American Ginseng Tea Benefits & How to Brew from Roots

Drinking American ginseng tea is said to improve energy levels, boost immunity and increase well-being. American ginseng is the common name for Panax quinquefolius.

This herbal extract has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for colds, the flu and other health conditions. American ginseng grows mainly in North America, but it has been exported to China since the 1700’s for use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Panax quinquefolius is closely related to Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) in terms of its therapeutic effects. Both varieties contain bioactive triterpenoid saponins called ginsenosides. These are believed to cause the health benefits linked to drinking American Ginseng tea.

American Ginseng

Herbal Supplement

Immunity

Energy

Mental Focus

How It Works:

• Contains ginsenosides that act as adaptogens
• Supports the immune system
• Boosts energy & cognitive performance

Dosage:

Between 100 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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American Ginseng Tea Health Benefits

By slowly steeping fresh Panax quinquefolius roots in hot water, the ginsenosides contained are released. Consuming American ginseng tea may be helpful for certain health conditions and diseases.

According to the Natural Medicines database, P. quinquefolius is used as an adaptogen. Adaptogens help to balance the body, regulate hormones and promote homeostasis.

Western medical uses for American ginseng include treatment for respiratory infections, prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Additional uses include cancer, fatigue, hypertension (high blood pressure), cognitive performance, schizophrenia and menopausal symptoms. While there is limited clinical evidence available to validate many of these uses, there is a long history of traditional use.

as an athletic performance enhancer. In one research study, this supplement was found to decrease muscle damage caused by exercise.

This supplement is also frequently used to enhance the immune system during cold and flu season. The supplement Cold-FX uses 200 mg of North American Ginseng extract, taken twice daily, to decrease the risk of developing cold and flu symptoms.

In research studies, using this product was found to modestly reduce the likelihood of developing an upper respiratory tract infection and to reduce the symptom severity and duration of infections when they do occur.

Research suggests that the polysaccharides and oligosaccharides found in American ginseng tea have an immunomodulating effect. It has been found to stimulate certain responses that control the immune system and increase natural killer cell activity.

Traditional Uses for American Ginseng Tea

Panax quinquefolius was first exported from North America to the Orient in the 1700s. Since then, its usage as a natural medicine has spread internationally. In the Unites States, overharvesting has resulted in extinction concerns for this natural herbal agent.

American ginseng tea may cause a number of pharmacologic effects. In-vitro, animal and limited human studies have reported anticancer, antiarthritis, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antihypertensive, antiobesity, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, antistress, antifatigue, antiaging and other effects.

American ginseng tea is used much for the same purposes as Asian ginseng. In eastern medicine, adaptogenic substances like P. ginang and P. quinquefolius are believed to work in multiple body systems. They are used to enhance total-body health by increasing resistance to stress, fighting aging and inhibiting the expression of various ailments and diseases.

How to Brew American Ginseng Tea

Many people choose to purchase American ginseng tea bags which are ready to steep in hot water and enjoy. Others prefer using fresh or dried ginseng roots to make their tea. You can make American ginseng tea from roots in the following manner:

• Use about one tablespoon of dried ginseng root per cup of tea desired.
• If using fresh ginseng root, then use about 3 grams per cup of tea desired.
• Slice or chop the root into small pieces.
• Place the root in a saucepan with the desired amount of purified water.
• Set the heat to a low setting.
• Allow the solution to increase in temperature slowly; do not boil.
• Steep the roots in the hot water for 20 minutes or more.
• Filter out the ginseng root.
• Flavor with lemon, honey or other taste enhancers as desired.

Freshly made American ginseng tea can be consumed hot or cold. It can be stored in the refrigerator, but should be consumed within a day or two.

American Ginseng Tea Side Effects

For most healthy adults, there is little concern for adverse effects being caused by American ginseng tea. It is well tolerated and not associated with a serious risk of side effects. In some cases, headaches are reported.

Panax quinquefolius is rated as likely safe for appropriate oral usage in the short term. Doses between 100 mg and 3 grams daily have caused no adverse effects for as long as 12 weeks in research studies. Certain supplements containing P. quinquefolius extract have been used safely in children for up to 4 weeks.

American ginseng tea is possibly unsafe for pregnant and/or nursing women. Usage is not recommended. Do not use P. quinquefolius tea or other supplements before surgery. Discontinue use at least 2 weeks prior to any surgery. Be cautious combining with alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

American Ginseng Interactions

American ginseng tea exhibits antidiabetic, antihypertensive and other therapeutic effects. It can interact negatively with certain diseases, prescription medication, lab tests, foods and other herbals.

Without permission from a doctor, do not use American ginseng tea in conjunction with medications taken for prediabetes, diabetes, hormone-sensitive cancer, high blood pressure, schizophrenia, bleeding disorders and/or insomnia.

If you are considering adding American ginseng tea to your diet, then it is best to discuss it with a doctor or pharmacist first. Let him know about your health history. Be sure to mention all drugs and herbal supplements you may be taking.

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