I bought myself some American Ginseng root (whole pieces), and I'm not too sure how to consume it...

I can prepare a tea with it, but I was wondering if I would be able to get the same effect just by chewing a piece? If so, roughly how big and how long should I chew it for? I find places online that say its OK to chew but they do not elaborate. I wouldn't mind making the tea, but frankly I do want to waste a lot of time making it [I probably should of just bought the ginseng pre-made teabags...oh well]