“Care for a spot of tea?” – A standard saying among Britians and they have the right idea! Tea is an integral part of many cultures and while in some cultures, tea is only a part of breakfast, in others, it’s a favored beverage taken before and after meals.
But in Korean culture, as well as in some other countries, tea is considered a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Korean teas are starting to attain some level of popularity owing to their connection with the ageless beauty of their celebrities. And that beauty is, more often than not, linked with the consumption of Korean teas. Aside from the apparent benefits, Korean ginseng offers plenty of internal benefits that improve the body’s immunity and functioning.
South Korea has a wide range of teas, but the most famous of them is Ginseng tea. Korean Ginseng belongs to the family of Araliaceae and is an herbal supplement extracted from the roots of the plant. It has several other names such as wild ginseng, Panax ginseng, mountain ginseng, true ginseng, and Asian ginseng.
Korean Ginseng Tea
Korean ginseng tea comes in two forms, red Korean ginseng and the standard Korean variety (which is white). Both varieties of Korean ginseng tea have different compositions and offer different sets of health benefits.
Korean ginseng is credited for providing nourishment to the body and mind of a person. People, especially Koreans, love to consume ginseng tea to improve their overall health as one of the best ways of convalescing naturally.
Background
The name originates from a perennial plant, which lives for more than two years and grows in Eastern Asia. The plant is most commonly grown in those parts of East Asian countries that receive abundant rainfall. In Korea, China, and Russia, ginseng plants grow in shaded mountainsides.
These plants can grow up to two feet tall with dark leaves and red berry chomps. It has a sweet flavor because of the berries that are followed by a bitter aftertaste.
The plant has been an integral part of Traditional Chinese medicine. It is used to help patients recuperate from multiple maladies, even today. However, previously, ginseng was widely used to treat fatigue and weakness.
Panax ginseng, a common name for Korean ginseng, comes from Greek words that loosely translate to all-healing. And ginseng means man-root. Hence, the literal English translation of Panax ginseng is all healing man-root.
Following are the benefits of the all-healing Korean Ginseng Tea
Improves Skin Health
Ginseng tea is exceptional at slowing down the aging process of the skin. It keeps the skin plump and hydrated by increasing hyaluronic acid generation in the skin. It also significantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
The best trait is that it protects the skin from harmful UV radiation.
Helps Manage Stress
According to the experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginseng is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbal substances that help stabilize the physiological processes that take place inside the body and promote homeostasis.
It helps release stress from the body and increases the overall well-being of a person. It also boosts the production of anti-stress hormones such as corticotropin. The increased supply of such hormones helps the body cope with stress and keep it at minimal levels.
Reduces Inflammation in the Body
Ginseng has beneficial antioxidant properties that make it a great remedy for inflammation. According to some test-tube studies, this manroot has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit swelling or redness and increase the antioxidant capacity of skin cells.
For athletes, tea has proven to be a promising solution for tackling oxidative stress in muscles. Due to its extraordinary antioxidant properties, it evens out the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, which prevents chain reactions from occurring in the body.
Prevents Flu and Cold
Flu is a common ailment that people face during seasonal changes and with the ongoing coronavirus dangers, it is even more of a concern. Colds and the flu can bring a lot of discomfort and distress to the person suffering from it. It might not be a cure-all, but Ginseng is known to be an excellent natural alternative for these ailments. Note: Consult a doctor before stopping any medication.
The healthy traits of ginseng boost the production of leukocytes, white blood cells that prevent viruses and bacteria from entering the bloodstream. As a result, the body helps stay on guard against the flu. Furthermore, ginseng promotes the production of antibodies that fight against viruses and keep the body healthy.
Relieves Insomnia
Improper absorption of micronutrients can lead to disturbed sleep at night, which can disrupt a person’s mood and overall well-being the next day. Ginseng made from the Korean plant facilitates the endocrine glands that help in the absorption of minerals and vitamins. As a result, the person can have a better night’s sleep and wake up fresh the next day.
Prevents Erectile Dysfunction
Clinical research supports the claim that links consumption of ginseng with improved genital function in men. According to a study, the compounds in Korean ginseng reduce oxidative stress in the male genitalia which can restore healthy sexual function.
One study showed improvement in 60% of the participants with erectile dysfunction. In another study, 86 men had significant improvement in their erectile function.
Even though there is substantial data available to support the purported claims of ginseng preventing and treating ED, still more studies are needed to establish concrete facts.
Boosts Energy
Even though people are increasingly indulging more and more in regular workout regimens, there is still a significant number of people who live a sedentary life, which makes them susceptible to multiple health problems. Furthermore, the lack of activity in the lives of such people makes them weak and lethargic. Drinking ginseng tea can help those who lack energy in their lives.
Regular intake of Korean ginseng boosts the energy levels in the body, which works well for a person’s mental and physical well-being.
Helps Improve Brain Function
Ginseng is believed to help improve brain function in humans. The three most important cognitive functions are that they promise to improve our memory, mood, and behavior.
Some studies even suggest that ginseng can protect the brain from getting damaged in the presence of free radicals. However, more research is required to come up with definite conclusions.
Korean ginseng has many properties that provide multiple benefits to the human body internally and externally. One thing must be noted Korean tea is different from other ginseng teas from China, Siberia, and America.
So with all these health benefits, why not care for a nice spot of ginseng tea?