Harvesting and Processing Methods and Key Technical Points for Panax notoginseng

Harvesting can begin after three or more years of cultivation. Harvesting is divided into two periods. Panax notoginseng harvested in July to August is called "spring Panax notoginseng," and the Panax notoginseng harvested after the flower stalks are removed is the best in quality and also high in yield; Panax notoginseng harvested from December after the Start of Winter to January of the following year is called "winter Panax notoginseng," and is poorer in quality and also low in yield.

After digging it up, remove the aboveground stems and wash off the soil. After cutting off the rhizome (yangchangtou), branch roots, and removing the fibrous roots, it is called "touzi." The touzi is repeatedly sun-dried and rubbed so that it becomes firm, until completely dry, and this is "maohuo." Then place the maohuo in a hemp bag with coarse chaff or rice grain and shake it back and forth, so that the surface becomes brown-black and glossy, and this is the finished product.