THE FRONT PORCH: Mountain Gold — The ginseng heritage of West Virginia
By Dakota Baker, Real WV
Ginseng has been a part of Appalachian heritage for nearly 200 years. What once served as a source of supplemental income for many families gradually grew into a cherished tradition, with the locations of ginseng patches often kept as closely guarded secrets passed down through generations.
Sometimes referred to as “mountain gold,” ginseng is highly sought after for its medicinal properties.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “The pharmacological effects of ginseng have been demonstrated in cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and have been used for promoting immune function, central nervous system (CNS) function, relieving stress, and for its antioxidant activities.”
How do West Virginians use it?
Ginseng’s scientific name is Panax quinquefolius. “Panax” is a Greek word, meaning “all-healing.” In Indigenous American, Appalachian, and Chinese medicine, ginseng is used in teas, soups, medicines, and the root itself is sometimes chewed to relieve pain, treat infections, boost energy, and treat various illnesses, such as the common cold and colic.
How much is it worth?
Ginseng is native to West Virginia, growing in all 55 counties, and has been harvested as a cash crop for at least 200 years. Every year, from September through November, treasure hunters emerge to dig for this “mountain gold.”
Ginseng prices differ significantly depending on the variety and maturity of the root. Wild American ginseng typically sells for $500 to $1,100 per dry pound, while cultivated, farm-grown ginseng generally ranges from $50 to $250 per pound.
The West Virginia Division of Forestry carefully monitors the harvest to protect this valuable resource, ensuring it can be sustainably used for many years to come. Diggers have until March 31 of the following year to sell to a registered West Virginia ginseng dealer or have roots weigh-receipted at one of the Division of Forestry weigh stations. Additionally, it is prohibited to be in the possession of Ginseng from April 1 through August 31 without a weight receipt from the Division of Forestry.
