Wild insam was widely known as a special medicinal herb in the period of Koguryo (277 BC-AD 668) and used as the best health tonic at home and abroad in the periods of Koryo (918-1392) and the feudal Joson dynasty (1392-1910).
Based on the experience gained in collecting wild insam, the Korean ancestors began to cultivate it by planting its seeds or roots in appropriate places deep in mountains and then gathering it.
With their knowledge about it broadened, they extended the scope of its cultivation by creating an artificial environment for its growth.
They called the one growing under natural environment of a mountain sansam (wild insam) and the one growing artificially insam.
In Koryo medicine, wild insam is generally recognized as having tonic properties of improving cardiac and digestive functions and producing a sedative effect. In addition, it is used as a good remedy for low metabolic functions, digestive disorders, vomiting, chest pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, etc.
Now this medicinal herb is widely known as an elixir of life.
The usage of wild insam was inscribed on the national intangible cultural heritage list in May 2016.
Kim Ye Ryong
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