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Ginseng Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to ginseng products
About ginseng
Ginseng is a perennial plant that is highly prized for the health benefits of its roots. Ginseng has been used for its healing properties for thousands of years, especially in Chinese medicine. People use ginseng to aid with everything from diabetes to hair health and have been for millennia.
There are several types of ginseng varieties, but the most popular are Asian ginseng and American ginseng. In all, there are 13 species of ginseng, all under the Panax genus. However, American ginseng is considered Panax ginseng. The Panax name is most often attached to Asian varieties of the root. "Asian ginseng" can be one of many types of ginseng found across Asia. Asian ginseng is most often Chinese or Korean ginseng.
You can identify the ginseng root by its tan to reddish-brown color and its multiple small lateral roots that run more or less parallel to the primary root. Ginsengs contain ginsenosides, which are believed to be the compounds that give the root their effectiveness. Different varieties of ginsengs contain different ginsenosides, which may make them cause different effects. An example of this is the belief that American ginseng promotes relaxation while Korean ginseng energizes.
How to pick out ginseng
If you're shopping for whole ginseng root, you should give it a thorough inspection to look for any signs of mold or soft spots. You should also be aware that not all products labeled as ginseng are made with true Panax ginseng. For instance, Siberian ginseng and crown prince ginseng are not true ginsengs. If you're purchasing it for its health applications, stick to roots and products made with ginseng from the Panax genus.
Ginseng is often offered in one of three categories: fresh, white, and red. Fresh ginseng is simply raw ginseng. White ginseng has been peeled and dried out. Red ginseng has been peeled, steamed at boiling temperatures, and then dried.
What to do with ginseng root
If you've purchased whole ginseng root, you have quite a few options to choose from when it comes to preparing it for consumption.Â
- You can grate dried ginseng to make tea out of it. Place one to two tablespoons of grated ginseng into a loose-leaf tea ball and steep in hot water for two to three minutes. You can also use thin-sliced ginseng to make tea.
- If you have fresh ginseng, you can steam it at home to be able to eat the root on its own. Cut the ginseng into pieces and place them in a vegetable steamer basket over boiling water for 15 minutes. You don't have to do this with red ginseng, as it has already been steamed.
- You can use ginseng root to add flavor to stews. If you want to add ginseng to your dinner, you can cook with it as you would garlic.
If you're looking for prepared ginseng, you can find it in many forms. You can get it powdered to add to your cooking, in prepackaged teas and drinks, in supplement form, and more. If you purchase a ginseng-based product, be sure to look at how much ginseng it actually has.
Ginseng Near Me
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FAQs about ginseng
As we mentioned above, ginseng has been used for many health-based purposes. That being said, many scientists question the efficacy of ginseng. Many scientists believe ginseng offers an array of health benefits. Those benefits include:
- Greater physical and mental energy
- Cognitive functions
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Improved sexual health
- Flu prevention
- Lower blood sugar
If you're taking ginseng for a particular health benefit, be sure to do some reading to see how effective it is.
Though ginseng can be beneficial to your health, there are some possible side effects that you should be looking out for if you're consuming the root. These side effects include:
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
- Lower blood pressure
- Headaches
- Jitteriness
- Diarrhea
If you experience any of these side effects, stop using ginseng or use less of it. Avoid consuming ginseng too close to bedtime, as ginseng can boost your energy. Be aware that ginseng can interact with certain medications, such as insulin, blood thinners, and antipsychotic medications. If you take medications or have a health condition, consult your doctor before you start using ginseng.
Visit the Instacart app or website to see which stores near you are offering ginseng products today. Instacart makes shopping for ginseng and fresh produce easier than it's ever been. All you have to do is fill your virtual shopping cart with the items you need, decide whether you want to pick up your order or have it delivered and leave the rest to the Instacart shoppers! These shoppers head out to the store for you to gather everything you ordered, saving you time that you can use to take on the rest of your day's to-do list.