Harvesting and Processing Methods of Panax notoginseng and Key Technical Points

Harvesting can be done after more than three years of cultivation. Harvesting is divided into two periods,

Panax notoginseng harvested in July-August is called "spring notoginseng," and the notoginseng harvested after the flower stalks are removed has the best quality and also high yield; Panax notoginseng harvested from December after the Beginning of Winter to January of the following year is called "winter notoginseng," which has poorer quality and also low yield. After digging out, remove the aboveground stems and wash off the soil. After cutting off the rhizome (sheep intestine head), branch roots, and removing the fibrous roots, it is called "touzi." Repeatedly sun-dry and rub the touzi to make it firm until completely dry, which is "maohuo." Then place the maohuo in a hemp bag with coarse chaff or rice grains and shake it back and forth to make the surface brown-black and glossy, which is the finished product.