How to Use Dried Ginseng Root

According to Florence C. Lee of AsiaChi.com, ginseng is the most widely used herb in Asia as well as the U.S. It is thought by many to keep the mind and the body in harmony with each other. Ginseng has been touted to be able to increase physical and mental performance, balance body functions, reduce cholesterol and prevent cancer. Ginseng has also been used as an aphrodisiac.

Ginseng comes in a variety of forms, but the dried root is the best way to ensure optimal benefits. The root can be prepared in several ways, though the easiest is ginseng tea.

Things You'll Need

• Dried ginseng root
• Teapot
• Water

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Instructions

How to Use Dried Ginseng Root

• 1

  Slice the dried root. Take the root and cut into several smaller pieces no bigger than your thumb. This helps to release the oils within the root when brewing.

• 2

  Add pure water to the teapot. If you are new to this process, it is important to note that ginseng is a potent-tasting herb, even bitter in higher concentrations. To get the most benefit from ginseng tea, the you will need to experiment with the proper concentration. A more diluted tea will have fewer benefits, but will be more pleasing to the tastebuds, while a stronger brew may wrinkle a few noses. To start, add 1 quart of water to the tea pot.

• 3

  Place the root slices into a tea pot and brew slowly. This can be accomplished over very low heat or at room temperature. The root slices should brew in the teapot for about an hour before the tea is consumed. This allows the water to fully extract the beneficial elements of the ginseng root.

• 4

  Sweeten and consume. Brewing the perfect cup of ginseng tea will take practice and each cup will taste somewhat different as each root has its own individual essence.

• 5

  Add root slices to soups. If ginseng tea is not your preference, the root can be easily added to any soup recipe. Just boil the slices along with the other ingredients and remove before serving.