Incorporating ginseng tea into our lives can bring benefits in different aspects, from controlling diabetes, increasing energy levels, helping to reduce fatigue and stress, to improving cognitive performance in older people.
Certain herbs have beneficial adaptive properties that they pass on to those who consume them to support healthy function. Ginseng has been given the Greek name Panax, which means "cure all," as it has remarkable adaptogenic qualities that benefit people regardless of age or stress level.
There are three main types of ginseng: American, Chinese, and Siberian. All of these are considered adaptogenic herbs due to their ability to help us adapt effectively to stressors, both physically, emotionally and environmentally. The root was so valuable to the Chinese for its medicinal qualities it was more appreciated than gold.
The ginseng tea is not the whole known, but if you discover all its benefits, could well start being your favorite drink. Ginseng, a remedy that is thousands of years old, is called "curative" ginseng and for many reasons besides being a powerful antioxidant and acting as an anti-inflammatory.
Ginseng varieties
Ginseng can be consumed in a number of ways, such as fresh or dried root or in tinctures or as a powder. A ginseng tea is another easy and rejuvenating way to tap into this good root. Here we can take a look at the different types of ginseng and the possible health benefits it offers.
Surely you have heard about red ginseng, white ginseng, Korean ginseng, American ginseng, wild ginseng and more, to clarify which can be the most effective, we are going to know the main types of ginseng that you are likely to find:
· Panax ginseng: It is grown in Asia in places like Korea and China and called Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng or Chinese ginseng, it is the most popular. Asian ginseng or Panax is also the most researched.
· Panax quinquefolius - This is another type of wild ginseng that is found in America and is known as American ginseng. It has properties comparable to the more widely used Asian ginseng. Domesticated or farm-grown ginseng has fewer therapeutic properties, as it is not as rich in ginsenosides, the active component of ginseng responsible for many of its health benefits.
· Red or white ginseng - A color is used to designate how the ginseng has been processed. White ginseng is made by sun drying fresh ginseng, while red ginseng is made by steaming it and then drying it to a moisture content of less than 15%. The difference between white and red ginseng is that red ginseng is processed with root, skin, and everything. For this reason, the red type is sometimes believed to be richer in nutrients, and therefore more beneficial.
The root is the most appreciated part of the plant that contains the richest source of adaptogenic molecules. The main active compounds in ginseng are ginsenosides, which are saponin molecules in the roots of the plant. These saponins contain a 4 trans ring rigid steroid backbone. The various ginsenosides are known as Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, etc.
Ginseng tea benefits
Research on the benefits of this root is more focused on Asian or Panax (Korean / Chinese) ginseng. So, when it comes to making ginseng tea, you just have to make sure it's one of these.
Ginseng root infusion improves overall circulatory patterns in the body, bringing fresh oxygen to major regions and enhancing cellular energy production. It also helps calm and balance adrenal function, allowing optimal stress hormone release.
This mechanism has been shown to regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes and increase energy levels in those with chronic fatigue syndrome.
It is also helpful in strengthening the digestive system, facilitating liver regeneration, and removing toxins from the body. It also increases the formation of red and white blood cells and has the ability to prevent or help eliminate anemia and improve immunity. It also improves blood flow to the brain, which reduces inflammatory neurodegenerative states and improves creative thinking and memory.
1. Improves cognitive function
A cup of ginseng tea boosts good mood and also contributes to increased cognitive function. Researchers have found that ginseng can not only help improve cognitive performance, but also has a positive effect on our mood.
Studies on American ginseng confirm that it can improve mood and working memory; It can be of benefit to both young, healthy and middle-aged people in good health who reported improved cognitive performance.
2. A powerful energizer
It is believed in oriental medicine that Chinese ginseng has yang qualities to stimulate and energize. This is due to the higher Rg1: Rb1 ratio. Rg1 which is a stimulant of the central nervous system, while Rb1 is a depressant of the central nervous system. This is the biochemical rationale for the increased stimulation that people get from Chinese or Asian ginseng.
Chinese or Asian ginseng is especially good for those who suffer from cold hand problems, low energy, and mental lethargy. Increased central nervous system activity will benefit these conditions.
3. Siberian ginseng to increase strength
Siberian ginseng is also called Eleuthero and is found in the Northeast Asian regions of China, Japan, and Russia. This is from the same family but a different genus than the Panax species. This infusion is commonly used by Russian athletes and its use is focused on improving their strength, endurance, coordination and balance.
Siberian ginseng tea contains eleutherosides that are chemically different from ginsenosides. These eleutherosides contain polysaccharides that help stimulate the immune system. This herb grows in colder climates and helps the plant to adapt effectively to this environmental stress. In humans, it helps increase our mental function and the ability to overcome cold and flu symptoms.
4. Strengthens the heart
The antioxidant properties of red ginseng panax are especially beneficial for patients with heart disorders because they decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. It contributes to the health of the cardiovascular system and promotes blood circulation. However, it can increase blood pressure and therefore those with high blood pressure should avoid its consumption.
Ginseng side effects
Ginseng is a natural herbal dietary supplement, but some products may contain harmful additives. It is always better to consult a specialist before starting to use dietary supplements or some herbs, even if they are natural.
Some people have an allergic reaction to ginseng that can include dizziness, redness, swelling of the mouth, and / or trouble breathing. Side effects include:
· constipation;
· menstruation problems;
· dizziness;
· fatigue;
· Stomach ache;
· Headache;
· insomnia;
· irritability;
· tachycardia;
· Mood swings and nervousness
How to make ginseng tea
If you've purchased ready-to-use ginseng tea, you can simply follow the brewing instructions provided. Pay attention to the duration of the effects of ginseng tea as the active properties of the product can interrupt sleep or cause insomnia.
Consult with a specialist, to know what is the indicated time for its sustained consumption, but in general, these are the indicated times:
1. American ginseng: up to a month of consumption;
2. Siberian ginseng - no more than two months;
3. Korean ginseng: up to three consecutive months.
It is advisable to avoid excessive caffeine consumption when consuming Ginseng as both are stimulants.
If you make your own infusion with dried ginseng:
· Use one teaspoon of ginseng powder per cup;
· Put the powder in a cup and add other herbs to enhance the taste
· Add hot water, but not boiling
· Let the tea boil for five minutes and then cool it according to your preferences
· You can add honey to sweeten it
· Fill the cup again two or three times as needed.
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