Health Benefits of Ginseng Tea

Ginseng is believed to have originated in the mountains of Manchuria in China and has been in use for some 5000 years. Initially, it was used as a foodstuff, but later, the health benefits of ginseng were identified. It is said that ginseng has been used for medicinal purposes, for the last 3000 years. It was called 'Ren Shen' by the ancient Chinese people. 'Ren Shen' means 'Man Root' and refers to the human-like shape of the Ginseng root. In Japan, ginseng is called 'ninjin' and in Korea, it is known as 'insam'. The Chinese placed great faith in ginseng and considered it a sort of rejuvenating, cure-all herb for a variety of ailments. They also believed that regular drinking of ginseng tea would lead to a long life. At that time, ginseng was so valuable that it was bartered for silk and was even prized above gold. The demand was such that the supply of ginseng from the Chinese Mainland was not enough and the Chinese had to import it from Korea. Soon the ginseng stock in the wild was exhausted and commercial cultivation became inevitable. However, wild ginseng is said to have more medicinal value than the cultivated ones. It is said that chemicals like ginsenosides in ginseng, are responsible for its so-called health benefits. Scroll down to know more about ginseng and ginseng tea health benefits.

Types of Ginseng

There are two main species of ginseng and they are Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) that is found in China, Japan, and Korea and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) that grows mainly in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Georgia, Oklahoma, British Columbia, and Ontario. There is a third variety called red ginseng or Korean ginseng that is nothing other than processed Asian ginseng. There is another variety called Siberian ginseng that is not a true ginseng, but is another plant (Eleutherococcus senticosus) with almost similar medicinal properties. Siberian ginseng contains chemicals called eleutherosides, instead of ginsenosides.

You can buy ginseng roots in whole or in powder form. You may also get sliced and dried ginseng roots or ginseng tea bags. Sometimes, the leaves of ginseng plant are also used, but are not considered as effective as the root. Cultivated ginseng is available as red ginseng and white Ginseng. In both cases, ginseng plants are grown for about 6 years before their roots are harvested. The difference lies in the way the roots are processed for use. To make white ginseng, the root is peeled and sun-dried. The dried root looks yellowish-white. To make red ginseng, the unpeeled root undergoes steaming, turns reddish-brown, and is then dried. Now, let us take a look at some of the health benefits of ginseng tea.

Ginseng Tea Health Benefits

Ginseng is a perennial plant with a fleshy root. These human-shaped roots are used for medicinal purposes. You can make herbal tea from the fleshy root of the ginseng plant. Ginseng tea is said to have many healing and energy-giving properties. You may use fresh or dried roots for preparing this herbal tea. These days, ginseng tea is a popular herbal drink the world over and ginseng is grown in many places.

While ginseng has been traditionally considered a 'cure all', many modern researchers question the actual efficacy of the root. Till date, there is no substantial evidence to prove the effectiveness of this herb in curing illnesses. Even so, a great many people swear by ginseng and ginseng tea and consume it on a regular basis. As per the exponents of this herb, there are numerous health benefits of ginseng tea, which are discussed below.

• Ginseng helps build up appetite and aids digestion and respiration.
• Ginseng reduces physical and mental stress.
• Ginseng is rejuvenating and works against fatigue.
• Ginseng boosts the immune system and works as an aphrodisiac.
• Ginseng helps counter arthritis, asthma and diabetes.
• Ginseng reduces the risk of cancer and lessens the effects of Crohn's Disease.
• Ginseng is effective against Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome.
• Ginseng helps lower (LDL) bad cholesterol levels.
• Ginseng is effective against headaches and stomach ulcers.
• Ginseng provides a cure for diarrhea.
• Ginseng is good for blood circulation.
• Ginseng boosts memory and builds stamina.
• Ginseng is also said to protect the liver from the adverse effects of medication.
• Benefits of ginseng tea includes its power to alleviate discomfort associated with menstruation.

The above said are some of the so-called health benefits of ginseng tea. As there is no solid evidence to prove the same, it is always better to us this herb, only after consulting your doctor. The herb is said to cause no side effects, if taken in prescribed doses. However, ginseng side effects may occur, if the herb is taken in excess. So, take the herb, under the strict supervision of a qualified herbal practitioner. Kids, pregnant and nursing women, those with endometriosis, uterine fibroids, cancer of the prostate, uterus, ovaries and breasts, must also refrain from taking ginseng. Even those who are taking antidepressants, blood thinning medication, diuretics and drugs for blood pressure and blood sugar, must avoid taking ginseng. As it can interact with a wide range of medication, it is better to avoid use of ginseng, if you are taking other medication.