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What is ginseng tea? Types, benefits & how to make it at home
Written byH&B editorial team
Reviewed byMolly Arnold, MSc Nutritionist
Ginseng tea could be the next addition to your drinks cupboard. But does it have any benefits and how do you make it at home? Our scientist weighs in
Summary
1What is ginseng tea?
Ginseng tea is made from the root of the ginseng plant (not leaves, like most Brits have in their breakfast brew).
2Does ginseng tea have any benefits?
Ginseng has been used in traditional cultures for thousands of years. But do the benefits stack up?
3How to make ginseng tea
Good news: you can make ginseng tea with ready-made ginseng teabags or with fresh or dried ginseng root.
Herbal tea lovers: maybe you're bored of your usual brew and you've heard about ginseng. This earthy-tasting root has been enjoyed for thousands of years – but is it your cup of tea? And what's the science behind its traditional... well, roots? Pop on the kettle and learn more about ginseng, whether it has any benefits and how to brew your own ginseng tea – all with insight from H&B Science Specialist Molly Sykes.
What is ginseng tea?
Ginseng tea is made from the root of the ginseng plant (not leaves, like most Brits have in their breakfast brew). It's been enjoyed for over 2,000 years both as an everyday drink and in traditional herbal practices.1 Ginseng's traditional use is mainly down to a compound it contains called ginsenosides.2 "Researchers are continuing to investigate ginsenosides and better understand their properties and how they interact with the body,” says Molly.
There are a few types of ginseng, but the type most used for tea is Asian ginseng (sometimes called Panax ginseng, Korean ginseng or red ginseng), which comes from the Panax family and is native to East Asia.2 It's often described as having a bitter and earthy taste with a warming finish – so it's quite common for tea drinkers to add honey, sugar or lemon.
Does ginseng tea have any benefits?
Ginseng has been used in traditional wellness practices for thousands of years. But do the benefits stack up? There aren't any approved claims about ginseng in the UK, but emerging research looks at potential benefits for focus, sexual function in men, cholesterol levels and more. Research has explored ginseng in a number of areas, including cognition and cardiovascular health, although findings have been mixed and more research is needed.
In one small study involving 16 healthy adults, researchers reported differences in performance on short-term working-memory tasks following ginseng supplementation compared with placebo.3 Another study involving 50 healthy adults experiencing fatigue reported a small difference in reaction-time scores on attention and memory tests after participants took 210mg of a ginseng extract, both after a single dose and following repeated use.4 A meta-analysis of 23 studies also reported lower LDL cholesterol levels among participants taking ginseng compared with placebo.5
These findings need to be interpreted with caution and they don't establish that drinking ginseng tea will produce the same effects. In particular, the studies investigated specific ginseng preparations, including concentrated extracts provided in capsules, which aren't directly comparable with a cup of ginseng tea. More research specifically investigating ginseng tea is needed before conclusions can be drawn about its effects.
How to make ginseng tea
Want to try it for yourself? Good news: you can make ginseng tea at home, either with ready-made ginseng teabags (sometimes combined with other ingredients for a warming herbal brew) or with fresh or dried ginseng root. You can find ginseng tea in supermarkets, world food shops and health and wellness stores.
If making tea from your own ginseng, take a few slices and pour over hot (but not boiling) water. Let it steep for several minutes before removing the ginseng and adding honey, lemon or sugar to taste.
Is ginseng tea safe for everyone?
No, not necessarily. Many people can drink ginseng tea safely but you should avoid any ginseng products if you're under 18, you're pregnant or breastfeeding.2 You should also consult your GP before trying ginseng tea if you have diabetes, another long-term medical condition or if you're taking any medication.2
Some people have reported side effects when taking ginseng products including insomnia (trouble sleeping). Less common side effects include severe rash, liver damage and severe allergic reactions.2 Short-term oral use of Asian ginseng appears to be safe for most people but it's not yet certain whether it's suitable for long-term use.2 Always follow the instructions on ginseng teabags or other ginseng products.
Ginseng tea FAQs
Ginseng tea doesn't have any definite scientific benefits. Studies have been carried out on a number of areas, but findings are inconclusive and more research is needed.4,5
If it's safe for you to drink ginseng tea, then a cup every day may be considered a reasonable amount. However, some sources recommend taking breaks in between your ginseng use if you consume it regularly. It's best to ask your GP so that they can assess it based on your lifestyle and medical needs.
You might hear people associate ginseng tea with feeling more energised, but this is only anecdotal. Research has investigated ginseng more broadly in relation to aspects of cognitive function, including attention, but these studies have typically used specific, more concentrated ginseng preparations rather than ginseng tea. Their findings therefore can't be directly applied to a cup of ginseng tea.
The final say
While early research has explored ginseng in relation to a range of health and cognitive outcomes the findings are still developing and shouldn’t be taken as evidence that ginseng tea will have the same effects. So don't go overboard and definitely don't skip a visit to the doctor. That said, you can enjoy ginseng tea with a slice of lemon or a swirl of honey as your new cosy autumn drink. Not sold on ginseng? Explore our herbal teas with benefits or browse our top products to support your energy...
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Potenza MA, Montagnani M, Santacroce L, Charitos IA, Bottalico L. Ancient herbal therapy: A brief history of Panax ginseng. J Ginseng Res [Internet]. 2022 Mar 23 [cited 2026 Aug 19]; 47(3): 359-65. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10214142/
2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Asian Ginseng [Internet]. NIH [reviewed 2025 Feb; cited 2026 Aug 19]. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/asian-ginseng
3. Kennedy DO, Reay JL, Scholey AB. Effects of 8 weeks administration of Korean Panax ginseng extract on the mood and cognitive performance of healthy individuals. J. Ginseng https://media.kgcus.com/research/stress-brain/Korean%20Red%20Ginseng%20On%20the%20Effects%20Of%20Mood%20And%20Cognitive%20Performance%20To%20Health%20Individuals.pdf
4. Mariage PA, Hovhannisyan A, Panossian AG. Efficacy of Panax ginseng Meyer Herbal Preparation HRG80 in Preventing and Mitigating Stress-Induced Failure of Cognitive Functions in Healthy Subjects: A Pilot, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial. Pharmaceuticals [Internet]. 2020 Mar 28 [cited 2026 Aug 19]; 13(4): 57. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/13/4/57/
5. Park SH et al. Effects of Panax ginseng on hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Ginseng Research [Internet]. 2022 Mar [cited 2026 Aug 19]; 46(2): 188-205. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S122684532100155X?via%3Dihub/
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