Ginseng is gradually becoming a symbol of wealth and power. “Ginseng is for the rich”, while “tonic” – if any – is for the poor. While Vietnamese ginseng products such as Ngoc Linh ginseng are sought after by the upper class as treasures, the vast majority of people have never seen real ginseng in real life. Is it true that, in the heart of Vietnam, there exists a bitter paradox: this precious medicinal herb is only born to serve a few?
Ginseng – from folk tonic to luxury symbol
A few decades ago, when people in the mountainous regions of Quang Nam or Kon Tum talked about ginseng, they simply called it “hidden medicinal plant” – a precious forest medicine dug up to treat sick people. But today, that same plant – now with the beautiful name of Ngoc Linh ginseng – is being sold for 100 million VND/kg, packaged in luxurious wooden boxes, becoming a diplomatic gift, a symbol of “class”.
Rich people buy ginseng for health, to give as gifts to their parents, big bosses or partners. Famous people boast about drinking ginseng every day to “be healthy and beautiful from the inside”. Meanwhile, the people – the majority of the population – stand on the sidelines, both curious and assuming that ginseng “is not for them”.
Medical stratification from… ginseng
Social stratification in healthcare has long existed – when the rich have access to good services, good medicine, good doctors, while the poor have to wait, queue, and accept cheap medicine. But now, even the so-called “national medicinal herb” is reproducing that same injustice.
Many surveys show that more than 80% of people have never been exposed to Ngoc Linh ginseng – not because they do not believe in its effects, but because they do not have enough money. Some people even think that ginseng only exists… on TV. Meanwhile, chronic diseases, weakness, post-Covid, and lack of resistance – are common among workers, the elderly, and the poor.
Real value or marketing gimmick?
We do not deny: Ngoc Linh ginseng has high medicinal value – proven by scientific research. But the question is: does the current price of ginseng reflect its real value, or is it being inflated by the media and marketing strategy?
The current market is witnessing an explosion of “high-end” ginseng products: pills, ginseng extract, ginseng water, ginseng candy, even cosmetics. But almost all are positioned in the high-end segment. Very few businesses invest in popular product lines, popularize knowledge, or support community health. Ginseng has become a symbol of wealth rather than a medical resource.
Look to Korea: Ginseng for the People
Korea is a country famous for ginseng – and they have done something that Vietnam should learn from: making ginseng part of their public health strategy. From schools, to the military, to hospitals, there are ginseng preparations. Koreans can easily buy ginseng lozenges and ginseng tea at supermarkets for just a few dollars.
It is no coincidence that the average life expectancy of Koreans is among the highest in the world. They consider ginseng a traditional medicine product – not a luxury. And more importantly: they can use it.
When will “ginseng for the rich” become “medicine for all”?
If we continue to pursue the image of luxury, if we continue to let the free market push ginseng prices sky high without government regulation, ginseng will forever only serve the rich. This not only reflects an injustice in resource distribution, but also a failure in public health policy.
We can start with small things:
- Create ginseng product lines with moderate doses and reasonable prices.
- Bring ginseng into the preventive health system at the commune/ward level.
- Educate the community on how to use ginseng properly, in the right dose, without idolizing it.
Ginseng cannot be just a national pride – ginseng must serve the Vietnamese people first. And to do so, the question “When will ginseng for the rich become a tonic for the poor?” – needs an answer from the government, businesses and the community.
