Ginseng: From Planting to Poaching

     Under the Blue Ridge mountains, in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, Charles Dauphine, 82, has taken an endangered species into his own hands. Ginseng, a perennial herb with sturdy taproots, is slowly dying due to poachers who strip the plant of its roots in hopes of selling them to make a large profit. Dauphine, a wildlife biologist recognizes the importance of this plant and instead of poaching it, he plants the ginseng seeds along the creek of his Asheville home and in the woods behind his house. With hopes of the herb being well hidden enough that poachers won't find it.

     Ginseng is one of the most expensive herbs in the world. A single root can sell for $17,000, and that is just on the low end of the spectrum. Like other long-lived forest herbs, ginseng is valued for its roots, which are used medicinally. Scientists are collecting more evidence that American ginseng may help improve fatigue, diabetes, and respiratory infections like the cold and flu.

     Dauphine has transformed his garage into an elaborate work space. Filled with any tool you could possibly imagine it is a sanctuary for him. "Having a space in my home where I can work on projects, build birdhouses and make presents for my grandkids gives me a peace of mind," says Dauphine. "I plant Ginseng because I want to leave this place better. I worry about the environment and I don't want that pressure to fall onto my grandkids." Exploring Asheville, spending time with his wife, and being in nature are just a few ways that show just how much Dauphine genuinely cares about the environment and making the world a better place.