As ginseng becomes an increasingly popular herbal remedy, products combining it with coffee are appearing on store shelves. Although there is no proof that ginseng coffee provides any health benefits, some individuals claim it can increase energy levels and alertness, improve sleep, blood sugar levels, heart health, erectile dysfunction symptoms and more. We consulted licensed acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Thuy Nguyen to get his take on this increasingly popular beverage.

Nguyen describes ginseng as an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body adapt to stress and change. She goes on to note how ginseng has also been shown to benefit cardiovascular health by increasing circulation; which may aid those struggling with high blood pressure and cholesterol issues, among other problems. Furthermore, some research indicates it may even increase libido.

Studies involving ginseng have varied, with some showing anti-inflammatory properties while others showing no clear evidence. Nguyen advises anyone curious about adding this herb into their diet to speak to either a licensed acupuncturist or their primary care doctor before beginning supplementation regimens.

15 trained panelists participated in this research project by evaluating the sensory properties of coffee beans coated with various types and concentrations of ginseng extract, such as Colombian, Brazilian, Indonesian coffees coated with white, red or American ginseng extract at 3 or 6 weight percent weight/volume percent. Panelists scored the coffees based on color, aroma, flavor, overall palatability with 9 being considered optimal palatability rating.

Researchers were amazed to discover that the combination of ginseng-coffee was similar in taste and aroma to conventional coffee beverages, scoring extremely highly on palatability tests. Results indicate that ginseng-coffee drinks can provide an efficient and convenient alternative to traditional coffee, while still meeting all gluten-, lactose- and added sugar-free criteria. This product is ready for consumers to use at home and comes packaged in biodegradable sachets that make preparing this healthy coffee easier than ever. Each sachet contains 20 g of instant preparation, enough to create two cups of ginseng coffee. Simply dissolve each packet in hot water and stir well to mix. Unlike many similar products on the market, ours doesn’t use stabilisers or emulsifiers, nor any preservatives or pasteurization.