Ginseng has the functions of replenishing qi and nourishing yin, clearing heat and generating fluid. It is suitable for those with lung deficiency and chronic cough, blood loss, dry throat and thirst. It is common for people to soak ginseng in water for drinking. Is ginseng water bitter? Is it normal for ginseng water to be especially bitter?
Is ginseng water bitter?
Ginseng is a precious medicinal herb, and there are mainly three types of ginseng on the market: imported ginseng, domestic ginseng, and counterfeit ginseng. The taste of ginseng water varies depending on the different types.
Imported ginseng
Imported ginseng, also known as "American ginseng," is native to the United States. Its skin has fine wrinkles, and the cross-section is powdery white. There is a brown forming layer visible in the skin, with red-brown spots scattered inside and outside the layer. The taste of ginseng water is sweet and bitter, and it is soothing to the throat.
Domestic ginseng
Domestic ginseng has a smoother surface, blacker color, obvious longitudinal wrinkles, poor powderiness, and few cracks. The taste of ginseng water is only bitter, with little or no sweetness. Chewing it for a long time will give a cottony feeling.
Counterfeit ginseng disguised as ginseng
Ginseng is expensive, and most of the counterfeit ginseng on the market is made by using dried ginseng as a substitute. They have a yellowish or yellow-white color on the surface, rough skin, brittle and loose texture, flat cross-section with radial cracks, and the taste of ginseng water is light with a slight sweetness or a bean-like smell.
Is it normal for ginseng water to be very bitter?
Yes, it is normal.
Everyone has a different perception of bitterness. The taste of ginseng water is slightly bitter, and imported ginseng may have a stronger bitter taste. If you find ginseng water to be especially bitter, it may be because you are more sensitive to bitterness. You can add honey to the water when soaking ginseng to adjust the taste and make it less bitter.
Does ginseng water cause "fire" in the body?
No, it does not.
Ginseng has a cooling nature and has the effects of replenishing qi and nourishing yin, clearing heat, and generating fluid. It will not cause "fire" in the body. As stated in the book "Ben Cao Zai Xin": "It treats excessive lung heat, cough with abundant phlegm, deficient qi with wheezing, blood loss, fatigue and injury, strengthens essence, and calms the spirit, and is suitable for various deficiencies." Therefore, ginseng is suitable for those with deficient qi and yin, restless due to internal heat, dry mouth and throat.
Is it good to drink ginseng water every day?
It is not recommended to drink it for a long time.
Ginseng replenishes qi and nourishes yin, clears heat, and generates fluid. It is suitable for those with deficiency of both qi and yin and excessive internal heat in the lungs and kidneys. However, it is not suitable for those with a cold constitution. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes using medicine according to individual constitution. If taken without considering individual constitution, it may have the opposite effect. Ginseng has a cold and cooling nature, and long-term use can cause harm to the spleen and stomach.
How to make ginseng water?
Ginseng, goji berries, and chrysanthemum tea
Ingredients:
3g ginseng, 5g goji berries, 5g chrysanthemum.
Method:
1. Rinse the chrysanthemum, ginseng, and goji berries.
2. Put them into a cup and pour in 250ml boiling water.
3. Cover and let it soak for about 5 minutes.
