Many people are familiar with the various benefits of black ginseng, but most of them are unsure of the best way to use it. And although there are supplements, pills and extracts available, it is hard to know these products’ exact source and quality. After all, product labels can be misleading about the exact dosage and quantity. Natural high quality roots or powder can be bought online right from where they are sourced. Here are some of the ways you can use black ginseng.
Brew Ginseng Tea Using Ginseng Powder
Black Ginseng tea is one of the easiest and most popular ways to consume ginseng. When you make tea, the nutrients responsible for the ginseng’s health benefits are dissolved in the hot water, making the nutrients much easier for the digestive system to absorb compared to eating dried roots or swallowing capsules.
Add Ginseng Powder to Coffee
Because ginseng has a calming effect on the body while promoting focus, it makes for a great partner for caffeine. The ginsenosides found in ginseng works together with caffeine to provide energy and focus.
Blend Ginseng Powder into Smoothies
Ginseng powder makes for a good mix-in for smoothies. Simply blend the powder into your favorite smoothie flavor to give it an extra boost of energy and nutrients. There are fruits that taste great with ginseng, including peaches, mangos and pineapples. Aside from smoothies, black ginseng powder can also be stirred into oatmeal and yogurt.
Add Ginseng Roots to Chicken Soup
Original korean ginseng roots add a tasty, earthy flavor that tastes great in chicken-based stew or soup. It is also known for helping the body combat flu and colds by boosting the immune system. Adding whole roots to soup makes for a great recovery food.
Make Ginseng Tea with Lemon and Honey
Black Ginseng tea is a great way to refresh during warm summer days with its known cooling effect on the body. It can also help promote relaxation and lower stress. After making ginseng tea, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving over a glass full of ice.
Brew Tea Using Dried Ginseng Roots
Instead of using ground root powder, you can use whole black ginseng roots to make tea. Just be ready for a longer steeping time. Bigger and thicker roots take longer to steep compared to smaller roots, but they can be reused a few more times until they lose flavor. Smaller roots take less time to steep since they have more surface area.
Grind Ginseng with Whole Coffee Beans
Similar to how pre-ground coffee can lose its delicious taste compared to freshly ground coffee, black ginseng powder does not taste the same as freshly ground root. You can use a coffee grinder to grind thin tea-cut ginseng chunks or prongs. Add the black ginseng and coffee to the coffee filter, brew normally and add a spoonful of honey.
Use a Chinese Herb Pot to Steam Ginseng
Using a Chinese herb pot or a ginseng cooker is an effective and traditional way to prepare whole dried roots. These two lidded pots, made with ceramic or porcelain, are used as double boilers to prevent the roots from coming into direct contact with heat. Using these pots preserves the more fragile nutrients found in the plant.
Make a Ginseng Alcohol Tincture
Alcoholic herbal tinctures is one of the most common ways to prepare various herbs. Although ginseng can be extracted easily into hot water, using alcohol results in a potent final product that will last for years without the need for refrigeration. A few teaspoons of this tincture can give a powerful dose.