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Though there is a variety of ginseng, all kinds of Korean red ginseng tea are derived from the same root. The difference is how each type is processed. Korean red ginseng is more potent than fresh ginseng or white ginseng and offers more health benefits.
The types of ginseng usually utilized in ginseng teas are:
Fresh ginseng
This is the most unrefined form of ginseng. Fresh ginseng is only washed and then sliced to make tea. It has a very grassy and weak flavor, significantly losing potency when brewed extracts. It is mostly used to brew unex ginseng tea, which is a type of ginseng tea popular in Asia.
White ginseng
Like fresh ginseng, white ginseng is only dried and sliced to make tea. Although it loses some potency, it still offers multiple health benefits.
Korean red ginseng
The most popular and potent type of ginseng is Korean red ginseng. It is made by steaming fresh ginseng roots and then drying them in the sun. This process changes fresh ginseng to red ginseng and increases its medicinal properties.
Black ginseng
Black ginseng offers even more health benefits because it is steamed and dried nine times compared to red ginseng, which is only steamed and dried once.
American ginseng
Though it's nicknamed 'red ginseng,' American ginseng doesn't have the same potential as Korean red ginseng. It is only dried, so it is less potent than red ginseng, which is steamed and dried.
Korean red ginseng is still the primary ingredient in all kinds of ginseng tea. However, other ingredients are added to some varieties of ginseng tea to:
Increase taste
Some people can't handle the bitter and earthy taste of ginseng tea. Thus, other ingredients like honey, lemon, cinnamon, and milk are added to improve flavor.
Improve health benefits
Sometimes, ingredients like ginger, turmeric, peppermint, chamomile, and hibiscus are added to ginseng tea to boost its medicinal benefits.
Enhance color
Korean red ginseng has a pale color compared to other medicinal roots. Therefore, ingredients like hibiscus or rose petals may be added to improve its color when brewed.
Add aroma
White ginseng, Korean red ginseng, and fresh ginseng roots are odorless. Therefore, ingredients like vanilla, lemongrass, ginger, and mint are used to boost its aromatic smell.
The good thing about Korean red ginseng tea is that it's packaged in various forms, so it's easy to make. It can be fresh, dried, powdered, or in teabag forms, allowing business owners to sell it in small or large quantities or packages of their choice. Moreover, there are multiple ways of brewing ginseng tea, including:
Using fresh ginseng
To make ginseng tea using fresh Korean ginseng root, take a half ounce of fresh ginseng root and sliced it into thin strips. Then add the fresh ginseng roots to a cup of boiling water and leave it to steep for an hour.
Using ginseng slices
Ginseng tea can also be brewed from pre-prepared Korean ginseng red ginseng root slices. To do this, simply add a half teaspoon of ginseng slices to a cup of boiling water and then let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
Using ginseng powder
Using ginseng powder to prepare ginseng tea is one of the easiest and fastest methods. To do this, add a quarter teaspoon of ginseng powder to a cup of boiling water. Stir it and let it steep for 5 minutes before drinking.
Using ginseng teabags
Korean red ginseng tea can also be brewed using ginseng teas already packed in teabags. In this case, the preparation instructions will depend on the quantity of water or number of servings.
All kinds of ginseng offer similar benefits. However, Korean red ginseng has more potent health benefits compared to fresh ginseng or white ginseng. Some of the health benefits of hot ginseng tea include:
Boost immunity
Ginseng tea naturally boosts the body's immune system by preparing it to fight multiple infections and diseases like the flu, common cold, and others.
Reduces blood sugar levels
Korean ginseng root has been shown to significantly lower blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes. It does this by increasing insulin production while eliminating insulin resistance.
Combats fatigue
If tired and worn out, drinking ginseng tea can help reinstate energy within the body within a few minutes. Ginseng tea is also great for recovering athletes because it helps them overcome fatigue and tiredness after strenuous workouts. This is one of the reasons ginseng is popular among athletes.
Improves mental function
Drinking ginseng tea, especially on a daily basis, can improve overall mental function while boosting cognition, memory, concentration, and other brain functions. It does this by boosting blood flow in the brain and reducing oxidative stress.
Improves sexual function
Korean ginseng is popular in Asia and around the world as an aphrodisiac. It works by boosting sexual desire and correcting erectile dysfunction in men.
Combats stress
Korean ginseng root is an adaptogen. It helps the body adapt to stress by lowering its effects, which can help improve the overall mood of a person suffering from depression and anxiety. It improves mental clarity and focus, making a person feel re-energized and ready to tackle the day.
Storing ginseng tea, whether in roots, powder, or teabags form, is pretty similar to storing other herbal teas. Below are tips business owners can use to store Korean ginseng tea effectively:
Storing raw ginseng roots
>Fresh ginseng root is highly perishable, like other fresh vegetables. It lasts only 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To store it longer, freeze it so it lasts up to a year.
Storing ginseng slices
Ginseng slices made from fresh ginseng roots have a longer shelf life of 2 to 3 years. Store them in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark place. Exposing ginseng to heat, moisture, air, light, or other strong odors will reduce its potency.
Storing ginseng powder
Like ginseng slices, ginseng powder can last indefinitely if stored properly. Use airtight containers for small quantities and vacuum sealers for larger amounts. Store it in a cool, dark place and avoid exposing it to air, humidity, or heat. Freezing ginseng powder is also a great option for extending its shelf life.
Storing ginseng teabags
Teabags often come in their own individual bags that are then packed in containers. This protects them from moisture and goes cheap. To keep the teabags fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Ginseng teabags can also be vacuum sealed for longer shelf life. Jilin ginseng tea is known to come prepackaged in teabags.
Though ginseng is earth's natural gift to man, some groups of people should avoid drinking ginseng tea because it can be harmful to them. For instance, pregnant and lactating women are advised not to drink ginseng tea because it can affect their health and that of their kids.
Moreover, people with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer, prostate cancer, and others should also avoid Korean ginseng tea because it worsens these conditions. Lastly, people who take drugs to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels should avoid drinking ginseng tea since it may interact with these medications.
While ginseng tea has many health benefits, it can also cause some mild side effects. The most common side effects are trouble sleeping, irritability, and nervousness. These side effects usually happen when people drink ginseng tea in high doses or when they have been drinking it continuously for long days without taking a break.
There are no restrictions on when ginseng tea can be taken. People can take it in the morning to boost energy levels throughout the day or at night to improve sleep quality. However, it's not advisable to drink more than three cups a day or 9 grams of ginseng to avoid possible side effects.
No, all kinds of ginseng tea are naturally caffeine-free. However, some ginseng teas may be blended with other teas that contain caffeine. Always check the ingredients list before drinking ginseng tea.