Ginseng and ginseng extract have long been known for their wonderful health benefits. However, not all types of ginseng are as expensive as Ngoc Linh ginseng. Many other types of ginseng extract are made from familiar herbs such as Che Vang extract, Perilla extract, and other leaf extracts that are also very good for health and can be more easily accessible to the people. However, there is still a clear stratification in the use of these products, as rare ginseng extract products are still mainly served to the wealthy class. This article will clarify the distinction between types of ginseng and ginseng extract, and analyze the stratification in the consumption of these products in Vietnam.
Ginseng and ginseng extract – Distinguishing between products
Ginseng is a precious herbal plant, with varieties such as Ngoc Linh ginseng, Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), or American ginseng. However, not all types of ginseng are expensive and difficult to access. Some ginseng extract products are made from other herbs with similar effects but are much more affordable than expensive ginseng.
- Ngoc Linh Ginseng: This is one of the rare ginsengs, with outstanding saponin content and many uses such as enhancing immunity, fighting fatigue and supporting blood circulation. However, the price of Ngoc Linh ginseng is quite high, ranging from 2 million VND to 50 million VND per kg, making this product only suitable for a small number of people with high incomes.
- Ngoc Linh ginseng extract: Made from fresh ginseng, and the price of a bottle of ginseng extract can be up to millions of dong. Although very good for health, not everyone can afford to use this product regularly.
However, not only Ngoc Linh ginseng, the market also has many other ginseng extract products, mainly processed from other herbs that also bring high health value but have more affordable prices:
- Che vang extract: Che vang is a familiar herb in Vietnam, known for its effects of supporting weight loss, cooling, and supporting digestion. Che vang extract is very popular today, the price of a bottle of che vang extract ranges from 100,000 VND to 500,000 VND, making it easy for people to access this product.
- Perilla extract: Made from perilla leaves, a familiar herb in Vietnamese families. Perilla has many effects such as relieving colds, reducing coughs, calming the nerves, and reducing blood fat. Perilla extract is currently priced from 80,000 VND to 300,000 VND per bottle, suitable for many people’s budgets.
- Polyscias fruticosa leaf extract: Polyscias fruticosa leaf is also a medicinal herb that has the effect of improving health, enriching blood, and aiding digestion. Polyscias fruticosa leaf extract is a product that is easily produced and consumed in rural areas, with prices ranging from 50,000 VND to 200,000 VND per bottle, making it easy for people to use.
- Turmeric extract: Made from turmeric, turmeric extract is known for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. Turmeric extract currently costs from 50,000 VND to 150,000 VND per bottle, making it a popular product in rural and urban areas.
Stratification in ginseng and ginseng extract consumption
Although ginseng and ginseng extract have high medicinal value, the stratification in the consumption of these products is still very clear. Ngoc Linh ginseng and Ngoc Linh ginseng extract are still products that only serve the upper class, with product value being too high and not everyone can afford it.
On the contrary, ginseng extracts such as Che Vang extract, Perilla extract, Polyscias fruticosa extract, and Turmeric extract, although having equally outstanding effects, have much lower prices, making them accessible to low-income people. However, because these extracts are often produced domestically and have not been promoted as strongly as Ngoc Linh ginseng, they have not yet become widely popular.
According to a study by the Vietnam Institute of Medicinal Materials, more than 80% of people in rural areas have never heard of ginseng extract or herbal extracts, although they are well aware of the uses of these herbs in their daily lives. This reflects a sad reality, when valuable medicinal products are not widely available, especially in rural areas.
Product distribution status and accessibility to people
Although Ngoc Linh ginseng and ginseng extract have been on the market for a long time, this product is still only focused on a small segment of high-income consumers. A report from the Ministry of Industry and Trade shows that only about 10% of the population in large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have access to high-end ginseng products. Most people in these areas also only use ginseng capsules or ginseng extract from Korea or other countries, but the quality cannot be compared to Ngoc Linh ginseng.
In contrast, products such as che vang extract, perilla extract, and dipsacus leaf extract are more accessible and priced more suitable for people’s income. According to a report from the Market Management Department, che vang extract products are currently widely consumed, with monthly consumption reaching more than 2 million bottles in rural and mountainous areas. This shows a potential development in the use of natural herbs that are valuable but easily accessible.
Solutions to narrow the gap in ginseng and ginseng extract consumption
To reduce the stratification in the use of ginseng and ginseng extract, there needs to be support policies from the Government and manufacturing enterprises. Ginseng extract products such as vằng tea extract, perilla extract, and ginseng leaf extract need to be more widely promoted, not only focusing on urban areas but also going deep into rural areas, where the demand for this herbal product is very high.
In addition, developing health education programs on ginseng products and the health benefits of ginseng is also an important factor to help people, especially low-income groups, become more aware of the effects of these herbs.
Conclusion
Ginseng and ginseng extract, although there are many different types, are still facing a clear stratification in consumption. Expensive Ngoc Linh ginseng products are only for high-income people, while ginseng extracts such as Che Vang extract, Perilla extract, and Polyscias fruticosa extract are easily accessible to low-income people. In order for this product to serve the majority of people, there needs to be support from government policies and production facilities to reduce costs, expand the market, and raise public awareness of the health value of ginseng extracts.
