GINSENG DOCTRINE 

Have you ever encountered a beverage priced at 8 million yuan per bottle? Most ginseng products on the market—whether cultivated in fields or grown in forests—are harvested after only 4 to 15 years. In contrast, the value of 60-year-old wild ginseng from the Changbai Mountains stems primarily from its unique growth cycle and environment. Growing in the primeval forests of the Changbai Mountains without any human intervention, these plants endure 60 years of seasonal extremes. They are exceptionally rare, with a survival rate of less than 1 in 10,000. This prolonged period of natural maturation allows for a richer accumulation of active compounds, such as ginsenosides and polysaccharides. The variety of ginsenosides is more comprehensive, and their biological activity far surpasses that of ordinary ginseng. While standard cultivated ginseng is generally used for basic replenishment of *qi* (vital energy), 60-year-old wild ginseng offers a deeper level of restorative benefit; it is often used to address severe *qi* deficiency and physical exhaustion, and is particularly effective for strengthening the spleen and lungs, calming the mind, and nourishing the blood.
Authentic specimens, verified by experts, can fetch prices exceeding 1.6 million RMB per root at auction. However, it is crucial to note that the trade of 60-year-old wild ginseng from the Changbai Mountains is strictly prohibited and illegal. In 2021, it was included in the national list of wild plants under key state protection. Furthermore, the revised regulations for the ginseng industry explicitly state that only cultivated or forest-grown ginseng may be legally traded; purely wild ginseng falls outside the scope of compliant commercial activity. Unauthorized harvesting or trading of such ginseng is a serious offense and may even lead to criminal prosecution.