Ginseng Tea is an ancient tea, used by the Chinese and Koreans for thousands of years due to its health benefits. Made from the root of a slow-growing perennial plant with fleshy roots, it is prized for its health benefits.
The name "ginseng" translates as "man root". This name is given for several reasons. Firstly, the root of the plant has the appearance of a person. Secondly, the name refers to the healing properties of the root.
Ginseng Tea has a sharp, coppery taste with a strong aftertaste and a bright yellow appearance. The taste of Ginseng Tea is usually described by Chinese drinkers as "golden".
Varieties of ginseng tea
While the ginseng plant is mainly found in Asia, there is also a North American variety.
The Chinese variety is known for its stimulating qualities, while the North American variety is prized for its calming qualities. Ginseng Tea is mainly made from the North American varieties.
The ginseng used to make Ginseng Tea comes in various forms. The tea can made from the whole root, root slices, as a powder form or in teabags.
Preparing ginseng tea
When making Ginseng Tea, about 2-3 grams of ginseng is required. This equates to about 5-8 slices of ginseng, a teaspoon of powder, or one teabag.
Hot water should be used to prepare the ginseng. The tea should be steeped for at least 4-5 minutes before drinking. The tea can be steeped for longer, depending on the strength required. The longer the tea is steeped, the stronger the taste.
The ginseng can be reused about two or three times. If desired, the ginseng can then be consumed.
Health benefits of ginseng tea
Ginseng tea is said to have multiple health benefits. Different varieties of ginseng tea have different health benefits.
Generally speaking, ginseng tea is prized as an adaptogen - that is, it is a product that increases a body's resistance to stress, while doing no harm. It is said to strengthen the body against disease and infection.
Another benefit of ginseng tea is reducing inflammation from such ailments as rashes and sore throats.
Red ginseng - ginseng that has been heated either through steaming or sun-dried - has been proven to have sexual and anti-cancer benefits. One study showed that red ginseng had a positive effect on impotence. Red ginseng has also been shown to reduce the relapse of gastric cancer.
It is recommended that Ginseng Tea be drunk daily or whenever a person is unwell. While Ginseng Tea can be quite beneficial to a person's health, it should be used to compliment primary treatment and not as a primary cure. Ginseng Tea is intended as a drink to maintain a person's health, or to boost a person's systems when it is under siege. It does not cure diseases and illnesses alone.
