Echoes of Appalachia

Growing up in Marshall, North Carolina, ginseng hunting was just something we did every year. It wasn’t just a hobby—it was part of life. My family and I spent hours out in the woods, looking for that plant that my granny and daddy both held in high regard, each for different reasons.

When Granny went ginseng hunting, it was all about healing. She didn’t care about selling it. To her, ginseng was nature’s medicine. Granny had a remedy for just about everything, and more often than not, ginseng was a part of it. From stomachaches to skin issues, she’d use it in teas, poultices, and tonics. She believed in the healing power of that root, and I reckon she was right.

Now, Daddy—he was in it for the thrill and a little extra money. Ginseng hunting was his passion, and let me tell ya, he had a knack for it. As soon as those first leaves showed up in the spring, Daddy was ready. We’d head into the woods, and he’d spot ginseng faster than I could keep up. It wasn’t just about finding it; it was about doing it right. We’d dig it up carefully, bring it home, and dry it out. Daddy would store that ginseng for months, saving it all up until he had enough for one big sale at the end of the year. It helped daddy put food on the table, clothes on our backs and I don’t think he’d have traded it for anything.

But beyond the tradition, ginseng has some real health benefits, and it’s not just old wives’ tales. Modern science has backed up a lot of what folks around here have known for years:

• Brain health: Ginseng can boost mental performance, memory, and focus. There’s even research suggesting it could help with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Immune system support: It’s known to strengthen the immune system, helping your body fight off infections.
• Blood sugar control: Ginseng can help lower blood sugar levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Cancer prevention: Some studies suggest ginseng could help lower the risk of certain cancers.
• Menopause relief: It’s known to help ease some of the symptoms women face during menopause.
• Erectile dysfunction: Red ginseng, in particular, has been shown to help with ED.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Ginseng’s anti-inflammatory properties make it great for reducing swelling and helping the body heal.
• Stress relief: It can help regulate the body’s response to stress, balancing out those hormones that get out of whack.
• Heart health: Ginseng has some cardioprotective effects, which means it’s good for your heart over the long haul.

In the Appalachian Mountains, everything we need is right there. That’s how we survived, and honestly, it’s how we thrived. Ginseng might be known now for its health benefits, but to me, it’ll always be about those days spent roaming through the mountains with Daddy and Granny, passing on the old ways, and knowing that what we were digging up was worth more than its weight in gold.