IN EAST ASIA, there is a strong tradition, dating back many centuries, of using herbs for medicinal, ritual, spiritual and aromatic purposes.
In East Asia, herbs are very much associated with the culinary arts, where they are used as seasonings or garnishes. But in this part of the world, there is also a rich tradition of using these precious leaves, seeds and flowers for medicinal, ritual, spiritual, and aromatic purposes, with practices dating back centuries and persisting into modern times.
Through the ages, East Asia has contributed myriad herbs to the global scene. While these herbs were mainly domesticated and cultivated in their countries of origin, they eventually spread to neighbouring regions and later worldwide as supply-chain systems advanced over the centuries.
Today, whether it is the endless dishes that incorporate these herbs into their recipes or the countless traditional medicines that blend them into healing concoctions, East Asian herbs have cemented their place in the world.
In this part of the world, there is also a rich tradition of using these precious leaves, seeds and flowers for medicinal, ritual, spiritual, and aromatic purposes
GINSENG
China, Korea
One of the first written texts to mention the use of ginseng as herbal medicine was Shennong’s in 196 CE. Ginseng is said
