What Is Ginseng Tea?

Ginseng and ginseng tea have long been prized in Asian cultures for their perceived medicinal attributes. However, in America, the health benefits and risks of ginseng teas are still subject to scientific and medical study. Today, ginseng has made its way into American teas, such as the popular bottled tea manufactured by the Arizona Beverage Company.

Identification

Ginseng is a perennial herb, which is a low-growing plant such as strawberries and other herbs. Its leaf has five leaflets, and three to five leaves grow at the top of the ginseng plant. It has an interesting long fleshy root, which is said to resemble a human body. Its root's appearance earned it its name, which is derived from Chinese words meaning "likeness of man."

Features

Ginseng tea can be made from the roots, powdered roots or cuttings from any part of the plant. The ginseng is boiled in water to make the tea. It should steep in water for about five minutes before drinking. Ginseng tea can taste sweet at first, yet has a bitter after taste. Some people claim that it has a soothing effect.

Types

There are different customs and methods in preparing ginseng tea. The Korean version involves combining slices of the ginseng root with several tablespoons of honey in a bowl, leaving it to set for about 30 minutes and then adding boiling water to the mixture to make the tea. The tea can also be made with a liquid ginseng extract; yet only a few drops should be used with this method.

Considerations

Not only is ginseng used as tea, but it is also used medicinally in many countries. Manufacturers sometimes add it to products such as skin creams, sodas and hair products. The root is often dried, ground into powder and made into a tablet. According to the National Institutes of Health, studies show that ginseng may lower blood glucose; yet research results are not conclusive to prove the health claims.

Geography

Ginseng grows wild in eastern North America, China and Korea. It is a slow-growing plant that takes many years for the plant to mature. Those who grow ginseng for profit must be patient, as it will take about five years before the roots can be harvested. Wild ginseng is more prized than plants that have been cultivated.