Asian Ginseng Tea Benefits, Recipes & How to Brew

Asian ginseng tea is commonly consumed to increase energy levels and lift mood. It is also used to strengthen immunity and as a natural remedy for several diseases and ailments.

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is considered to be an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are natural substances which help to prevent disturbances caused by environmental, social, physical, mental and other stressors.

Adaptogens are not recognized in western medicine, but there is some research to show that Ginseng tea can improve resistance to stress and support cognitive function.

There is also research evidence showing that this herb can promote sexual function in men, increase sexual arousal, improve MS-related fatigue, and improve quality of life in patients with certain medical conditions. Asian ginseng tea may also decrease the risk of getting the flu or the common cold by 65%.

Panax Ginseng

Adaptogen

Energy

Immune Function

Well- Being

How It Works:

• Boosts energy & mental focus
• Supports immune system & restores balance
• Improves mood, sleep quality & endurance

Dosage:

Between 100 - 400 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Asian Ginseng Tea

For many centuries, Asian ginseng tea has been used in China, Korea and in other eastern medicine systems.

There is more than one type of ginseng. In the Panax botanic genus, there are eleven species and subspecies. Only Asian ginseng and American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) have been studied for their medicinal benefits

Asian ginseng grows natively in Korea and China. Korea is the largest commercial producer of this herb and China is the largest consumer.

Asian ginseng tea plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for boosting the Qi (vital energy) and for helping to calm the nervous system. According to the Natural Medicines database, Panax ginseng is also used as a natural remedy for:

• AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and certain other autoimmune diseases;
• Depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease;
• Certain types of cancer;
• High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis);
• Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes) and type II diabetes mellitus;
• Strengthening the immune system and combating oxidative stress;
• Slowing down the effects of aging;

Asian ginseng tea is also used for vertigo, headaches, colitis, pruritus, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, cystic fibrosis, fibromyalgia, gallstones, vomiting, hearing loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, convulsions, neuralgia and other conditions and diseases.

Many of these uses are based on historical medicine traditions and are not supported by currently available research. In many cases, there is insufficient evidence to rate Asian ginseng extract for the prevention or treatment of specific health conditions.

How to Make Asian Ginseng Tea

There are several commercial Asian ginseng tea products available. You may choose to purchase pre-made tea bags and steep them in hot water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Many people prefer to brew their own Asian ginseng tea at home. Fresh, organic Panax ginseng roots may be used to make teas in the following manner:

• Finely chop or grade between 4.5 and 9 grams of P. ginseng root.
• Combine the ginseng with 4 cups of purified water in a medium saucepan.
• Set the heat to a low setting and allow the mixture to heat slowly.
• Do not boil the mixture as this may deplete or diminish the nutrients.
• Continue to gently heat the mixture for at least 15 minutes.
• Strain out the spent ginseng roots.
• Add fresh mint, lemon, honey or other flavor enhancers as desired.

Many people add black pepper extract to their Asian ginseng teas. Black pepper is believed to accentuate the therapeutic effects of P. ginseng.

Asian Ginseng Tea Side Effects

Adverse side effects from Asian ginseng are rare. Most users experience none. The most commonly experienced side effect is insomnia. You shouldn’t drink Asian ginseng tea close to bedtime.

Other less likely adverse effects can include headaches, hearing loss, vaginal bleeding, tender breasts, changes in blood pressure, hypoglycemia, colitis, fever, pruritis and others. This is not a full list. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist about all of the possible side effects associated.

Asian Ginseng Tea Safety

Asian ginseng root is known to be likely safe when used appropriately in the short term. Data from multiple trials shows that it is well tolerated in most healthy adults. The Natural Medicines database states that Panax ginseng is likely safe for oral, proper use for up to 6 months. Long term oral or other use of Asian ginseng is rated as possibly unsafe.

Asian ginseng tea is not recommended for infants or children. Likewise, usage should be avoided by women who are pregnant or nursing. Use extra caution if driving after consumption.

Excessive consumption of Asian ginseng tea may cause interactions with certain diseases, lab tests, foods, drugs and/or herbal supplements. Research suggests that Panax ginseng may induce antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antiasthma, anticancer and stimulatory effects.

There may be an increased risk of side effects from Asian ginseng tea if it is combined with certain pharmaceutical drugs. Usage is not recommended in conjunction with the following medications:

• Insulin and/or other antidiabetic agents;
• Warfarin, aspirin and/or other antiplatelets/anticoagulants;
• P450 substrate medications;
• Immunosuppressants and/or MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors);

Caution is also recommended if using Asian ginseng tea along with caffeine, alcohol, stimulants or estrogen.

If you are considering using Asian ginseng tea in your diet, then it is best to talk it over with a doctor or pharmacist first. Discuss your pre-existing health conditions and any medications and/or supplements you may be using.

Conclusions

Consumption of Asian ginseng tea may improve energy levels, mood, cognitive function and general wellness. However, most of the benefits attributed to this herb are largely based on historical tradition.

Many of the traditional uses for Asian ginseng tea have not been validated by large-scale human research trials.

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