Ginseng tea
Korean name | |
Hangul | 인삼차 |
---|---|
Hanja | 人蔘茶 |
Revised Romanization | insam-cha |
McCune–Reischauer | insam-ch'a |
IPA | [in.sam.tɕʰa] |
Ginseng root hair tea | |
Hangul | 미삼차 |
Hanja | 尾蔘茶 |
Revised Romanization | misam-cha |
McCune–Reischauer | misam-ch'a |
IPA | [mi.sam.tɕʰa] |
Red ginseng tea | |
Hangul | 홍삼차 |
Hanja | 紅蔘茶 |
Revised Romanization | hongsam-cha |
McCune–Reischauer | hongsam-ch'a |
IPA | [hoŋ.sam.tɕʰa] |
Ginseng tea, or insam-cha (
Ginseng roots have been used in East Asian countries for more than 2,000 years.[4] The roots can be used fresh; however, there are various forms which can be processed in different ways for different uses.[4] Fresh roots can be processed into red ginseng (홍삼, hongsam) by steaming and drying, or into white ginseng (백삼, paeksam) by a simpler process of air-drying.[4][6]
Preparation
Ginseng roots are often ground or powdered but also can be soaked to make an extract or herbal tincture.[5] Tea can be made from the ground ginseng.[5]
Ginseng tea is traditionally prepared with
Ginseng tea can be found in a fine dry-powder packaged form or a dried grated form.[8]
History
Ginseng was sought after in the ancient
During the Goryeo dynasty, ginseng tea is documented as a way to strengthen the body of the user to resist stress-related illnesses or complications.[11]
Risks
A medical professional should be consulted before taking ginseng. Ginseng may cause interactions with blood thinning and anti-coagulant medications such as dalteparin (Fragmin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumodin), clopidogrel (Plavix), aspirin; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and blood pressure medications.[5] Since ginseng can lower blood sugar levels, people with type 2 diabetes and those taking insulin or other medications that also lower blood sugar, should be monitored if they start taking ginseng.[5] It is not recommended to give ginseng to children or adolescents.[5]
Benefits
As a widely popular natural health item amongst Koreans, red ginseng in particular is available in various forms such as liquid, capsule, powder, round root, and even candies like jelly.[12] Fans of this supplement consume it to relieve fatigue, increase natural immunity, and improve blood circulation.[12] Currently at least two trials have been run to test the effectiveness of ginseng on memory cognition and in both trials, adults who were given ginseng showed a significant increase in memory function compared to their placebo groups.[12] One trial was conducted by Professor Kim Man-ho at Seoul National University College of Medicine and the other was conducted under Professor David Ormonde Kennedy at Northumbria University.[12]
According to the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, ginseng, regardless of where it is grown or cultivated from is believed to provide tonic rejuvenation, antioxidation, antifatigue, and neuroprotective properties to the consumer; implying the location ginseng is grown should have no effect on the probable benefits.[13]
However, all research and claims still lack extensive research and trials and a medical professional should be consulted prior to beginning treatment or supplementary care utilizing red ginseng in any form or quantity.
See also
- Insam-ju, Korean ginseng wine or liquor
References
- ISBN 978-0-8048-4271-6. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
- ^ "Ginseng Tea History and Uses « Herbs List". Herbs List. Retrieved 2017-12-21.
- ^ Ginseng. (2008). In L. J. Fundukian & J. Wilson (Eds.), The Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Health.
- ^ PMID 23717119.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Davidson, T. & Atkins, B.B. (2019) Ginseng. In B. Narins (Ed.), The Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Health.
- ^ PMID 26869832.
- ^ Doopedia(in Korean). Retrieved 21 December 2017.
- ^ Kim D (22 October 2015). "10 Strange and Wonderful Korean Teas". Paste. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
- ^ OCLC 681550175.
- ^ Lee. H. (2016) Enjoy Joseon midnight snacks at Gyeongbokgung. Korea.net. Retrieved from http://korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=141055
- PMID 26869832.
- ^ a b c d Korea Ginseng Corp. (August 29, 2021). "KGC announced the five major functions of recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
- PMID 15970412.