The root of the Ginseng plant allows you to obtain a large number of antioxidants and active ingredients that are beneficial for our body.
Ginseng is often associated with coffee, and is known to be a tonic food, which provides energy , stimulates the brain, improves concentration and attention .
Ginseng root powder: properties and benefits
The advantages for the well-being of this oriental plant therefore range in different areas, thanks to its compounds, of substances called ginsenosides and gintonin, present in the root.
Ginseng can be a drink that acts as a stimulant for brain cells, improving concentration and ability to hold attention. It can be recommended for students, or for those who have to face busy days.
Thanks to ginsenosides and vitamin K, in prolonged use it promotes brain functions such as memory and good mood, protecting the brain from free radicals.
It is possible that ginseng helps cells absorb blood sugar, to improve performance and decrease mental fatigue.
Also on a physical level, some components of ginseng, such as polysaccharides and oligopeptides, allow for greater energy production in the cells, which could help fight fatigue.
Being an energizing tonic, it can also be useful for those in conditions of fatigue and sexual dysfunction.
It seems that ginseng compounds can increase nitric oxide production. An element that improves muscle relaxation and increases blood circulation in the blood vessels and tissues of the sexual organs, promoting normal function.
The adaptogenic properties of ginseng can help reduce stress, improve mood and support the nervous system.
Adaptogens are natural remedies that make our body more resistant to psycho-physical and environmental stress, decreasing the stress hormone cortisol while strengthening the adrenal glands.
For those who want to lose weight, it is also possible to think about the consumption of ginseng, the herbal tea cut root, to decrease appetite and stimulate the metabolism.
Among the other studied effects of ginseng, it is interesting that it can also be useful in controlling blood sugar. By enhancing the function of pancreatic cells, it helps increase insulin production and better absorption of blood sugar within the tissues.
As a natural anti-inflammatory, thanks to ginsenoside compounds, ginseng was used in the past to reduce irritation from coughs, colds, sinusitis. These properties, in the herbal tea are also useful for calming joint and muscle pain.
The antioxidants contained in the ginseng root can perform a beneficial activity on free radicals, in an anti-aging and anti-wrinkle function.
Origins and History of cultivation
The ginseng plant was discovered by man in the mountains of Manchuria, China, about 5,000 years ago, where it was mainly used for its medicinal purposes. Shortly after, its medicinal value was known, and ginseng became a precious plant to be exchanged for goods of great value, such as silk. The name ginseng today is used to refer to both American ginseng and Asian ginseng. Asian ginseng grows in the Far East, and is known as Korean ginseng or Chinese ginseng.
American and Asian ginseng differ in the concentration of active compounds and effects. From some research it appears that American ginseng works as a relaxing agent, while the Asian variety has a tonic effect.
For centuries, ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its beneficial compounds.
One of the first texts in which it is mentioned is the Chinese pharmacopoeia of Shen Nong (196 AD), while in the Compendium of Herbal Materia Medica of 1596 by Li Shizhen, ginseng appears as a superior tonic, useful for treating chronic diseases and states of convalescence.
In the time when ginseng was wild, it mostly grew naturally in the mountains and was hand-picked by foragers known as simmani.
In the third century AD Chinese demand for ginseng increased international trade in the root, and Korea's wild variety also entered the market.
The tradition of ginseng tea from the root originated in Korea from a Korean variety of ginseng, but soon became a popular drink all over the world.
In the twentieth century, the demand for ginseng exceeded the available "wild" supply and the cultivation of ginseng began, which continues today.
Due to the high demand, in facti, the wild plant is now almost extinct in China, as wild ginseng can take years to reach maturity; while the demand has resulted in harvesting faster than they can grow and reproduce.
Root cultivation in Asia is a major source of trade, and both Asian and American ginseng are currently substitutes for caffeine on the market.
Today the plant is grown in China (Korean ginseng and Chinese ginseng), South Korea (Korean ginseng), Canada and the United States (American ginseng).
Plant and flowers
Ginseng is a slow growing perennial plant, which belongs to the Panax genus of the Araliaceae family.
There are different types of plants, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Panax notoginseng or southern Chinese ginseng.
Sometimes we hear about Siberian ginseng, which is actually Eleutherococcus senticosus. Asian ginseng grows in deep, clayey and well-drained soils with a high organic content and a climate that is not too rainy.
It loves the average temperature of 10 degrees, and for several weeks it requires cold temperatures for the necessary dormancy. For this reason, the climate of the Korean peninsula, north-eastern China, Canada, the United States and the Russian Far East is excellent for ginseng. Only South China ginseng grows in warmer climates and in Vietnam (Panax vietnamensis variety). It is a slow growing plant, with fleshy roots, it can be classified according to how long it is grown: fresh, white or red.
Fresh ginseng is harvested before the age of 4, white ginseng is harvested between 4-6 years and red ginseng is harvested at least after 6 years.
Nutritional values of Ginseng root powder
Ginseng in herbal tea contains few calories, some carbohydrates, but above all several beneficial components for health.
Saponins, triterpenoids (ginsenosides, panaxosides), polyacetylenes, polyphenolic compounds and acidic polysaccharides are present in the root.
In addition, it contains vitamins A, B, C, E and above all vitamin K , as well as minerals such as potassium, iron, manganese and sulfur.
How to consume Ginseng root powderin the kitchen
The infusion of ginseng is obtained by inserting in a cup (250 ml), about 3-5 grams of herbal tea cut with water at 100 ° C.
Leave to infuse for 10 to 12 minutes, before drinking the herbal tea.
Add honey, sugar or milk if you like.
Ginseng Root powder: side effects and contraindications
While ginseng is a safe root to reduce in herbal tea, it can have some negative effects, especially when consumed in excess.
Those who consume large amounts of ginseng may show signs of agitation, irritability, nervousness and anxiety, which may be the result of over-stimulation of the brain cells. To maximize the benefits of ginseng and avoid these reactions, the herbal tea should be taken in cycles of 2-3 weeks with at least a week off.
Side effects can also include allergic reactions. Doctors advise not to consume ginseng during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or to give it to babies.
Also, people taking diabetes medications should monitor their blood sugar levels when using ginseng, to make sure they don't dip too low.
