The Czech Republic has considered allowing North Korea to repay its debts with tonnes of ginseng roots. Ginseng is an aphrodisiac.
The BBC reports North Korea owes $US10 million for trams and heavy machinery built during eastern Europe's Soviet era.
The offer of ginseng, which is said to combat lethargy, arthritis and impotence, was said to have been for 5% of the debt.
But other reports say the Czech Republic is asking for the debt to be repaid in metal instead.
Twenty tonnes of the root was reportedly on offer as a down payment.
The Czech Republic's annual consumption of ginseng is said to be just under 1.5 tonnes.
Ginseng is also said to combat senility.
