The correct way to eat ginseng

1. Chew and eat: Wash the ginseng, then put it directly into your mouth and chew it before eating.

2. Suck and eat: Slice the ginseng into thin pieces, then place the slices in your mouth and continuously swallow saliva until the slices dissolve.

3. Steaming: Place the ginseng in a bowl, add water to cover it, place the bowl in a pot, cover, and steam until tender. Drink the broth and eat the residue.

4. Boiling: Place the ginseng in a clay pot, add water, bring to a boil, and drink the broth. Avoid using metal cookware to prevent loss of efficacy.

5. Soup: Stuff the ginseng into the cavity of a prepared black chicken, add water and seasonings, and simmer over low heat. Once cooked, you can eat the ginseng and drink the chicken soup.  

6. Infusion: Slice the ginseng, place it in a bowl or cup, and steep with boiling water for 15–30 minutes before drinking. You can continue to add water while drinking until there is no ginseng flavor left, at which point you can eat the ginseng slices as well.

7. Soak in alcohol: Soak the ginseng in white wine until its medicinal properties infuse into the alcohol. After the first batch of wine is consumed, you can continue to add more to the same bottle until the ginseng's skin turns snow-white.

8. Grind into powder: Grind dried ginseng into powder. Take an appropriate amount of ginseng powder daily and swallow it with warm water.

Ginseng should not be consumed with foods such as tea leaves, radishes, kudzu, and five-spice powder, as these may interfere with its efficacy. When consuming ginseng, moderation is key, as excessive intake may lead to discomfort. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, and other special populations should consult a doctor before consuming ginseng.