural ginseng?
Mr. Kim:	Natural ginseng are mostly found in the Far East region, which includes the Korean peninsula and places under the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. As we're blessed with the optimal climate for growing ginseng, Korea has the reputation for being a mass producer and supplier of quality ginseng to the world today.
Audrey:	No doubt about that. In fact, we've heard that Korean ginseng has the ability to strengthen one's immune system, lower high blood pressure, and purify the blood from toxin. Could you tell us more?
Mr. Kim:	Well, old Chinese medicinal textbooks stated that Korean ginseng provides tonic advantages to the viscera such as the heart, lungs, digestive organs, liver, and kidneys. The Koreans also believe that ginseng has the capability to quiet one's spirits, 'establish' souls, expel fears, brighten eyes, open minds, and improve understanding. If taken for a sufficient amount of time, it will boost energy and prolong one's life span.
Audrey:	Wow�this is very interesting. Do you have anything else to add to that?
Mr. Kim:	Definitely. The benefits of ginseng can fill a book or should I say books? It is so good that it can normalize stress conditions, stimulate intestinal digestion, and increase physical and mental stamina. It is especially beneficial to those who are not in the best of physical conditions, those who lack vigor, those weakened by a disease or operation, and those whose hands and feet are always cold. For women, the Korean ginseng is best taken during and after pregnancy. And of course, diabetics, cancer sufferers and anemic patients would benefit greatly from the Korean ginseng.
Audrey:	What a discovery! I never knew that the Korean ginseng could offer so many advantages. Isn't it great that its benefits have been extended to other cities in the world?
Everyone:	Yeah!!!
Audrey:	Mr. Kim, perhaps you could now tell us how it's cultivated?
Mr. Kim:	Of course. The cultivation of ginseng is actually quite different from other crops. Once it is cultivated, it cannot be re-cultivated in the same field for 15 years. The field must be carefully selected as the outcome depends on the nature of the soil and land. Korean ginseng is so popular that the field soil is prepared two years by tilling the soils repeatedly with fresh leaves such as oak.
Mr. Kim:	Seedlings are also grown in specially prepared nursery bed soil. Korean ginseng must be grown under the shade without any application of chemical fertilizer. In short, ginseng cultivation is a structural farming that maintains the traditional organic farming practice. The direction of ridge is set by a compass to face northeast. It is important to cultivate the roots to its fullest capacity yet maintain a balance between the rhizome head, main root, and lateral roots.
Audrey:	What does that mean?
Mr. Kim:	It refers to the shape of the ginseng. The Korean ginseng has a root system, which includes the rhizome head, main root and lateral roots. These three elements are where numerous fine roots develop. On the whole, the Korean ginseng has such a balanced shape that it resembles a human body. Let me show you what I mean�
Audrey:	Ah�no wonder it's also called the 'man root'.
Mr. Kim:	Yes, you are right.
Audrey:	Well, it's sure difficult to cultivate ginseng.
Mr. Kim:	Do you want to know the various growth stages of the Korean ginseng?
Audrey:	Yes, please. I'm sure all of us here would be glad to obtain first hand information.
Mr. Kim:	OK� The shape of the ginseng changes as the root develops. In the first year, the main root develops with 30 to 40 lateral roots. These roots either fall off or are cut off while transplanting the following year. After transplantation in the second year, the lateral roots are re-grown. In the third year, the elongation of the main root and the number of lateral roots should both be growing well in length and volume. The main root grows only in volume, thus forming the characteristic shape of Korean ginseng. A six-year-old ginseng has a 7 to 10 cm long main root and a diameter of 2 to 3 cm, with several lateral roots and a large rhizome head. This type of ginseng is used for making red ginseng. Its total length is about 34 cm and weigh between 40 to 120 g. In some cases, it can even weigh up to 300 g. It is not good for roots to grow more than 7 years. If it does, the roots would appear 'retarded' and ill shaped with woody skin. A higher rate of cavity or 'inside-white' will also occur after processing. Korean ginseng is different from other ginseng cultivated in China, Japan, and North America. It takes as long as 6 years to cultivate Korean ginseng. In terms of ginsenoside, the Korean ginseng contains 22 kinds of ginsenoside while the others contain 8 to 9 types. Moreover, it contains anti-aging substances such as anti-oxidant and an insulin-like substance, which are not found in other types of ginseng. One need not fear poisoning or drug dependency effects like those often caused by others. Besides, its effects are always remedial. With the coming of modern science, many scientists have started investigating the effect of ginseng for the past two decades and it can now be proven that Korean ginseng is effective in several different ways.
Audrey:	Hmm� interesting. By the way, how many types of ginseng are there?
Mr. Kim:	There are two types. White Ginseng and Red Ginseng.
Audrey:	And what's the difference between these two?
Mr. Kim:	Well, the White Ginseng is naturally dried and is free from all manufacturing processes. On the other hand, the Red Ginseng is processed from White Ginseng. This is done by creating new components for the new ginseng while enhancing the effectiveness of the existing ones. Hence, Red Ginseng contains more beneficial components than White Ginseng. The latter also causes minor side effects such as headache and gastric disturbances.
Audrey:	After listening to your description of the Korean ginseng, we now understand why the herb is so expensive.
Mr. Kim:	Indeed, it is rather expensive. But you can get them from suppliers who charge a reasonable price for it. And they come in different forms, such as extracted concentrate or capsules and granulated tea. Do look around while you're in Korea.
Audrey:	We sure would, Mr. Kim. Well, thank you so much for your time. It was definitely an eye-opening experience.
Mr. Kim:	You're most welcome. I'm sure you'll find the Korean ginseng a true rarity with a strong list of advantages.

Selected Testimonies from IL HWA Customers

Appetite IL HWA Korean Ginseng helps me to build up my appetitie. It makes me feel strong and fresh. Mdm Tan Poh Huat of Woodland Drive 100's capsules	Alertness Helps me in maintaining alertness and general health. Mdm Ong Geok Hua of AMK Ave 6
Tiredness and vitality Reduce tiredness and increase vitality. Mr. Ng Kim Choon of Eu Tong Sen Tst 50gm Extract, 100's capsules, Ginseng-E, Ginseng-up	Blood Pressure Keeps my blood pressure normal. I have been taking it for 8-10 years Mr. George Tan of Sims Avenue 100's capsules
Arthritis Helps my arthritis problem. Theodora Lim of Teck Whye Ave Ginseng Tea	Energy Strengthen health, makes me feel good and energetic. Miss Caroline Tan of Serangoon North Ave 4 Extract, Capsules and Ginseng-up
Headaches Reduces my headaches and give me vitality. Miss Maureen Neo of Pandan Valley Extract	Vibrant and Energetic I feel vibrant and energetic in the day time. Mr. Ng Kok Choong Tea
Backaches I feel healthier. My backaches is now better. Mr. Djufri Gono of Sumut, Indonesia Tea, capsules and extract	Sleep Helps me to sleep better. Mdm Tricia Wee of Hua Guan Avenue Extract
Prostate My prostate function better Mr. Pang Nai Khim of Lengkok Bahru Capsules	Revitalise Refreshes and revitalise my body. Mr. Yeo Eng Joo of Telok Blangah Heights Ginseng-E
Stress Tolerance More energetic, improve appetite, promote sleep and better stress tolerance Mr. Koh Mung How of Joo Chiat Place Extract and Ginseng-E	Fatigue Relieve fatigue. Miss Lilian Chan of Whampoa Drive Extract and Ginseng-E
Good Health I have taken the extract for 10 years. It has kept me in good health. I have bought for my friends as well. Mr. Y.T. Sng of Jalan Rukum Extract	Stamina Keeps me alert and I have better stamina Miss Molly Fox of Bedok North Ave 4 Extract and Tea
Stress Tolerance More energetic, improve appetite, promote sleep and better stress tolerance Mr. Koh Mung How of Joo Chiat Place Extract and Ginseng-E	Full of energy I am a senior citizen. I feel great and full of energy by taking the extract. Mr. Chan Pitt Tatt of Jalan Puteri Jula Juli 300 gm Extract

Since ginseng is the best adaptogen, it is not surprising that IL HWA customers have experienced the bi-directional effects of ginseng e.g. it energies and rivatalises for some and for others it promotes sound sleep. This non-specific and bi-directional efficacy of ginseng is fully testified by our IL HWA customers and clinical studies in reputable research institutions worldwide.

Tongil is now compiling a more comprehensive record of the benefits that IL HWA customers testify to. We will make this available once we complete this work.