Ginseng and ginseng extract are valuable products in traditional Vietnamese medicine, known for their many health benefits such as increasing vitality, improving blood circulation, and enhancing the immune system. However, social stratification in the consumption of ginseng and ginseng extract remains a major problem. Although ginseng in general, especially Ngoc Linh ginseng and ginseng extract products from this ginseng, are known for their high medicinal value, their high cost makes them accessible to only a segment of the population, mainly the upper class. So what is the solution to help ginseng and ginseng extract become accessible products for everyone, from low to middle income people?
Diversity of ginseng varieties in Vietnam
Vietnam has many precious ginseng varieties, not only Ngoc Linh ginseng but also other types of ginseng such as Tien Vua ginseng, Nam Nui Danh ginseng, and Tuyen Quang ginseng, each with its own characteristics and uses.
- Ngoc Linh ginseng: The most prominent and valuable ginseng in Vietnam, Ngoc Linh ginseng has an extremely high saponin content, providing many health benefits such as improving blood circulation, strengthening the immune system, and supporting anti-fatigue. However, its value also reflects its scarcity and very high price, which can be up to 50 million VND per kg, making it a product mainly serving the upper class.
- Tien Vua Ginseng: This is a type of ginseng grown in the Northern region, especially Bac Kan. Tien Vua Ginseng has nutritional, anti-aging effects, and helps improve overall health. Although the price of Tien Vua Ginseng is lower than Ngoc Linh Ginseng, with a price ranging from 1 million VND to 10 million VND per kg, this type of ginseng is still not accessible to everyone.
- Nam Nui Danh Ginseng: Nam Nui Danh Ginseng grows mainly in the Nui Danh area of Bac Giang. With a more affordable price, from 500 thousand VND to 3 million VND per kg, this ginseng still brings many health benefits and is a choice for people with average incomes, especially the tea from Nam Nui Danh Ginseng flowers is extremely fragrant, delicious and very easy to drink.
- Tuyen Quang Ginseng: Grown in the mountainous areas of Tuyen Quang province, Tuyen Quang ginseng has the effect of supporting blood pressure and replenishing blood, giving users more energy. The price of Tuyen Quang ginseng ranges from 200,000 VND to 2 million VND per kilogram, more suitable for the needs of low-income consumers.
Ginseng Extract: A Popular and Convenient Choice
In addition to using fresh ginseng, ginseng extract products are also gradually becoming an effective, easy-to-use and more cost-effective alternative.
- Ngoc Linh Ginseng Extract: Made from Ngoc Linh ginseng, this ginseng extract brings outstanding health benefits but is very expensive, ranging from 3 million VND to 10 million VND per bottle. This makes this product mainly serve the upper class.
- Tien Vua ginseng extract and Nam Nui Danh ginseng extract: These products are more affordable and suitable for many consumers. A bottle of Tien Vua or Nam Nui Danh ginseng extract can cost from 200,000 VND to 1 million VND, meeting the needs of consumers with average income.
- Tuyen Quang ginseng extract: This is the most accessible type of ginseng extract, with prices ranging from 100,000 VND to 500,000 VND per bottle. These ginseng extract products are very suitable for people in rural areas or with low incomes.
Social Stratification and Accessibility to Ginseng and Ginseng Extracts
Although Vietnamese ginseng and ginseng extracts have great medicinal value, their distribution and consumption still face major social stratification problems. Precious ginseng products such as Ngoc Linh ginseng mainly serve the upper class, while ginseng extracts from other ginseng varieties such as Tien Vua ginseng, Nam Nui Danh ginseng, and Tuyen Quang ginseng have lower prices, but are still only accessible to the majority of people with average incomes.
A report from the Vietnam Institute of Medicinal Materials indicates that about 70% of people in rural and mountainous areas still do not have access to ginseng and ginseng extracts, even though they have heard about their uses. This stems from two main factors: high prices and lack of information.
Solutions to Expand Ginseng and Ginseng Extract Consumption in Vietnam
To minimize the stratification in ginseng and ginseng extract consumption, some solutions can be implemented:
- Reducing the cost of ginseng extract products: Ginseng extract products from Tien Vua ginseng, Nam Nui Danh ginseng, and Tuyen Quang ginseng need to be produced and processed on a larger scale to reduce costs, thereby helping to reduce product prices and expand the consumption market.
- Strengthening information and community education: Communication campaigns need to be promoted to help consumers better understand the benefits of ginseng and ginseng extract, and encourage their use as part of daily nutrition and health care. Vietnam has many precious but relatively expensive ginsengs such as Ngoc Linh ginseng which can be eaten as a delicious and nutritious hot pot vegetable.
- Support local production: Ginseng production facilities should be encouraged to expand locally, not only in mountainous areas but also in provinces and cities, to minimize the unreasonable distribution of products..
Conclusion
Ginseng and ginseng extract are valuable products not only for health but also for the development of the Vietnamese medicinal industry. However, the stratification in the consumption of these products remains a major challenge. Reducing costs, increasing production, and promoting community education will be important solutions to expand access to the product for all subjects, especially those with low and middle incomes.
