What is Ginseng Tea?
Ginseng tea (Insam-cha, 인삼차) is an herbal infusion brewed from the roots of Panax ginseng, a slow-growing plant native to the mountains of Korea and China. One of the most studied and celebrated medicinal plants in the world, ginseng has been used in Korean traditional medicine (hanbang) for over 2,000 years as a powerful tonic for energy, immunity, and longevity.
Types of Ginseng Tea
- White Ginseng (Baeksam) - Raw, air-dried ginseng root. Mild, slightly bitter, and earthy. The most accessible form for everyday wellness.
- Red Ginseng (Hongsam) - Steamed and dried ginseng, more potent with a deeper, richer flavor. See our Red Ginseng Tea collection for more.
- Fresh Ginseng (Susam) - Unprocessed fresh root, clean and aromatic, often sliced and simmered directly.
- Wild Ginseng (Sansam) - Rare and highly prized, grown naturally in the wild for many years.
Health Benefits of Ginseng Tea
- Energy & Fatigue Relief - One of ginseng's most well-known benefits, helping combat physical and mental fatigue
- Immune System Support - Ginsenosides help modulate and strengthen immune response
- Cognitive Support - May improve memory, concentration, and mental performance
- Blood Sugar Balance - Some studies suggest ginseng may help regulate blood sugar levels
- Adaptogenic Properties - Helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance
How to Brew Ginseng Tea
- For dried ginseng slices: simmer in water at 90-100 degrees C for 10-20 minutes for a rich, full-bodied brew.
- For ginseng tea bags: steep in hot water (85-95 degrees C) for 3-5 minutes.
- For fresh ginseng: slice thinly and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Add honey, jujube, or ginger to complement the earthy flavor.
- The same ginseng can often be re-brewed 2-3 times.
Traditional Korean Ginseng Tonic
A beloved Korean home remedy combines ginseng, jujube (daechu), ginger, and honey simmered together for 30-60 minutes. This warming tonic - often made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator - is a staple of Korean wellness culture, especially during cold winters or times of fatigue.
Thousands of years of Korean herbal wisdom, one remarkable root - ginseng tea is nature's most powerful daily tonic.