Ways of Obtaining Ginseng Benefits - Methods of Consumption

There are several ways of consuming the herb to reap the various ginseng benefits. The health benefits of ginseng are discussed in the other related articles.

Frequently, the root from any of the three varieties of ginseng (American, Asian / Korean or Siberian) is dried and can then made into powder, capsules, or a liquid tincture. American ginseng is procured in the United States as whole roots.

Powdered ginseng, as with all powdered herbs, has more overall surface area and is thus easier for the body to digest and assimilate. One form of ginseng products which contains the powdered herb is ginseng capsules.

Herbal combinations or formulas are also sometimes created by mixing the powdered ginseng with other powdered healthful herbs.

Whole Ginseng Roots

Buying actual whole ginseng roots has one advantage in that one is better able to gauge the quality of the herb during the point of purchase. However, even then, most of us are not experienced enough or have sufficient expertise to do so, and substandard ginseng is often passed off as a high quality product.

Ginseng benefits can be obtained by eating it direct, either raw or lightly cooked or steamed. Taking ginseng this way, instead of in the form of an extract, is beneficial in that all the important beneficial compounds in the herb would be ingested.

One good way to eat ginseng is to slice them into thin slices. Ginseng that is lightly cooked or steamed is a lot easier to cut up and to chew.

To preserve the sliced pieces of ginseng, one can pour some honey over them, place them in an airtight container, and then refrigerate them.

Ginseng Tea

An excellent way to consume ginseng is in the form of ginseng tea. Besides good absorption, another good thing about using tea is that other useful herbs can be added to prepare the tea. For example, in China, dates, dong quai and licorice root are some of the items often added to ginseng tea.

Such combined herbal teas offer synergistic health effects. Further, because ginseng is so costly, it would be quite expensive to prepare tea using ginseng root alone.

Recommended Dosages for obtaining Ginseng Benefits

Potential ginseng benefits for diabetes were best observed when dosage taken of American ginseng was 1-3 g taken 40 minutes before a meal. This was effective in reducing blood sugar levels.

Korean ginseng, as per traditional Chinese medicine, is most beneficial taken as a tonic, with dosage followed of 2 - 8 g, which can be increased to 15 - 20 g for acute conditions. This is a great way to obtain the benefit of Korean ginseng.

Since ginseng root is hard and brittle, ideally it should be boiled / simmered for 45 minutes to extract the ginsenosides. 2 - 3 teaspoonfuls of this extract should be used per cup.

Ginseng tea is also administered for the particular variety called American ginseng which has been bought in powder form. This can be made into a refreshing tea and ingested. The recommended dosage is one half to 1 teaspoon per cup to be taken 2 - 3 times between meals.

Siberian ginseng can be taken in the recommended dosage in the powdered form of 1-2 g daily. This can be taken as capsules or mixed with water or juice. Dosage should be divided and taken two or three times per day between meals. The recommended dosage for liquid extract of Siberian ginseng is 1-2 mL twice daily.

Conclusion

These are some suggested ways and dosages for getting the many health benefits of ginseng. More information on the various ginseng benefits are discussed in the other related articles.

Ginseng Pages | Ginseng Plant - History, Facts and Information on the herb | Ways of Obtaining Ginseng Benefits - Methods of Consumption | Health Benefits of Ginseng - Energy, Stronger Immunity, and More | More about Health Benefits and Effects of Ginseng | Possible Ginseng Side Effects, Caution and Contraindications

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