Ginseng Tea: What Research Shows About the Tea, Safety and Cautions
Ginseng tea has little human research; trials used extracts. What NIH and EU sources say, with cautions for diabetes medicines, warfarin, insomnia, surgery and pregnancy.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Natural products can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read herbal tea and extract safety before you use anything on this page.
Check before you drink: ask a clinician or pharmacist first if you take diabetes medicines, warfarin or other blood thinners, or MAOI medicines, if you have liver disease or an autoimmune condition, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. NIH says ginseng may lower blood sugar, interfere with blood clotting and worsen autoimmune disorders, and that insomnia is its most common side effect. [1] Memorial Sloan Kettering says ginseng may add to the effect of insulin and sulfonylureas and should be stopped at least one week before surgery. [2] Ginseng tea is a herbal infusion of the root, not a tea from the tea plant. This page covers the tea itself and keeps it apart from capsules and extracts, where nearly all the trials were done.
What ginseng tea is
"Ginseng" on tea labels usually means Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.) or American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), both in the Araliaceae family. [3] The root is the part used. NIH says red ginseng and white ginseng are two ways of preparing the same Panax ginseng root. [1] Siberian ginseng (eleuthero, Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a different plant in a different genus, and its research does not apply here. [3] Check the Latin name on the label. Capsules and extracts are covered in the Asian ginseng guide and the American ginseng guide.Taste, caffeine and how to brew
| Question | What sources say |
|---|---|
| Taste | Proper evidence not found in the sources we read. |
| Caffeine per 8 fl oz (240 mL) cup | Not stated in the sources we read. Ginseng root is not the tea plant, but blends may contain tea leaves, so check the label. See caffeine in herbal teas. |
| Water temperature and steeping time | Not given in the sources we read. |
| Amount of root per cup | Not given. The EU summary says Panax ginseng root products are usually sold as an herbal tea to drink, but gives no amounts and sends readers to the package leaflet. [4] |
| Cold brew or iced | Not described in the sources we read. |
| Hot-drink note | Not described in the sources we read for this tea. |
What research found about the tea itself
Evidence strength words: Promising but limited, Mixed, Insufficient evidence, Extract only.| Question | What the source found | Strength of evidence | Form and who was studied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginseng tea for any health goal | Proper evidence not found for trials of the tea itself that measure a health outcome. | Insufficient evidence | Tea |
| DNA damage in blood cells | In a pilot study of 14 healthy volunteers, 7 drank one cup of American ginseng tea-bag infusion and 7 drank water; a lab measure of UV-induced DNA damage was lower 2 hours later in the tea group. [5] | Promising but limited; lab marker only, one cup | American ginseng tea, 14 adults |
| Liver cancer risk (a caution) | In a Korean cohort of 5,926 adults (61 liver cancers), drinking ginseng tea 2 or more times a week was linked to higher liver cancer risk, mainly in people with existing liver disease. This is observational and cannot show cause. [6] | Mixed; observational signal | Ginseng tea drinkers, Korea |
| Fatigue | NIH says a 2023 review found a small benefit of ginseng alone for general fatigue, with mixed research. [1] | Extract only; mixed | Ginseng products, mostly extracts |
| Thinking and attention | NIH says some research suggests benefits for attention, reaction time and arithmetic in middle-aged adults but not young adults. [1] | Extract only; insufficient | Extracts |
| Blood sugar | NIH calls the evidence on blood sugar control in diabetes inconclusive. [1] A 24-person cross-over trial of American ginseng extract found lower HbA1c and fasting glucose than placebo. [7] | Extract only; mixed | Extracts in adults with type 2 diabetes |
| Colds | A review of 5 trials (747 people) of North American ginseng extract concluded the evidence was insufficient to say it prevents colds. [8] | Extract only; insufficient | North American ginseng extract |
Limits: the tea studies are tiny (14 people, one cup) or observational. The trials of extracts were mostly small and short, and NIH calls the evidence limited. We did not carry extract results over to tea.
Check before you drink
- Diabetes medicines. NIH says ginseng may lower blood sugar, so people with diabetes should ask a provider first. [1] Memorial Sloan Kettering says it may increase the effect of insulin and sulfonylureas, with a risk of dangerously low blood sugar. [2] See ginseng, blood sugar, blood thinners and other cautions.
- Warfarin and other blood thinners. In a 4-week trial of 20 healthy volunteers, American ginseng lowered warfarin's effect. [9] NIH says ginseng may interfere with clotting. [1] Memorial Sloan Kettering says studies on warfarin are mixed. [2][10] See supplements and blood thinners.
- Surgery. Memorial Sloan Kettering says to stop ginseng at least one week before surgery and describes a case of severe bleeding after heart surgery linked to high pre-surgery intake. [2] See supplements and surgery.
- Sleep, nerves and MAOIs. Insomnia is the most common side effect (NIH). [1] Memorial Sloan Kettering lists nervousness and a fast heart rate, a case of mania after long use, and manic-like symptoms with MAOI medicines. [2] No source we read gives a caffeine amount, so it is not described as caffeine-like here.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. NIH says some experts advise against use in pregnancy and breastfeeding, some studies suggest oral use may be unsafe in pregnancy, and one of its chemicals caused birth defects in animals. [1] The EU says it is not recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding for lack of data. [4] See pregnancy and herbal tea.
- Babies and children. NIH says some experts advise against use by infants and children. [1] The EU does not recommend Panax ginseng root under 18. [4] See herbal tea for babies and children.
- Liver. NIH lists liver damage among less common reports. [1] The Korean cohort above found a higher liver cancer risk with frequent ginseng tea in people with liver disease. [6] See herbal tea, liver and kidney cautions.
- Allergy. NIH lists severe rash and severe allergic reactions as less common reports. [1] A 2026 study identified a protein in Korean ginseng that causes pollen-food allergy syndrome. [11] The EU says not to use it if allergic to the plant. [4]
- Autoimmune conditions. NIH says ginseng may worsen autoimmune disorders. [1]
- Kidney, iron, metals and pesticides: not described in the sources we read. Not described is not proof of none.
Tea, capsule or extract?
Most results above come from standardized extracts, which are more concentrated and consistent than a cup. NIH describes the research as limited (see also the adaptogen teas page). A result for an extract cannot be assumed for a cup of tea. See tea, tincture or capsule.Buying and storing
- Look for the Latin name (Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolius), not just "ginseng," and check for added sugar or other herbs. See reading an herbal tea label.
- For storage, see storing herbal tea.
Related pages
What research found and what to check: Ginseng Tea
Findings about drinking the tea itself, kept apart from capsules, extracts and concentrated supplements. Each card says what was studied, in whom, and how strong the evidence is.
Ginseng tea itself: very little human research
Not enough evidenceNearly all human trials used ginseng extracts. Of tea we found one pilot study of American ginseng (14 people, one cup) and one cohort study of Korean adults who drank ginseng tea.
Supplements: Tea: very little human research.
American ginseng tea and cell DNA damage (one cup)
Preliminary or mixedIn a pilot study of 14 healthy volunteers, 7 drank one cup of American ginseng infusion and 7 drank water; a lab test of DNA damage in blood cells after UV exposure was lower 2 hours later in the tea group.
Supplements: Tea, but 14 people and one cup; lab marker only.
Fatigue (extract only)
Preliminary or mixedNIH says a 2023 review found a small benefit of ginseng alone for general fatigue, with mixed research. The EU accepts Panax ginseng root as a traditional herbal medicine for tiredness and weakness (asthenia) based on long use, not clinical studies.
Supplements: Extract only; EU status is traditional use.
Thinking and attention (extract only)
Preliminary or mixedNIH says some research suggests benefits for attention, reaction time and arithmetic in middle-aged adults but not young adults, and that any memory benefit seemed to depend on adding ginkgo.
Supplements: Extract only.
Blood sugar (extract only)
Preliminary or mixedNIH says a 2022 review found improvements in some cardiometabolic markers including fasting glucose, but evidence on blood sugar control in diabetes is inconclusive. A small cross-over trial of American ginseng extract in 24 adults with type 2 diabetes found lower HbA1c and fasting glucose than placebo.
Supplements: Extract only.
Colds and flu (extract only)
Preliminary or mixedA systematic review of 5 trials (747 people) of North American ginseng extract found fewer colds in one trial and a trend in the pooled data, but concluded the evidence was insufficient. NIH calls flu research very preliminary.
Supplements: Extract only.
Connected topics
Open a group to see how each topic connects and how strong the evidence is.
Body systems (3)
- Blood Sugar SupportDocumented risk
May lower blood sugar and add to diabetes medicines (NIH, MSK).
- Hepatic / Liver SystemDocumented risk
NIH lists liver damage reports; a Korean cohort linked frequent ginseng tea to liver cancer in people with liver disease (observational).
- Immune SystemDocumented risk
May worsen autoimmune disorders (NIH); severe allergic reactions reported.
Body parts (2)
- Blood VesselsDocumented risk
May interfere with blood clotting; American ginseng lowered warfarin's effect (trial).
- LiverDocumented risk
Liver damage reports (NIH); cohort signal for ginseng tea in liver disease.
Root causes (2)
- Medication Side EffectsDocumented risk
Interactions with warfarin, insulin and sulfonylureas, and MAOIs (trial, MSK, NIH).
- Poor SleepDocumented risk
Insomnia is the most common side effect (NIH).
Biomarkers (1)
- Blood GlucoseDocumented risk
May lower blood glucose; monitor with diabetes medicines (NIH, MSK).
Conditions & symptoms (5)
- DiabetesDocumented risk
May lower blood sugar; ask a provider if you use diabetes medicines.
- HypoglycemiaDocumented risk
MSK says ginseng may add to insulin and sulfonylureas, risking dangerously low blood sugar.
- Primary InsomniaDocumented risk
Insomnia is the most common side effect (NIH).
- Autoimmune DiseasesDocumented risk
May worsen autoimmune disorders (NIH).
- Drug-Induced Liver DiseaseDocumented risk
NIH lists liver damage among less common reports.
Documented risks and interactions (6)
- Frequent ginseng tea and liver cancer risk (one cohort). In a Korean cohort of 5,926 adults, drinking ginseng tea 2 or more times a week was linked to higher liver cancer risk (61 cases), mainly in people who already had liver disease. This is observational and cannot show cause.
- Diabetes medicines and low blood sugar. NIH says ginseng may lower blood sugar, so people with diabetes should ask a provider first. MSK says ginseng may add to the effect of insulin and sulfonylureas, which could cause dangerously low blood sugar.
- Warfarin, bleeding and surgery. In a 4-week trial of 20 healthy volunteers, American ginseng lowered warfarin's blood-thinning effect. NIH says Asian ginseng may interfere with blood clotting. MSK says studies on warfarin are mixed, and that ginseng should be stopped at least one week before surgery.
- Insomnia, nervousness, MAOIs and mood. NIH says insomnia is the most common side effect. MSK lists nervousness, fast heart rate and insomnia, a case of mania after long use, and manic-like symptoms with MAOI medicines. No source we read gives a caffeine figure for ginseng tea.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and children. NIH says some experts advise against use by infants, children and pregnant or breastfeeding women, and that one of its chemicals caused birth defects in animals. The EU does not recommend Panax ginseng root under 18 or in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Allergy, rash and autoimmune conditions. NIH lists severe rash, liver damage and severe allergic reactions as less common reports and says ginseng may worsen autoimmune disorders. A 2026 study found a protein allergen in Korean ginseng that causes pollen-food allergy syndrome. The EU says not to use it if allergic to the plant.
Frequently asked questions
Does ginseng tea give you energy?
Proper evidence not found for the tea. NIH says a 2023 review found a small benefit of ginseng alone for general fatigue, but that was mostly products other than tea. [1]
Is ginseng tea safe with diabetes or warfarin?
Ask a prescriber or pharmacist first. NIH says ginseng may lower blood sugar and interfere with clotting; Memorial Sloan Kettering warns of low blood sugar with insulin and sulfonylureas. [1][2]
Can I drink ginseng tea in the evening?
Insomnia is the most common side effect, per NIH, so many people avoid late cups. [1]
Is ginseng tea safe in pregnancy?
NIH says some experts advise against it in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the EU does not recommend it. [1][4] Ask your clinician.
Is ginseng tea the same as Siberian ginseng tea?
No. Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) is a different plant. [3]
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Asian Ginseng: Usefulness and Safety. Last updated February 2025. Read 2026-10-23.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Ginseng, Asian. Page shows updated July 2026. Read 2026-10-23.
- GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match: Panax ginseng C.A.Mey., Panax quinquefolius L. and Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. Read 2026-10-23.
- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Ginseng radix: herbal medicinal product, public summary. Updated 12 March 2026. Read 2026-10-23.
- American ginseng tea protects cellular DNA within 2 h from consumption: results of a pilot study in healthy human volunteers. 2015. PubMed 26393910. Abstract read via Europe PMC 2026-10-23.
- Ginseng tea consumption and liver cancer risk: a prospective Korean multi-center cancer cohort study. 2026. PubMed 42079340. Abstract read via Europe PMC 2026-10-23.
- Efficacy and safety of American ginseng extract on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes: a double-blind, randomized, cross-over clinical trial. 2019. PubMed 29478187. Abstract read via Europe PMC 2026-10-23.
- North American and Asian ginseng preparations for prevention of the common cold in healthy adults: a systematic review. 2011. PubMed 19592479. Abstract read via Europe PMC 2026-10-23.
- Brief communication: American ginseng reduces warfarin's effect in healthy patients: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2004. PubMed 15238367. Abstract read via Europe PMC 2026-10-23.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Ginseng, American. Page shows updated November 2022. Read 2026-10-23.
- Characterization of Pana g 1, an important cause of pollen-food allergy syndrome from Korean ginseng, Panax ginseng. 2026. PubMed 41550676. Abstract read via Europe PMC 2026-10-23.