American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) are herbaceous woodland plants, which are touted in traditional medicine for a wide variety of health-boosting qualities. The light tan root is the principle component of ginseng supplements and teas; the root often resembles a gnarled human with extended arms and legs. Dried ginseng root can be steeped in hot water, and herbal tea blends containing ginseng are available loose and in tea bags.
Immune Enhancement
Asian, or Panax ginseng, is effective in a tea at increasing immune system function, according to Dr. David Kiefer writing in American Family Physician, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Ginseng is traditionally referred to as a "tonic," a term that has more recently been replaced by the term "adaptogen," meaning that it is a substance that helps boost general health and vitality. Dr. Kiefer reports that research reviews indicate that ginsenosides, the active components of ginseng, help activate the hypothalmus, pituitary and adrenal glands and the immune system, enhancing the production of natural killer cells and interferons. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that American ginseng also contains ginsenosides, and laboratory studies indicate that American ginseng also boosts immune function and may have therapeutic value against inflammatory diseases.
Heart Health
Ginseng tea makes your tongue and tummy happy, but it might also help your heart. Studies suggest that ginseng is an antioxidant that may help patients with heart conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dr. David Kiefer, in the American Family Physician journal, writes that ginseng causes vasodilation--widening of the blood vessels--and increases resistance to external stresses. MedLine Plus, a medical information services from the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, adds that studies suggest ginseng reduces oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; oxidized LDL creates inflammation in the arteries that can lead to arteriosclerosis and heart disease.
Blood Sugar Levels
Although ginseng supplements or tea should not substitute for appropriate medical treatment for diabetes and other blood sugar disorders, MedLine reports that studies showing ginseng's effect in lowering blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes are promising, particularly because the reduction in blood sugar levels with ginseng is moderate and does not go to dangerously low levels. Dr. Kiefer writing in American Family Physician agrees that ginseng shows moderate effectiveness in use by diabetics. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that American ginseng has been demonstrated effective in lowering blood sugar levels, noting that at least one study showed that ginseng berries--a component of many ginseng teas--is more effective in reducing high blood sugar than the traditionally-used root.
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