Korean ginseng tea is a tea made from Panax ginseng, which is marketed under a wide variety of names and brands, including Chinese Red, Korean Panax, Korean White and Red Korean. Ginseng from Asia is used in the form of oral supplements, teas, tinctures and external rubs. Ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. It appears to be useful in treating a number of conditions. Although more extensive research is needed to confirm its value for some conditions, the Mayo Clinic has given ginseng its stamp of approval as a safe and useful herbal supplement.
What Is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a slow-growing plant commonly grown in Asia. There are 11 species of ginseng. The dried root of the plant is used to make ginseng supplements and teas. Ginseng is considered an adaptogen, a substance that increases your resistance to physical and emotional stress.
Siberian ginseng, also touted as an adaptogen, is not a true ginseng, but a different plant renamed for marketing purposes. Therefore, Siberian ginseng is outside the purview of this article.
Korean Ginseng Tea
According to the Korean Ginseng website, ginseng tea is a "Healthy alternative to your normal intake of caffeine from coffee or energy drinks." A number of companies market Korean ginseng tea and supplements. You can prepare your own ginseng tea by taking 3 g of chopped fresh ginseng root or 1.5 g of dried root powder, boil it in about 5 oz. of water for 5 to 15 minutes and strain.
Medicinal Benefits of Ginseng and Korean Ginseng Tea
The Mayo Clinic awards letter grades to supplements based on the evidence of their effectiveness. It has awarded a grade of "B--Good Scientific Evidence for Use," to ginseng for the following conditions: (1) Heart disorders--in addition to antioxident properties, ginseng may reduce the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. (2) High blood sugar--ginseng may lower blood sugar for patients with type 2 diabetes. (3) Immune system--ginseng may boost your immune response to antibiotics and flu vaccines.
The grade of "C--Unclear Scientific Evidence for Use"--has been given for a whole host of conditions, ranging from anemia to ADHD to cancer prevention to respiratory infections. More research is deemed necessary to determine the usefulness of ginseng for these conditions.
Side Effects of Ginseng and Korean Ginseng Tea
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Ginseng has been well tolerated by most people in scientific studies when used at recommended doses, and serious side effects appear to be rare." There have been reports of seizures after the consumption of energy drinks, which often contain caffeine and various herbal supplements, including ginseng.
Considerations
There may be estrogen-like effects with ginseng. It should not be used by people with hormone sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer. Ginseng is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always tell your doctor if you are taking supplements, since they may interact or interfere with prescription medications.
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