About Korean Ginseng Tea

Korean ginseng tea is infused from Korean ginseng root, which is grown and cultivated in Korea and northern China. According to Eric Brand in his "Concise Chinese Materia Medica," Korean ginseng is the strongest form of ginseng cultivated in Asia and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fatigue, depression, anxiety and anemia; it is also used as a booster for the immune system. Korean ginseng tea also has some applications in the treatment of diabetes and high blood pressure.

Properties

Korean ginseng tea contains active chemical compounds known as ginsenosides or panaxosides -- molecules that bond with sugar. These compounds are thought to explain the medicinal properties of Korean ginseng tea, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, although this explanation is still in the theoretical realm as researchers have not yet definitively isolated the effects of the compounds.

Applications

Over the years Korean ginseng tea has had many applications in traditional Chinese medicine. These include treatment for depressed immune system function, erectile dysfunction, the improvement of memory, hepatitis C and menopause, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Korean ginseng tea is also employed as a natural stimulant to boost stamina and athletic endurance. Eric Brand says that Korean ginseng tea is also used to treat hemophilia, insomnia, heart palpitations and kidney problems.

High Blood Pressure

According to a study in the May 2010 issue of "American Journal of Hypertension," Korean ginseng tea may have some applications as a treatment for high blood pressure. The study participants who took Korean ginseng tea showed a significant decrease in peripheral blood pressure and arterial stiffness -- indicators used to predict cardiovascular risk. Speak to your doctor or health care provider before you supplement with Korean ginseng tea if you have high blood pressure.

Diabetes

A few recent studies have shown some encouraging results for Korean ginseng tea as a possible treatment for diabetes. According to study published in the January 2008 issue of "Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases," Korean ginseng tea exhibited a positive effect on glycemic control in 19 participants with well-controlled type 2 diabetes and improved regulation of glucose and insulin levels. Speak to your doctor or health care provider supplementing with Korean ginseng tea if you have diabetes.