Ginseng Tea (Insam Cha) Recipe for Energy

 Panax Ginseng

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) has a rich history in Korean and Chinese culture - the ginseng root has been used in food and drink for over 2000 years. Panax ginseng can take up to four to six years before it can be harvested. The plant resembles a human body with shoots for its arms and legs, which is why it is believed to have health benefits for the whole body.

Panax ginseng is distinct from American ginseng - the two are entirely separate species, each offering different health benefits when used in food, tea, and supplement products. In traditional Chinese medicine, American ginseng is regarded as less stimulating than its Asian counterpart.

 Benefits of Panax Ginseng

Ginseng is highly valued as a medicinal ingredient by Koreans for its benefits in boosting energy, stamina, and enhancing sexual libido. It is also high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties to protect the body against oxidative stress.

If you need a natural energy booster or a warm drink for your body, try drinking a cup of ginseng tea (Insam Cha). People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medication and children should consult with their healthcare professional before consuming ginseng.

 Where to Buy Panax Ginseng 

Ginseng can be found in the refrigerated section of Korean supermarkets and Chinese herbal medicine stores.

Fresh ginseng root.

Jujubes

 Ginseng Tea (Insam Cha) Recipe

Ginseng has a slightly bitter and earthy taste, which can be sweetened with honey and jujubes (Chinese red dates).

Makes 10 cups.

Ingredients:

2 large fresh ginseng roots

6 dried jujubes (Chinese red dates)

11 cups of water

Honey (to taste)

Pine nuts

 How To Make Ginseng Tea From Fresh Roots

1. Rinse and clean the ginseng roots and jujubes

2. Put water into a pot with the ginseng roots and dried jujubes

3. Bring to a boil over medium to high heat for 30 minutes

4. Simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes

5. To serve, pour the hot boiled ginseng water into a cup with honey to taste. Stir the honey to mix with the water and sprinkle pine nuts on top.

6. Repeat steps 2 - 4 to make more ginseng tea until the remaining flavour from the ginseng roots and jujubes is finished.

 Panax Ginseng in Supplement Products

Panax ginseng is traditionally used in brewing Insam Cha, but there are now many other ways to enjoy its health benefits. Health supplements that use Panax ginseng as a key ingredient are carefully formulated to include its essence without diluting its potency - these include Ginseng Energy Tablets, which help to relieve stress, boost energy levels, and promote physical endurance and stamina.

Panax ginseng in tablet form is easier to consume as it skips the lengthy process of brewing Insam Cha, and is suitable for everyday use.