Ginseng tea: 5 health benefits

Tea is not just a mere beverage. It is an emotion that can instantly make you feel better. With every sip of tea, you can forget about life’s problems and escape into a world of pure bliss. However, tea preferences are highly subjective. While some people prefer milk-based tea for its richness and creaminess, others choose black or green tea for health benefits. For those who seek exotic flavours, there are many options are available. Ginseng tea could be an excellent choice as it can leave you feeling refreshed. That’s not all. Ginseng tea has many health benefits!

What is ginseng tea?

Ginseng refers to both American ginseng and Korean ginseng. Ginseng is a slow-growing perennial plant from the Panax genus in the Araliaceae family. The ginseng plant’s roots are used to make ginseng tea. Ginseng tea is believed to boost cognitive abilities, focus, and reasoning skills, says nutritionist Deepti Khatuja.

Ginseng is utilised as a weight-loss aid and is also thought to have appetite-suppressant properties that help reduce cravings for sweets. The flavour of ginseng tea is earthy and slightly bitter. It tastes best when combined with milk or honey.

What are the health benefits of ginseng tea?

Here are some of the benefits of ginseng tea:

1. May keep stress at bay

Ginseng is considered to be an adaptogen. It enhances the general quality of life and aids the body in coping with stress. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Ginseng Research, ginseng’s beneficial effects might stem from its capacity to fortify the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, thereby augmenting the release of hormones that combat stress, such as corticotrophin. These hormones assist the body in minimising and managing stress.

2. May help in weight loss

A 2018 research published in the Journal of Ginseng Research showed that ginseng tea has components that are highly helpful against obesity. Additionally, ginseng tea has a natural hunger-suppressing effect.

3. May improve blood pressure

Ginseng tea is a very beneficial beverage for those suffering from hypotension. Ginseng tea aids in the regulation of the body’s blood pressure. Moreover, red ginseng tea has a very relaxing and soothing effect that lowers blood pressure and anxiety, as per a study published in the Journal of Medicine Food.

4. May stimulate both physical and mental health

Drinking ginseng tea will help you feel more energetic and have more stamina. Moreover, ginseng tea can control metabolism well, which raises energy levels. Additionally, ginseng tea has the potential to stimulate brain cells and enhance focus and cognitive function.

5. May protect from cancer

Korean ginseng contains anti-tumour characteristics and is preventive against some types of cancer, such as lung, liver, pancreatic, ovarian, and stomach cancer. A 2022 research published in the Nutrients journal has indicated that ginseng tea has cytotoxic effects that makes it effective against cancer.

How to prepare Korean ginseng tea?

Here is a quick and easy Korean ginseng tea recipe, as shared by Deepti Khatuja.

Ingredients

• 5 to 6 sliced dried ginseng roots
• Honey, as per your taste
• 5 cups of water

Method

• Put ginseng in a glass measuring cup or other big vessel.
• Cover it with a generous amount of honey, stir, and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
• In a small saucepan, heat water over high heat until it is very hot but not boiling.
• Cover the ginseng and honey with very hot (not boiling) water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Remove the ginseng slices using a spoon or strainer.

Ginseng tea can be combined with green tea or ginger tea if the flavour of ginseng is too strong for you.

What are the side effects of ginseng tea?

Most people find ginseng to be safe and well-tolerated, while others recommend not taking it for longer than six months at a time, says the expert.

• If you have any current medical concerns or are taking any drugs, it is also advisable to consult your doctor before taking ginseng, just in case there are any drug interactions.
• There is insufficient study to determine whether ginseng is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. But it may be best to avoid its use during these times.
• Any individual suffering from any medical condition should not have the same without consulting the medical team or nutritionist.

Having a healthy balanced diet with regular physical activity is the key to good health.