By Eric Brand

This is the packaging for authentic Japanese ginseng, known in Chinese as Dong Yang Shen. Dong Yang Shen is processed by par-boiling, which causes it to be white on the outside and red on the inside. Its claim to fame is that it tends not to produce heat.

Dong Yang Shen exists in many grades and qualities. Strictly speaking, Dong Yang Shen should come from Japan, but the same processing method is used in China and Korea to make competing Dong Yang Shen products. For Dong Yang Shen, Japan is the authentic growing region and the Japanese product is superior. That said, ginseng can be smuggled into Japan for processing and export and non-Japanese ginseng can be labeled as Dong Yang Shen to fetch a higher price. Consequently, authenticity is the #1 concern when it comes to Dong Yang Shen.

This photo series shows the packaging of authentic Dong Yang Shen. These samples came from a trusted pharmacy in Taiwan and are representative of the authentic product. This photo is the front of the package. Click here for the photo of the back of the package. Click here for a photo of the contents.