In the heart of Appalachia, a conflict is unfolding over a highly prized resource: ginseng. As international demand surges, traders are keen to capitalize on the opportunity, with the price reaching approximately $1,000 per pound. This has sent harvesters into a frenzy to collect what is often referred to as “mountain gold.” There are even those who claim that its twisted roots possess unique healing properties. The power over ginseng equates to power over the mountains.