Ginseng are one of the most widely used herb for medicine, particularly in Asia and North America. The first recorded uses of ginseng dates back to Ancient China, and two of the most notable types of ginseng are the American Ginseng that is meant for warmer months and the Korean Ginseng that is more suited for the colder months.
The Korean Ginseng, Panax Ginseng or Asian Ginseng is an herb which has been in use for a thousand years. Aside from being a medicinal herb, ginsengs are also a common ingredient in Korean and Chinese cuisine, as seen in dishes such as soup as well as tea. Anyway, what are the health benefits of red ginseng tea?
These are the health benefits of Asian ginseng and the health benefits of American ginseng.
About the Red Ginseng
The red ginseng or the Korean ginseng is a type of ginseng that is native to the mountainous regions of Korean Peninsula, Manchuria as well as the Russian Far East. It is widely cultivated in Korea, as its name suggests and outside of its native country it is considered as a protected plant. The red ginseng possesses a characteristic of being a slow-growing perennial and the roots are normally harvested as the plants reach five to six years old. For your information, a perennial plant is a type of plant which as a longer lifespan of more than two years.
Ginseng’s Nutritional Content
Ginsengs in general have the following nutritional content which is widely regarded in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Tetracyclic triterpenoid saponins (ginsenosides)
- Polyacetylenes
- Polyphenolic compounds
- Acidic polysaccharides
Health Benefits of Red Ginseng Tea
Meanwhile, here are the known health benefits of Korean red ginseng tea.
- A Natural Antioxidant Source
The red ginseng inside the tea is a natural source of antioxidant, which comes from the ginsenosides compound. Antioxidants help to uphold overall health into prime condition and prevent the trigger of serious diseases. Meanwhile, tea on its own is already a source of antioxidant, so imagine how much of a double-power antioxidant can be enjoyed with Korean ginseng tea. Is tea good diabetes patient?
- Cures Common Cold or Flu
Proponents did suggest that both common types of ginseng; the American ginseng as well as the red ginseng help boost the immune system and increase the body’s defense against common cold or flu. This is possible due to ginseng’s trait of being an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a class of herb said to resist the body to everyday stress. The stress weakens the body’s immune system, and ginseng works by protecting the body against the negative effects of stress.
- Have Anti-Cancer Properties
In one way or another, ginseng is also thought to help treat cancer. There was once a trial in the United States which used ginseng in reducing cancer-related fatigues among patients in replacement to placebo.
The improvement may have initially worked slow, but after hitting the eighth week, there was a report in increasing energy levels among the trialed patients and general exhaustion was also reported to be decreasing rapidly among them. There were no side effects taken note of, and the improvement reached a whopping amount of 20%.
- A Stress Reliever
A trial conducted at Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, United Kingdom involved the sampling of 30 volunteers who were tested about the effects of ginseng versus placebo. The results came up to be 200 milligrams of ginseng over a course of eight days result in a fall of the mood and arithmetic response, whereas 400 milligrams of ginseng over the same duration improve both calmness and arithmetical skills.
With having a cup of tea symbolizing the consumer by enjoying his or her time, thus causing the drinker to relax, perhaps a cup of ginseng tea could work as an even better stress reliever.
- An Effective Energy and Overall Health Booster
Ginsengs are traditionally designated to improve the endurance of the consumer, that’s why sometimes athletes consume ginseng supplements to enhance their performance. Other than that ginseng also boosts the immune system, because the roots, stems and leaves of the ginseng are said to work well in maintaining immune homeostatis hence improving one’s resistance towards illnesses or infections.
- Also Said to Treat Sexual Dysfunction
Korean ginsengs are also said to be good in treating sexual dysfunction for both men and women. For men, ginsengs treat erectile dysfunction while increasing libido whereas for women, ginseng also slows down menopause symptoms while increasing libido as well. These are the benefits of ginseng for males.
- Lowers Blood Sugar Level
There are many health benefits of red ginseng tea. Several studies prove that ginseng is a natural remedy for diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels of diabetes type-2 patients. An English study conducted at the Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit also found out that panax ginseng cause a reduction in blood sugar levels an hour after glucose consumption, hence confirming ginseng as containing glucoregulatory properties. In this case, it is wise for you to consume ginseng tea in sugarless form.
- Protects You from Cancer
Several researches have also shown that ginsengs are very powerful anti-cancer agents, because of its ability to block out the growth of tumor. Scientific discoveries have in addition also realized that ginseng mitigates cancer through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as apoptotic mechanisms to stop the growth of tumor and influence gene expressions in return.
How to Prepare Red Ginseng Tea
Red ginseng tea is available in the form of tea bags in the supermarket, or you can make it on your own. Here is the recipe should you decide to make your own:
- Use the fresh root, powdered or dried root of the ginseng. Proceed directly to step 3 if you are using the latter two.
- Peel the root.
- Take 1 table spoon of the shaved roots or root powder and place it on the metal tea ball or filter.
- Boil water as usual and cool it for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the water into the cup or mug while inserting the tea ball or filter. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Your ginseng tea is now ready to be consumed!
Warnings and Precautions
Just like any other herbs, ginseng works better when moderately consumed. However there have been reported cases of the following side effects;
- Intimate bleeding
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
Ginseng products should be avoided at all costs if you are pregnant or lactating, having autoimmune diseases, Crohn’s disease as well as rheumatoid arthritis. If you are under medication, it is suggested that you consult your doctor beforehand before proceeding.