When is ginseng traditionally harvested?

Ginseng is traditionally harvested at dawn on a new moon because it is believed that this timing optimizes the herb's potency and health benefits. The connection between the lunar cycle and the growth cycles of plants comes from various agricultural practices that have been developed over centuries. Harvesting on a new moon is thought to align with the natural timing of the plant's energy, ensuring that the roots are most powerful at this phase.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with traditional practices associated with ginseng harvesting. Midnight on a full moon isn't typically regarded as optimal, as this phase is often thought to be more associated with the depletion of plant energy rather than its accumulation. The equinox and sunset on a harvest moon also lack the specific cultural references tied to ginseng, making the connection between lunar phases and harvesting techniques vital to understanding why the first option is appropriate.