This product is the dried root and rootstock of the cultivated Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. plant after steaming. It is harvested in autumn, washed, steamed, and then dried.
[Properties] The main root is spindle-shaped, cylindrical or oblate cylindrical, 3 to 10 cm long, and 1 to 2 cm in diameter. The surface is semi-transparent, reddish-brown, occasionally with opaque dark yellow-brown patches, with longitudinal grooves, wrinkles and fine root scars; the upper part sometimes has discontinuous and indistinct ring marks; the lower part has 2 to 3 twisted and intersecting lateral roots, and may also have a curved remnant of curved roots or only a remnant of curved roots. The rootstock (rhizome) is 1 to 2 cm long, with several concave stem scars (rhizome sockets), and some may have 1 to 2 intact or broken adventitious roots (tuber). It is hard and brittle, with a flat fracture surface, and has a granular texture. It has a faintly fragrant and distinctive odor, and a sweet and slightly bitter taste.