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Selecting the Best Ginseng Supplement



The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed by a holistic health practitioner with your well-being in mind.

In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness, ginseng emerges as a remarkable herbal ally. Since ancient times, ginseng has been long-revered for its benefits as an adaptogen—an agent that assists in adapting to stress and change. In more recent times, its introduction to the world of scientific scrutiny has revealed an even more impressive array of advantages.

Because ginseng has been used for centuries, an untold number of ginseng-based products have surfaced throughout history, and thousands are on the market today. With so many options available, how might one select the best ginseng supplement?

In this article, we will recommend a few quality ginseng products to try, but your decision should also be informed. To help you understand what ginseng is and how it works, we will review a brief history of the herb, note its benefits, explain how it works to deliver the attributed benefits, and address frequently asked questions.

What is Ginseng and What is It Good For?


"Ginseng is an adaptogen. This means it helps the body respond and adapt to stress," according to Angela Halderson, RDN, CHC, an integrative and functional nutrition practitioner for Natural Healthy Concepts. "Ginseng is also noted for its tonifying abilities, meaning a daily dose strengthens our system and keeps us stronger as we age."

A Brief History of the Herb


The history of ginseng traces back over 5,000 years to the mountains of Manchuria, China, where it was first discovered. The root's resemblance to the human body was a key factor in its early popularity; it was believed that its shape signified its ability to enhance human health.

The root was typically prepared by drying and then steeping it in hot water to create a nourishing and rejuvenating tea. This method of consumption allowed people to harness the herb's benefits in a relatively simple manner.

Ginseng was deemed the "herb for everything," offering remedies for a broad spectrum of ailments. The ancients believed ginseng could restore vitality, boost energy, and promote longevity. Its Latin name, derived from the Greek word "panacea," meaning "all-healing" or "for everything," aptly captures its versatility. Initially reserved for Chinese emperors who spared no expense for its remarkable properties, ginseng's fame sparked a thriving international trade network. This trade allowed Korea to exchange coveted supplies of silk and medicines for the prized wild ginseng.

As ginseng's reputation spread throughout Asia, its uses and forms of ingestion diversified. In addition to ginseng tea, it was incorporated into soups, stews, and herbal elixirs, which were believed to strengthen the body and improve overall health. The dried root was also ground into a fine powder, which could be used in medicinal formulations.

In Western civilization, it was European Jesuit missionaries and explorers who first documented the plant in the 17th century, although it had been revered and utilized by Asian cultures long before that. The international awareness of ginseng continued to grow, driven by its inclusion in traditional herbal remedies and its reputation as a natural tonic. In the 18th century, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) was discovered and quickly gained popularity for its similar properties to Asian ginseng.

Today, ginseng is enjoyed in various forms around the world. It can be found in capsules, powders, extracts, and even incorporated into energy drinks and dietary supplements. Ginseng has also become a prominent ingredient in traditional medicine systems beyond Chinese medicine, including Korean, Japanese, and Native American traditions.

An Overview of Health Benefits


Recent research reveals compelling evidence that ginseng offers several health benefits, including:

1. Reducing Inflammation. Ginseng extract has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage to cells.

2. Improving Brain Function. Ginseng has cognitive-enhancing properties. It may improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain and enhancing neurotransmitter activity. Components in ginseng, such as ginsenosides and compound K, have also been shown to protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals. Many have found ginseng effective in improving memory, behavior, and mood.

3. Boosting Immunity. "Ginseng can be important for someone overcoming a long-term illness, or an aging person looking to nourish and rebuild their adrenals and immune system,” says Halderson.

Some studies suggest that ginsenosides can enhance the immune system's response to infections and diseases by stimulating the production of immune cells and cytokines. Cytokines are small proteins produced by various cells in the body, including immune cells, and they play a crucial role in cell signaling and communication, particularly in the immune system. These proteins act as messengers, transmitting signals between cells to regulate various immune responses, inflammation, and overall immune system function. Cytokines can have both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, depending on the specific type and context, and they are essential for the body's defense against infections and in maintaining tissue homeostasis.

4. Supporting Cardiovascular Health. Research indicates that ginseng offers advantages for cardiac and vascular conditions. These benefits stem from its effectiveness in several areas, such as countering oxidative stress, regulating blood vessel function, influencing ion channels and cellular communication, enhancing lipid profiles, managing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, boosting heart performance, and reducing platelet adhesion.

5.Fighting Fatigue. Ginseng may also help combat fatigue and keep energy levels up. This effect is believed to be related to ginsenosides' impact on mitochondria, the energy-producing units in cells. The effect may also be due to these compounds keeping the central nervous system in balance, fighting inflammation in the body that can worsen fatigue, and balancing cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can affect energy levels.

6. SupportingSexual Health. Ginseng is often used as a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction. It may improve sexual function by increasing nitric oxide production and improving blood flow. “It can help overcome fatigue and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for decreasing sexual function," says Halderson, whose expertise is as a certified health coach with experience providing nutritional counseling.

7.Lowering Blood Sugar. Ginsenosides in ginseng may help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production, improving insulin sensitivity in cells, and enhancing cellular blood sugar uptake.

8. Rejuvenating Aging Skin. In addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, ginseng combats the aging of skin by stimulating collagen production, improving blood circulation, promoting cell generation, and reducing stress.

It's important to note that while ginseng shows promise in these areas, more research is needed to understand its health benefits fully. Individual responses can vary, and more research is needed to understand its mechanisms of action in the body fully. Always consult a healthcare professional before adding ginseng or any herbal supplement to your routine, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.

How Ginseng Works


Ginseng contains several bioactive compounds, two of them being ginsenosides and gintonin. These compounds complement one another to display notable properties and provide health benefits. Ginseng has adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that contribute to the herb's effectiveness.

1. Adaptogenic Properties. Gintonin compounds in ginseng increase the brain's adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) activity without involving the adrenal glands. ACTH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland that regulates the body's response to stress. It stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, commonly known as the "stress hormone."

2. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties. Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginsenosides, ginseng can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage to cells that contribute to chronic disease.

3. Other Properties.Gintonin, a unique lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand derived from ginseng, activates several biological processes that contribute to the beneficial effects of ginseng on the body. One of the primary effects of gintonin is its ability to stimulate autophagic flux. Autophagy is a cellular process that involves the degradation and recycling of damaged or unnecessary cellular components, helping to maintain cellular homeostasis and prevent the accumulation of toxic substances. By promoting autophagy, gintonin may contribute to the overall health and longevity of cells.

In addition to autophagy, gintonin has been shown to have anti-proliferative effects and induce G1 phase arrest in specific cell types. This means that gintonin can inhibit the uncontrolled growth and division of cells—a hallmark of cancer. The precise mechanisms by which gintonin exerts these effects are not yet fully understood, but they may involve regulating key signaling pathways.

Ginseng Supplements to Try


Due to ginseng's long history of use, countless ginseng-based products, including ginseng powder, tablets, capsules, or ginseng root extract, have emerged over time. The following are a few of the best ginseng supplements recommended by health practitioners that we trust:

Panax Ginseng by Pure Encapsulations

Panax Ginseng by Pure Encapsulations is a premium formula that can help achieve optimal wellness and performance. Whether a person needs to boost their energy, improve mental performance, support their reproductive health, or enhance their immune system, Panax Ginseng can offer multiple benefits. This high-quality product contains 15% ginsenosides, the active compounds that give Panax Ginseng its potency and efficacy. Panax Ginseng helps maintain a balanced state of mind and body by modulating certain hormones and neurotransmitters. It can also increase endurance and stamina by optimizing metabolism and oxygen utilization.

Pure Encapsulations Panax Ginseng is carefully extracted from the roots of Panax ginseng plants grown in Korea, where the soil and climate are ideal for producing high-quality ginseng. This formulation is a safe and well-tolerated supplement that can be taken daily or as needed.

  • • Form: capsules
  • • Dose: 1 capsule, 2-3 times daily, between meals
  • • Servings per container: 120 capsules

Rhodiola and Ginseng Complex from Standard Process

Rhodiola and Ginseng Complex from Standard Process is an herbal supplement that does not require a prescription but requires consultation for full access. This formulation contains Rhodiola rosea and Korean ginseng. The substances in these herbs combine to support cognitive function, promote vitality and stamina, support the body as it ages, and support natural defenses against emotional and environmental stressors.

This product is standardized to contain 4.5mg of rosavins, 1.5mg of salidroside, and 8.4mg of ginsenosides per tablet to ensure optimal strength and quality.

Standard Process is a doctor-trusted brand that adheres to the strictest standards for purity and potency. Products consist of the highest-grade ingredients available.

  • • Form: tablets
  • • Dose: 1 tablet 2-4 times daily, or as directed
  • • Servings per container: 60 tablets

Ginseng and Rhodiola by Health Concerns

Ginseng and Rhodiola from Health Concerns is an herbal supplement based on the traditional formula Ginseng and Gecko Powder, which is used for chronic coughing and wheezing. This formula may address various lung issues with the appropriate presentation. The proprietary herbal blend of Ginseng and Rhodiola contains 2,250 mg of extracts from apricot seed, baked licorice root, Rhodiola root, Asian ginseng root, Poria sclerotium, white mulberry leaf, Sichuan Fritillary bulb, and Anemarrhena root. Rhodiola and ginseng are a combination of herbs that contain many compounds, including phenylpropanoids such as rosarin, rosavin, rosin (rosavins), salidroside (a hydroxyphenethyl glucoside), and a complex mixture of steroidal saponins (called ginsenosides). This product is standardized to contain 4.5mg of rosavins, 1.5mg of salidroside, and 8.4mg of ginsenosides per tablet to ensure optimal strength and quality.

Health Concerns is a doctor-trusted brand that adheres to the strictest standards for purity and potency, using the highest-grade ingredients available.

  • • Form: capsules
  • • Dose: 3 capsules, 3 times daily between meals
  • • Servings per container: 30, 3 capsules per serving

How We Chose the Best Ginseng Supplements


Selected products were based on user satisfaction, cost and third-party certification, and determined solely by the editorial team. All product details are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.

Potential Side Effects of Ginseng


Ginseng is generally well-tolerated, but some patients may experience side effects. Common side effects include:

  • • Insomnia
  • • Headache
  • • Rapid heartbeat
  • • Changes in blood pressure
  • • Breast tenderness
  • • Digestive problems, including diarrhea and nausea
  • • Nervousness and restlessness
  • • Severe skin reactions
  • • Liver damage
  • • Allergic reactions

In rare instances, ginseng may also cause bleeding, including vaginal bleeding, and it should be used with caution if you are taking blood-thinning medications. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it is safe for you to use.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is ginseng, and what does it do?

Asian ginseng is derived from the root of the Panax ginseng plant, native to Manchuria and Korea, while the American variety is derived from Panax quinquefolius. The herb has the potential to boost the immune system, improve brain function, increase energy levels, reduce inflammation, and deliver many other benefits. Some studies suggest that ginseng also helps fight cancer and lower blood sugar.

What is the recommended ginseng dosage?

The recommended dosage of ginseng depends on the type of ginseng and the amount of ginsenosides. Crude preparations of dried root powder can be taken daily for up to 3 months, with a dosage ranging from 1 to 2 grams. In numerous clinical trials, the dosage of crude root has ranged from 0.5 to 3 grams per day, while the dose of extracts generally ranges from 100 to 800 milligrams. For American ginseng, it is most often used in doses of 200-400 milligrams by mouth twice daily for 3 to 6 months. The safe dosages for Asian ginseng range from 200 milligrams to 3 grams daily.

The recommended products in this article include dosage instructions. It is also important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best dosage for your specific condition and needs.

How long does it take for ginseng to take effect?

The time it takes to feel the effects of ginseng can vary. Some sources suggest that it only takes 1 to 2 days, as ginseng doesn't have to build up in your body. However, the speed at which you feel the effects can depend on the dosage, what kind of ginseng you take, and how your body reacts to the plant. Other sources indicate that while the essential components of ginseng are water-soluble and should start absorbing into your tissues immediately after ingestion, Korean ginseng has a cumulative effect, so it may take a few days to notice its impact.

Are there any good food sources for ginseng?

Ginseng is primarily available as a dietary supplement in the form of dried herbs, powder, tea, or capsules. While there are no natural food sources of ginseng, it is sometimes added to beverages and foods. In Korean cuisine, ginseng is used in various banchan (side dishes) and guk (soups), as well as tea and alcoholic beverages. You may also find smaller amounts of ginseng in energy drinks and herbal teas. However, it's important to note that ginseng supplements are the most common way to consume ginseng due to their standardized dosage and convenience.

How should I select the best ginseng product?

In this article, several ginseng supplements have been recommended, but it’s important to consider what to look for when shopping for ginseng.

"Ginseng is a highly sought-after herbal root. Ginseng is harvested between 5 and 10 years, which is a long time to wait for a root to fully develop. Ginseng growers, therefore, commonly used pesticides to try to ensure their harvest lives to harvest," says Halderson. "People who take ginseng need to be sure they are purchasing a clean, pesticide-free herb. Some companies will grow ginseng hydroponically. This ensures the use of no pesticides. Reach for organic, pesticide-free or hydroponically grown ginseng to ensure the cleanest herb possible."

When selecting a ginseng supplement, consider the following tips:

1. Research the Brand. Look for reputable brands that have a history of producing high-quality supplements.

2. Check the Ginsenoside Content. Ginsenosides are the active compounds in ginseng that contribute to its health benefits. Look for supplements that provide information about the ginsenoside content on the label. Higher ginsenoside content generally indicates a more potent supplement.

3. Consider the Form. Ginseng supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquid extracts. Choose a form that suits your preferences and lifestyle.

4. Read Customer Reviews. Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and quality of a product. Look for reviews from verified buyers to get an accurate representation of the supplement's benefits.

5. Consult with a Healthcare Professional. If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs.

What's behind health professionals' late recognition of ginseng?

Previously, the scientific community and health professionals were cautious in embracing ginseng supplementation due to several factors. Firstly, traditional herbal remedies like ginseng lacked the rigorous scientific studies to validate their efficacy. Secondly, ginseng's complex bioactive compounds, including ginsenosides and gintonin, made it challenging to decipher its mechanisms of action within the body. Additionally, individual responses to ginseng can vary widely, making it difficult to establish standardized dosage guidelines. Finally, the rise of evidence-based medicine has required robust clinical trials and research to substantiate health claims, a process that takes time and resources. However, as more studies demonstrate ginseng's potential in various health domains, the scientific community and health professionals increasingly recognize its value as a complementary approach to wellness.

Can I grow my own ginseng?

Growing ginseng commercially without a license may be prohibited in some regions, but you can grow ginseng for your personal use. It's important to note that growing ginseng requires patience and specific conditions. Ginseng, particularly American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), is a slow-growing plant that thrives in shaded woodland environments with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. If you live in an area with similar conditions, you can consider cultivating ginseng in your backyard. However, ginseng cultivation is a long-term commitment, as it typically takes several years for the plant to reach maturity and develop the valuable ginsenosides that contribute to its health benefits. Additionally, ginseng is susceptible to various pests and diseases, so careful monitoring and care are necessary to ensure a successful crop. It's advisable to research and consult with local agricultural experts or extension services to understand the specific requirements and challenges of growing ginseng in your area.

A Final Word


Ginseng is a versatile herbal supplement with a long history of traditional use and emerging scientific support for its health benefits. Its adaptogenic qualities, demonstrated through enhancing the brain's stress response, are complemented by its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable tool for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Ginseng's diverse benefits extend to brain function, immune support, cardiovascular health, potential anticancer properties, fatigue reduction, sexual health enhancement, blood sugar regulation, and more.

With careful consideration, ginseng can be a valuable addition to your wellness regimen, offering a range of potential health advantages rooted in both tradition and emerging scientific research.

How We Chose the Best Supplements

For the ranking, the editorial team consulted with an accredited nutrition expert. Ratings werebased on user satisfaction, cost, and third-party certification, and determined solely by the editorial team.

All product prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.