Cold Season: Protect Yourself With Korean Ginseng

It’s the beginning of spring in South Korea, which also means that many people get a nasty cold – including me! As I am writing this, my nose and ears are completely congested and my throat is glazed in mucus. However, the Koreans have a secret weapon against this nasty cold virus: Korean ginseng! This powerful root can reduce stress, has anti-inflammatory properties, improves lung function and boosts the immune system! 

Here are my top Korean ginseng products to boost your health:

Korean Red Ginseng Drink

by la_minai

When experiencing cold or flu symptoms, many Koreans head to the pharmacy or convenience store and buy this wonderful elixir. Others have it even at home and ready to consume when they feel sick. This red ginseng drink is available everywhere in South Korea and helps you get back on track. You can buy the little red bottle hot and ready to drink or cold and heat it up in the microwave for 30 seconds. Most people drink it in the morning and before they go to bed. I love it since it really helps and is a cheap way of treating those painful cold symptoms! 

Korean Ginseng Tea

by cea +

Throughout the day, you should drink various cups of ginseng tea for an additional boost! You can find different types of ginseng tea in local supermarkets. Some of them are citrus/ginseng Korean jam teas, others are available in tea bags. The options are truly endless! It also depends on if you like the strong taste of ginseng or not. If you do, then go for the tea bags since they usually contain more ginseng. If you’re not a fan of the strong taste of the roots, go for the citrus version! Look out for “인삼차” (literally Ginseng Tea).

Ginseng Chicken Soup

by T.Tseng

Still feeling under the weather? No worries! Try Korean ginseng chicken soup, or Samgyetang (삼계탕). This dish traditionally features a small chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, garlic, and  jujube. All these wonderful ingredients warm your body from within and give you the necessary energy boost to get yourself back on track! If you’re not in Korea or near a Korean restaurant serving this dish, here’s the recipe to make it at home!

Bonus: Korean Ginseng in Skincare

by Sulwhasoo_03

Hooked on ginseng? One of Korea’s leading high-end skincare brands, Sulwhasoo, features an entire product line with ginseng ingredients. The creams formulated with the roots, berries, and water of the rare five-year-old Korean Ginseng is supposed to stimulate cell regeneration and revitalize and restore a youthful looking skin. In case you have $200 to spare for a 60ml / 2.02 fl.oz. pot, this might be something for you!

What’s your perfect cold remedy? Leave a comment!