There are two ways of making the tea. You can add the slices to the directly to the pot or place the slices in a tea strainer. Pour the hot water over the strainer. Steep for five minutes before removing the ginseng. Stir in a little honey if you want a sweeter tea with all of the same health benefits.
When using a tincture, you should only use about 5 to 15 drops at a time. Once you are ready to use the tincture, strain it so that there are no pieces left in the alcohol. Since you only use a small amount of tincture at a time, start with a smaller amount. One cup of alcohol to one root of ginseng will last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dark place. You can use between 90 proof and 190 proof alcohol. [1] X Research source
To benefit the most, take the supplement early in the day with a meal. If you take ginseng root in the evening, you may have difficulty falling asleep.
Red ginseng (sometimes known as Korean ginseng) has already been steamed. You can also use a little ginseng in your cooking, similar to how you’d use fresh ginger, garlic, or turmeric. [3] X Expert Source Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L. Ac. , FABORMLicensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist Expert Interview. 6 October 2020.
Nervousness or jitteriness Rapid heart beat Diarrhea Difficulty sleeping Headache Low blood pressure
You can have ginseng drinks in the morning as an alternative to caffeine to help give you energy throughout the day. However, taking ginseng root at night may interfere with sleeping, so it’s better to take ginseng earlier in the day. Ginseng is especially helpful if you tend to feel fatigued frequently. [6] X Expert Source Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L. Ac. , FABORMLicensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist Expert Interview. 6 October 2020. If you are feeling nervous, anxious, jittery, or hyper, you may have taken too much. This is typically not dangerous, although you should see a doctor if you are not feeling well.
Ginseng may also be able to treat fatigue in cancer patients. Take daily supplements of ground ginseng root pills. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source Ginseng should always be used in combination with professional treatment. Do not start taking it without talking to your doctor first.
If you are over 65, your best chance to avoid the flu is to get a flu shot.
Ginseng root may interact with insulin, anti-psychotic drugs, and blood thinners, such as Warfarin. Get advice from a doctor or herbalist before taking ginseng if you have high blood pressure or you’re prone to a stroke. [11] X Expert Source Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L. Ac. , FABORMLicensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist Expert Interview. 6 October 2020. Ginseng root is a stimulant. If you use other stimulants, such as caffeine, or if you have a heart condition, you may want to avoid using it. Ginseng root’s safety during pregnancy is not known. It may be best to avoid if you are pregnant.
Do not scrub or roughly wash the ginseng, as this might break the fragile skin.
You can use a pot and a vegetable steamer basket, but make sure that there is enough water to steam the root for the proper amount of time. This step is optional. If your recipe calls for white ginseng, go straight to drying out the root.
Do not use an oven, microwave, or window to dry the roots, as these may dry them out too quickly. Keep the roots away from the sun as you dry them. Because ginseng roots must dry slowly over two weeks, you should not use your oven. Instead, you can use a a special herb dehydrator. This box will dry your roots out at a low, consistent temperature.
