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
More From Naenara (En)
Workers and members of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea (GFTUK) met at the Central Hall of Workers on February 11 t
February 13, 2026
Workers and members of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea (GFTUK) met at the Central Hall of Workers on February 11 t
A team involving scientists and researchers at Pyongyang University of Mechanical Engineering and research institutions has
February 13, 2026
A team involving scientists and researchers at Pyongyang University of Mechanical Engineering and research institutions has
In recent years, modern consumer goods production bases conducive to improving the people’s standard of living have been newly
February 13, 2026
In recent years, modern consumer goods production bases conducive to improving the people’s standard of living have been newly
The Mausoleum of King Kogugwon, also known as Anak Tomb No. 3, is located in Oguk-ri, Anak County, South Hwanghae Province.
February 13, 2026
The Mausoleum of King Kogugwon, also known as Anak Tomb No. 3, is located in Oguk-ri, Anak County, South Hwanghae Province.
A national book and art exhibition opened in the DPRK to celebrate the forthcoming Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea
February 13, 2026
A national book and art exhibition opened in the DPRK to celebrate the forthcoming Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea
Vladimir Topeha, charge d’affaires ad interim of the Russian embassy in the DPRK, hosted a reception at the Taedonggang
February 12, 2026
Vladimir Topeha, charge d’affaires ad interim of the Russian embassy in the DPRK, hosted a reception at the Taedonggang
One day in August 2021, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the construction site of the Pothong riverside terraced houses
February 12, 2026
One day in August 2021, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the construction site of the Pothong riverside terraced houses
Soldier-builders of the Korean People’s Army completed the first damming project at the second district of Taedongman Tideland
February 12, 2026
Soldier-builders of the Korean People’s Army completed the first damming project at the second district of Taedongman Tideland
A week-long film show opened in the DPRK to celebrate February 16, the birthday of Chairman Kim Jong Il . Documentary films
February 12, 2026
A week-long film show opened in the DPRK to celebrate February 16, the birthday of Chairman Kim Jong Il . Documentary films
The Jonchon fir grows at the foot of a mountain 640 metres above sea level in Waun-ri, Jonchon County, Jagang Province.This tree w
February 12, 2026
The Jonchon fir grows at the foot of a mountain 640 metres above sea level in Waun-ri, Jonchon County, Jagang Province.This tree w
Scientists at the green architecture institute of the State Academy of Sciences have successfully worked on a project for
February 12, 2026
Scientists at the green architecture institute of the State Academy of Sciences have successfully worked on a project for
Grand construction began in Hwaphyong, Phyonggang, Riwon, Myonggan and Samsu counties of the DPRK to build regional-industry
February 11, 2026
Grand construction began in Hwaphyong, Phyonggang, Riwon, Myonggan and Samsu counties of the DPRK to build regional-industry
The 11th National Pencil Drawing Festival opened in the DPRK to celebrate the 84th birth anniversary of Chairman Kim Jong Il .
February 11, 2026
The 11th National Pencil Drawing Festival opened in the DPRK to celebrate the 84th birth anniversary of Chairman Kim Jong Il .
The Ministry of Land and Maritime Transport Sports Club has a general aquatic sports training hall and hostel for athletes on the
February 11, 2026
The Ministry of Land and Maritime Transport Sports Club has a general aquatic sports training hall and hostel for athletes on the
The Eighth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea held in January 2021 set forth a line on building up the national defence
February 11, 2026
The Eighth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea held in January 2021 set forth a line on building up the national defence
The architectural materials institute under the State Academy of Sciences has recently developed a new paint for preventing metals
February 11, 2026
The architectural materials institute under the State Academy of Sciences has recently developed a new paint for preventing metals
The Song and Dance Ensemble of the Ministry of National Defence of the DPRK gave a music and dance performance at the Ponghwa Art
February 10, 2026
The Song and Dance Ensemble of the Ministry of National Defence of the DPRK gave a music and dance performance at the Ponghwa Art
Greeting Army Founding Day, a proud holiday of socialist Korea, all the service personnel and people pay the highest tribute to
February 10, 2026
Greeting Army Founding Day, a proud holiday of socialist Korea, all the service personnel and people pay the highest tribute to
Officials, service personnel, working people, youth and students in the DPRK visited the statues of President Kim Il Sung and
February 10, 2026
Officials, service personnel, working people, youth and students in the DPRK visited the statues of President Kim Il Sung and
Regional construction for this year has been launched across the DPRK in a three-dimensional way and on a full scale,
February 10, 2026
Regional construction for this year has been launched across the DPRK in a three-dimensional way and on a full scale,
More Articles
