5 Health Benefits Of Drinking Ginseng Tea
Around the world, herbal teas are a favorite beverage of a lot of people. Not only are they delicious and refreshing, but they are also natural and caffeine-free, making them safe to drink for both young and old.
One of the most popular herbal teas these days is ginseng tea. If you want to learn more about this drink, read on.
What is ginseng?
Ginseng is a slow-growing plant with short stature, fleshy roots that look like a fork, and green, oval-shaped leaves. It has 11 different varieties, including Asian ginseng (also known as Korean ginseng or Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (or Panax quinquefolius). It has many centuries’ worth of history as a medicinal herb, particularly in Asian and North American regions. Today, it has been found by certain studies to be potentially effective in treating a wide range of medical conditions.
What are some fantastic ginseng tea benefits that you should know about?
Ginseng’s lasting popularity as an herbal medicine is due to the long list of benefits it offers. If you are considering taking it in the form of tea, some ginseng tea benefits you can expect include:
- Develop a stronger immune system
Through the years, there have been a number of studies conducted that focused on the effects of ginseng on the immune system. In one animal study, findings suggested a potential link between ginseng and flu prevention and treatment. In a different study, researchers reported that ginseng may be helpful in strengthening flu-infected epithelial cells of the human lung.
- Have better brain function
Certain research found that the natural components of ginseng could be useful in treating cognitive deficits. In the report, these natural ginseng components showed the potential in reducing oxidative stress levels in the body, which could be beneficial to thinking and other cognitive processes. Additionally, in a study that involved men and women in their 70s, those who took ginseng showed the enhanced function of their frontal brain lobe.
- Achieve and deliver a more pleasurable sexual performance
Ginseng has also been reported to have a positive effect on sexual function. In 2012, there was a study in which men suffering from mild to moderate erectile dysfunction were given ginseng or a placebo to consume for two months. In the end, those who took ginseng reported enhanced overall sexual performance and function. Furthermore, studies on ginseng’s effect on women’s sexual health have also shown promising results. According to findings, ginseng could help with low sex drive and boost sexual function, particularly in women going through menopause.
- Gain more energy
Various studies have found ginseng to be potentially helpful in combating fatigue and raising energy levels. In one review, researchers came to the conclusion that ginseng could be viable in easing the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, a severe long-term illness in which a person experiences extreme fatigue for six months or more due to some unexplainable or indeterminable condition or reason. In a number of animal studies, some of the components found in ginseng, such as polysaccharides and oligopeptides, showed the potential in increasing energy production and reducing oxidative stress in the cells.
- Protect against inflammation
Researchers have found ginseng to be rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. According to the findings of some test-tube studies, ginseng’s naturally active component called ginsenosides could lower oxidative damage to the cells and provide a shield against inflammation. In human studies, ginseng has also shown promising results. One research found that men who took ginseng supplements experienced less muscle damage after exercising and displayed fewer inflammation markers compared to men who took the placebo. In a different study, postmenopausal women who consumed ginseng every day for 12 weeks were found to have increased antioxidant activity and lower oxidative stress.
How do you make ginseng tea at home?
It is so easy to make your own homemade ginseng tea. It requires just a few ingredients and steps. Here are the things that you need to do:
- First, you’ll need some Baumann Wisconsin Ginseng whole roots or slices.
- Place the roots or slices in a pot of water and bring them to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Take the roots out of the pot and set them aside to be reused.
- Pour the mixture into a cup.
- Add flavorings such as honey, cinnamon, maple syrup, mint, citrus, berries, ginger, or others depending on your preference.
You can also use Baumann Wisconsin Ginseng’s ginseng tea bags if you prefer a faster way to make them.
Does ginseng cause side effects?
Ginseng is generally safe. However, there have been a few reports of it causing some side effects, such as:
- Sleeping difficulties, especially if consumed close to bedtime
- Headaches
- Changes to blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels
- Faster heartbeat
- Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems
- Allergic reactions, such as skin rash, skin pain, sore throat, fever, burning in the eyes, and swelling in the tongue or face
- In women, tenderness in the breast and vaginal bleeding
How much ginseng should you take?
There is a wide range of ginseng products available these days, such as dried roots, slices, capsules, pills, teas, tinctures, and extracts, and they come in different amounts and doses.
Baumann Wisconsin Ginseng, for instance, offers Premium American Ginseng Capsules in bottles that contain 130 pieces of 400-milligram capsules per bottle. As the largest producer of American ginseng cultivated in the United States, Baumann Wisconsin Ginseng also offers tea bags containing 2 grams of 100% authentic Wisconsin-grown ginseng per bag.
To start your ginseng intake, it is best that you follow what the ginseng experts recommend. According to the Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a daily intake of 1.5 grams to 10 grams is fine for medicinal purposes, while a daily intake of 2.4 milligrams to 80 milligrams is the limit if ginseng is consumed as a dietary supplement.
Should you take ginseng with other medications?
Before taking ginseng in any form, you should know that there is a chance it could interact with certain medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription. These include:
- Medications for depression, if taken with ginseng, could increase the likelihood of experiencing restlessness, anxiousness, etc.
- Medicines for diabetes, particularly insulin, could interact with ginseng and cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low.
- Warfarin, which is also called “blood thinner” or “anticoagulant,” usually prescribed for patients who have had a heart attack, stroke, or other conditions resulting from a blood clot, could slow down the blood process of blood clotting and raise the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Immunosuppressant drugs, which are medications used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, if taken with ginseng, could be not as effective.
There are many other drugs, medicines, and other herbal products that could interact with ginseng. You should do your research to find out more information about them. Most importantly, for your safety, it is best that you consult your doctor or a healthcare provider before taking ginseng.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262982#benefits
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginseng-benefits#reduces-inflammation
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1000/panax-ginseng
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6190494/