Ginseng is the name for the root of any plant belonging to the Panax genus. There are 11 individual varieties of Panax plants, but their roots can all be transformed into a supplement that is becoming increasingly popular in the wellness community.
Ginseng is primarily used as an anti-inflammatory supplement because it’s an antioxidant.
However, research has shown that the supplement made from Panax plant roots could have many more uses, from regulating blood sugar to reducing the risk of some cancers.
Many people simply take ginseng in an effort to boost their immune function since its anti-inflammatory properties can improve immune function and energy levels as well as cognitive function.
There’s even evidence to suggest that sexual performance may be improved by the use of ginseng.
However, with an abundance of ginseng supplements available through online retailers, choosing the single best one can feel impossible.
That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the 5 best ginseng supplements based on our research and testing to make the selection process easier.
Read on to find out which ginseng supplement you should buy today, keep reading, and make sure to consult our FAQ section below for further information.
The Top 5 Ginseng Supplements
NutraChamps Korean Red Panax Ginseng
This ginseng supplement from NutraChamps is considered one of the best on the market because of its benefits and effectiveness.
The NutraChamps supplement is made from authentic ginseng, unlike some of the other ginseng supplements on the market which have been found to contain synthetic ingredients, and sometimes no real ginseng at all. The supplement has been lab tested to ensure the highest quality.
In addition to being high-quality, NutraChamps’ Korean Red Panax Ginseng contains a minimum of 5% ginsenosides so it’s very potent. This ensures that your body is able to absorb as much of the ginseng as you need in every dose to experience the full benefits.
Although these are capsules, they are completely vegan-friendly because they contain no gelatin and aren’t made with any other animal-derived ingredients.
For such a high-quality supplement, you might expect the NutraChamps capsules to be expensive, but each container contains 60 servings (2 months’ worth) and is very reasonably priced.
The only downside for people who may struggle to swallow capsules is that there are 2 capsules per serving, which can make the process of ingestion more difficult.
Pros
- Authentic and lab-tested – High-quality
- At least 5% ginsenosides – Potent
- Vegan capsules – Suitable for a plant-based diet
- 60 servings per purchase – Great Value
Cons
- 1 serving is 2 capsules – Not the easiest to ingest
Rejuvica Active Ginseng Liquid
We mentioned in our previous product review that some people find it difficult to take supplements in capsule or tablet form.
If that’s you, don’t worry, because this Rejuvica Active Ginseng Liquid supplement is in liquid form, so it’s much easier to take if you find yourself struggling to swallow capsules.
Not only is liquid ginseng easier to swallow, but it’s highly concentrated for additional potency, and studies have shown that liquid ginseng supplements like this one are absorbed more effectively by the human body.
In fact, this supplement boasts double absorption rates compared to other forms of supplementation.
In every bottle, you get 48 servings of ginseng which can be taken easily and accurately using the precise and ergonomic tongue dropper.
It’s worth noting that since this is a natural supplement that doesn’t contain any flavorings (ultimately a good thing) the taste isn’t the most pleasant and can take some getting used to.
Pros
- Concentrated ginsenoside – High potency
- Liquid formula – High absorption rate
- 48 servings per bottle – Good value
- Easy-to-use dropper – Quick and easy application
Cons
- Unflavored – Not the best taste experience
GreeNatr Panax Ginseng + Ginkgo Biloba
If you’re looking for a ginseng supplement that will provide you with extra antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, we recommend this GreeNatr Panax Ginseng supplement, which also contains Ginkgo Biloba.
Ginkgo Biloba is a tree that is native to China, and parts of this plant can be used to fight inflammation in the body, leading to improved brain function and less risk of blood-related disorders.
This supplement is in capsule form, but it is completely vegan.
You will need to take 2 capsules per serving, so again, it’s not the best choice if you really struggle to take capsules or pills. However, with 30 servings in each container for a budget-friendly price, you’re getting good value for your money.
Pros
- Contains Ginkgo Biloba – Extra anti-inflammatory properties
- Vegan formula – Fits a plant-based diet
- Extra-strength product – Increased potency
- 30 servings per container – Decent value for money
Cons
- 2 capsules per serving – Not ideal for those who struggle to take pills
Auragin Authentic Korean Red Ginseng
The problem with buying any kind of supplement online is that it’s difficult to know exactly how the supplement has been produced and what is in it, especially with all the confusing processes and extracts used in the manufacturing of most supplements.
With the Auragin Authentic Korean Red Ginseng supplement, however, you know exactly what you’re getting for your money! That’s because no chemical extracts whatsoever are used in the making of this supplement.
The whole root is used for maximum benefits, and the formula is completely natural with minimal processing for potency and safety.
This is a plant-based formula with no animal-derived ingredients or synthetic chemicals, so it’s suitable for vegans.
Another thing we love about this supplement is that although it comes in tablet form and one serving is equal to 3 tablets, the tablets are very small so they are easy to swallow with water.
The only downside to this supplement is that due to the high quality, minimal processing and lack of extracts, it is more expensive than the other products on our list.
Pros
- No chemical extracts – Uses whole root for best effects
- Minimal processing – Natural and potent
- Plant-based formula – Suitable for vegans
- Small tablets – Easy to swallow
Cons
- More expensive than other products – Not budget-friendly
NooMost Authentic Korean Red Panax Ginseng
Another ginseng supplement that contains Ginkgo Biloba is the NooMost Authentic Korean Red Panax Ginseng.
Because this supplement contains 1000 mg of ginseng per serving as well as added Ginkgo Biloba, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are potent.
Additionally, the supplement formula is entirely plant-based, including the external part of the capsule itself, so if you’re vegan, there’s no need to worry about any animal-derived ingredients.
There are 60 servings of ginseng supplements in every container, and each serving is 2 capsules. It’s worth bearing in mind that the capsules are quite large, so if you’re not a fan of taking supplements in capsule form, you may struggle with these.
Pros
- Added Ginkgo Biloba – Extra antioxidant effects
- All plant-based ingredients – Vegan-friendly
- 60 servings in every container – Excellent value
- 1000 mg per serving – Potent and effective
Cons
- Large capsules – Not the easiest to swallow
Which Ginseng Supplement Is Right for You?
Finding the perfect ginseng supplement isn’t just about deciding which one sounds best on paper. You need to think practically about which supplement will work best for you in your daily life.
After all, this is something you will be taking every day with the aim of improving and safeguarding your overall health.
Ingredients
The first thing you should do when choosing a ginseng supplement is look at the ingredients.
If you’re buying from an online retailer, you should check this carefully by looking at the information on the manufacturer’s site as well, and making sure that the information on the label (which should be pictured on the site) matches up with the text on the website.
The primary ingredient in the supplement should, of course, be ginseng. However, some manufacturers will add other ingredients such as Ginkgo Biloba to enhance the anti-inflammatory benefits of the supplement.
This is absolutely fine, and even desirable, but you should be wary of any other ingredients. The more ingredients are listed on the label, the more likely it is that the supplement contains a lot of fillers that aren’t necessary or beneficial for your health.
If you’re vegan, you should also pay attention to whether or not the supplement contains any animal-derived ingredients. This is most common in the case of capsules because some are made with gelatin.
However, many capsules today are made without gelatin to appeal to a wider audience, so it’s just a matter of checking the label for this specific ingredient and any of the other products you would usually avoid on a plant-based diet.
Most ginseng supplements are made using ginseng extracts. There is nothing wrong with this, especially since it makes the supplement more affordable, but it’s worth noting that using the pure root rather than extracts will be more potent.
Therefore, if you want to make sure your body absorbs as much ginseng as possible with every dose and cost is not an issue for you, you may wish to prioritize ginseng supplements that are not made by extraction.
Potency
In addition to looking at which ingredients are used in a ginseng supplement, it’s vital to look at the quantities as well. The more ginseng per serving (in mg), the more potent the supplement will be as a general rule, and the more effective it is likely to be.
Studies have shown that ginseng supplements can start to be bioactive at around 40 mg, but if you want to experience as many of the benefits as possible, it’s better to take a ginseng supplement of between 200 mg and 400 mg, with 400 mg being preferable.
Some ginseng supplements can contain as much as 1000 mg per dose, and while there’s no evidence to suggest that taking this much is necessary to experience benefits, there’s also nothing to suggest that doing so would be harmful.
With that being said, if you are going to take a high dose of ginseng, we recommend discussing this decision with your doctor beforehand.
Liquid, Capsule Or Pill
Ginseng supplements come in many different forms, and there are many personal reasons that can affect your preference for one form over another.
It’s most common to find ginseng supplements in capsule form. While many people have no problem taking capsules, some people find that they have a physical or mental block to swallowing capsules, even with water. If this applies to you, you can always choose to take tablets or liquid ginseng.
The reason tablets might be preferable to capsules is because they tend to be smaller, so swallowing is easier. However, if even this is difficult for you, we recommend taking ginseng in liquid form.
Liquid ginseng can be consumed using a tongue dropper to apply the recommended amount of drops onto the tongue. Because the liquid has to touch your tongue, you might need to get used to the taste, especially if you’re not taking a flavored supplement.
Even if it doesn’t taste great, we would recommend choosing natural, unflavored formulas over supplements that use synthetic chemicals to create a pleasant taste experience since supplementation is ultimately about health.
Servings Per Container
The number of servings you get in a container of ginseng supplements is important information to seek out because this factor impacts the product’s value for money as well as how often you’ll need to make a new purchase.
Typically, when it comes to capsules, you can get anywhere between 30 and 60 servings per container. That’s either one or two months. With liquid supplements, you tend to get between 40 and 50 servings, but this can vary depending on the size of the bottle.
Bear in mind that you shouldn’t be put off purchasing a supplement that comes in smaller containers just because of the need for more frequent purchases. You can order many of these supplements on a subscription basis.
However, we recommend trying the supplement for one month before purchasing a subscription to make sure you like it and that it works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ginseng Really Work?
Ginseng supplements have been shown to be effective as long as you take them at a bioactive dose and remember to take them every day. If you don’t take ginseng supplements with the recommended regularity, the ginseng will leave your system and you will stop feeling the benefits.
Additionally, there are some things you shouldn’t consume while taking ginseng because they can interfere with the effectiveness of the supplement or even produce bad side effects.
If you have been taking a ginseng supplement for a while and haven’t noticed any benefits, you may want to make sure you’re not taking anything that could interfere with the absorption of the supplement, or you might need to consider a different supplement.
Of course, if you find yourself feeling worse after taking ginseng, stop taking the supplement immediately and consult your doctor.
What Should You Avoid When Taking Ginseng?
You should avoid all stimulants while taking ginseng because these drugs can produce negative side effects when taken with ginseng.
Effects of taking stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol or other drugs alongside ginseng can result in high heart rate and blood pressure, which could have negative health consequences.
Additionally, ginseng can interact with immunosuppressant medication, HIV medication, and medicine for diabetes, and blood thinners. Antidepressants should also not be taken with ginseng for the most part.
If you already take any kind of medication, please speak to your doctor before introducing a ginseng supplement into your daily routine.
Does Ginseng Start Working Immediately?
You will need to wait at least 24 hours, often even 48 hours before you notice any improvement from your ginseng supplement. Therefore, if you take a ginseng supplement and don’t immediately feel healthier and more energized, this doesn’t mean it’s not working, it just hasn’t had time to start working yet.
With that being said, lower doses of ginseng may take longer to start producing noticeable effects while higher doses may start working more noticeably at a faster rate.
However, please don’t take more ginseng than the recommended dosage to achieve faster results. Always pay attention to the stated dose and be patient when waiting for the health benefits to begin.
If you have been taking a ginseng supplement for several days at a bioactive dose and don’t notice any improvement, speak to your doctor.
If your doctor recommends that you switch supplements, you should try to find a supplement that is well-reviewed and lab tested to ensure reliable results.
Final Thoughts
Ginseng supplements are an effective way to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in the body, supporting the function of the brain and many internal organs.
You can take ginseng in capsule, tablet, or liquid form depending on your preference. Dosages can range from 40 mg all the way to 1000 mg, although the recommended dose for effective bioactivity usually falls between 200 and 400 mg.
Always speak to your doctor before taking any kind of supplement, including ginseng, for the purposes of improving your health. This is especially important if you have a health condition or take medication already.