Vietnamese ginseng, especially Ngoc Linh ginseng, is recognized by the world as one of the rarest and most valuable medicinal ginseng species. But ironically, right in its homeland – the birthplace of this “national treasure” – Vietnamese ginseng has yet to truly touch the daily lives of the people. Why is ginseng better and rarer, but not used more widely? Is it the “deification” and exorbitant price that has turned Vietnamese ginseng into a commodity reserved for the super-rich? This article looks frankly at the current situation, and from there proposes a new direction: bringing ginseng from the mountains and forests into life – in a simple, effective and valuable way.
Expert Perspective on the Current Situation of Ginseng and Ngoc Linh Ginseng in Vietnam
“Ngoc Linh Ginseng is a treasure of the mountains and forests, but Vietnamese people still do not consider it a treasure of life.”
Why is Ngoc Linh Ginseng more valuable than Korean and American ginseng?
From a scientific perspective, Ngoc Linh Ginseng (Panax vietnamensis) is currently one of the ginseng species with the highest saponin content in the world – the main ingredient that creates the precious medicinal properties of ginseng. While Korean ginseng contains about 30-40 types of saponins, Ngoc Linh Ginseng has been discovered to have up to 52 types of saponins, of which 20 types have never been found in any other ginseng species.
Not only stopping at quantity, the saponins of Ngoc Linh Ginseng also bring many special benefits to health:
- Enhance immunity, restore cells.
- Support treatment of cancer, depression, diabetes, physical weakness.
- Especially effective for patients after chemotherapy – something that not all ginseng can do.
So why is such a “top” medicinal product not widely used by Vietnamese people?
When ginseng is… deified and “boxed” for the rich
Ngoc Linh ginseng appears in the minds of many people as a gift “worth tens of millions a root”, associated with the image of ginseng wine on display, just for looking at, not for use. The high price, mythical advertising, and the product being “boxed” in luxurious boxes make ordinary consumers feel unfamiliar and hesitant.
Not to mention, many people only know about “wild ginseng soaked in wine” – a form of use that does not fully utilize the function of ginseng, and is easily confused with fake and poor quality goods.
Therefore, although Ngoc Linh Ginseng is really good, it has not entered the lives of Vietnamese people in a true and valuable way.
Is it the consumers’ fault? Or is it the way we deliver ginseng to them?
Most Vietnamese people do not know clearly:
- What is the difference between Ngoc Linh ginseng and Korean ginseng or American ginseng?
- Do you have to be seriously ill to use it
- Is there a simple, effective way to use it without soaking it in alcohol?
Meanwhile, the current marketing approach is targeting “ginseng collectors”, not people who need ginseng to stay healthy every day. This imbalance causes the domestic ginseng market to develop in a “one-track” manner – a valuable product, but difficult to popularize and difficult to consume in practice.
Solution: Popularize – Popularize Ngoc Linh Ginseng
Popularize knowledge about ginseng for Vietnamese people
- Remove Ngoc Linh Ginseng from the image of a “luxury elixir”, replace it with the image of a trustworthy health friend.
- Communicate transparently and accurately about its uses, usage, dosage, and suitable subjects.
- Clarify the difference between “soaking in wine for display” and “using it properly to stay healthy”.
Popularize products
- Diversify products: ginseng tea, ginseng pills, ginseng candy, ginseng water, compact ginseng extract.
- Lower barriers to entry: affordable packaging, trial combos, close sales channels (supermarkets, pharmacies, online).
- Make the brand more approachable: speak the language of life, inspire health care instead of showing off class.
Ngoc Linh Ginseng – not only a “national treasure” of the forest, but also a “national product” in every home
Ngoc Linh Ginseng deserves to be a national pride. But to become a part of the healthy living journey of every Vietnamese person, it needs to step out of the silk box, into the meal, medicine box, tea cup, and the heart of the user.
When Vietnamese people truly understand and use Vietnamese ginseng properly – that is when the national treasure can live up to its true value.
