GINSENG
Ginseng, made from the ginseng root, is a staple of Asian medicine and helps boost energy and improve circulation. The major health benefits of this tea are due to the naturally occurring chemicals called ‘ginsenosides’ present in the root.
While it doesn’t have a directly calming effect, ginseng still stands among the best teas for stress since it can combat depression and fatigue by improving circulation and increasing vitality.
Both true ginseng and Siberian ginseng can help combat the effects of stress. Though Siberian ginseng isn’t actually ginseng at all; it’s made from a plant found in Asia, and has been used for thousands of years. One of the best teas for stress, Siberian ginseng is known as a mood booster and adaptogen—helping the body cope with the effects of stress and supporting the immune system during times of stress and anxiety.
BENEFITS OF GINSENG
Stress relief is really a ‘side effect’ of Ginseng. Its other medicinal benefits include the following:
- Prevents cancer
- Relieves anxiety and stress
- Improves blood circulation
- Relieves menstrual cramps
- Aids in weight loss
- Appetite suppressant
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves brain function
- Improves digestion
- Improves sexual dysfunction
- Helps in managing diabetes
- Stimulates cognitive abilities
- Rehydrates the skin
- Has anti-aging properties
- Clears the respiratory system
- Reduces chronic pain
- Helps in prevention of strokes
- Strengthens immune system
WORD OF CAUTION
- Do not use ginseng for complementary or alternative medicine without first checking with your doctor. Ginseng may interfere with medications, elevate blood pressure, cause mood or sleep disturbances and alter hormone levels.
- Pregnant women should avoid taking ginseng.
- Ginseng should not be taken for a prolonged period since it may lead to sleeplessness and heart ailments. Check with your healthcare provider on appropriate duration of usage.
HOW TO BREW A PERFECT CUP OF GINSENG TEA
Fresh Root
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of ginseng root shavings
- 1 cup of water
Method
- Take a very sharp knife or potato peeler and cut the fresh root into the thinnest shavings you can manage.
- Take about 1 tablespoon of these shavings and put them in a metal tea ball. You can buy one at any grocery store.
- Bring water to a boil and then turn off heat. Let the water cool for about two minutes.
- Pour water into tea cup. Sink tea ball into cup. Let it steep for 5 minutes. Longer if you like stronger flavor.
- Remove tea ball and enjoy. You may eat the ginseng shavings in the tea ball for extra benefit.
- Enjoy!
Dried Root
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 grams of chopped ginseng root / 1 teaspoon of ginseng powder
- 1 cup of water
Method
- Add ginseng to a cup. (You may add other teas or herbs for added flavor and benefit).
- Pour hot, but not boiling, water over the herb. Let it steep for 5 minutes. Longer if you like stronger flavor.
- Enjoy!
Note…
Use hot water, not boiling since boiling water can destroy some of the beneficial chemicals in ginseng. That is why you let the boiled water cool a little before steeping the tea.
TIPS
- Ginseng is rare and expensive, so you should buy it only from reputable suppliers.
- Seek Korean, red or panax ginseng if you want Asian ginseng. American ginseng is a different species but has similar health effects. Siberian ginseng differs in chemical makeup and has different benefits than American or Asian ginseng. All varieties of ginseng have stress inducing effects.
- Chopped ginseng root may be added to soup, stir fry or many other dishes, although it is not known how other nutrients might alter the bioavailability of compounds in ginseng.