Value of Ginseng Resembling a Man
Answered by: Richard Alan Miller
Question from: Sabrina Miller
Posted on: September 3, 2003

Is it true if you find a ginseng root in the shape of a human, with arms legs, and a face it’s worth a lot of money? I dont believe it.

But if it’s true my father-in-law has one. Could you please send me some info?

From one miller to another.

Ginsengs are quite unusual as a commodity. This is because there is a history on the markets with this crop, primarily from China. While diamonds have four points in which they are graded, pearls have 6 points, and ginsengs have more than 22 different points to determine their value.

One of these "points" is the shape of the root. It is true that if the shape resembles a human, especially the sex organ part, it become worth a great deal of money -- but only to those who are seeking these "points." Like pearls, some seek different aspects. This has nothing to do with chemistry, but mostly is surrounded by superstition (like "black" pearls).

So, responding to your question, YES ginseng shaped like a human being is worth more money. But, I should remind you that also specific baseball cards are worth more money to those seeking those specific cards. You probably won’t get that money from local or regional buyers, but from specific Chinese seeking them. And finding those buyers is often more trouble than it’s worth.

And, these concepts in the purchase of ginsengs is changing, due to so many growers now producing root for market. When it was wildcrafted, there were other factors that determined its value (like age of root).

I hope this gives better perspective on the real value of the root in question. How else may I help you?

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