Ginseng tablets are one of the best-selling dietary supplements sold around the world. China leads international demand and consumption for natural Ginseng products. Korea leads world production and distribution.
There are multiple species of Ginseng plants that are used as natural medicines. The species that is indigenous to the Orient is called Panax ginseng. Common names for this variety include Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng, Chinese ginseng and “true ginseng”.
The Ginseng herb that is indigenous to the United States and Canada is called Panax quinquefolius. It is commonly referred to as American ginseng.
Both Asian and American ginseng tablets are available commercially. Ginseng is also available other forms including fresh roots, white ginseng, fermented red ginseng, boiled ginseng, bulk powder and dried roots. These products are consumed as functional foods, dietary supplements and medicinal remedies.



- Boosts energy & mental focus
- Supports immune system & restores balance
- Improves mood, sleep quality & endurance
Ginseng Tablets
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Asian ginseng has been used as a primary adaptogen in Oriental medicine for several thousand years. It is used to revitalize the body’s energy, support organ function and to promote a state of mental quietude.
American ginseng exhibits similar effects. The United States began exporting American ginseng to China in the 1700’s.
There are other species of the Panax genus, however very little research has been published concerning their therapeutic effects.
Asian ginseng has been studied more than other Panax species, but the amount of human research completed to date is still very limited.
Using Ginseng as an Adaptogen
Asian Ginseng tablets are said to work in the body as adaptogens, helping to improve general wellness and restoring normal function to body systems that have been disrupted.
Adaptogens are not recognized in Western medicine. In some Eastern medicine systems, adaptogens are superior herbs which are believed to enhance health on a whole-organism basis.
These are rare substances. Of many thousands of known plants, only a dozen are classified in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) as adaptogens.
Ginseng tablets are used broadly to increase immune system strength, decrease the damage incurred from various stressors, slow the aging process, improve circulation, promote detoxification and upregulate stamina.
Ginseng Tablets Benefits
The health benefits linked to Asian and American ginseng plants are similar. Both plants contain bioactive molecules called ginsenosides. Each species contains different concentrations of the eight primary ginsenosides.
In general, Asian ginseng is thought to induce stimulatory effects on the central nervous system (CNS). In TCM, it is a “hot” tonic. American ginseng is used in part to depress the CNS. In TCM, it is a “cold” tonic.
American and Asian ginseng tablets are used for a variety health conditions. There is considerable usage overlap between these two ginseng species.
According to the Natural Medicines database, people use ginseng tablets, capsules and root extracts to prevent and/or treat:
- Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and depression;
- Atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia and congestive heart failure;
- Breast, ovarian, stomach, lung, skin, liver and other cancers;
- Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- Erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation, male infertility and low libido;
- Autoimmune diseases including AIDS and RA (rheumatoid arthritis);
- Mental and physical fatigue related to MS (multiple sclerosis) and cancer;
There are other uses for ginseng tablets. Some of these include headache, vertigo, poor appetite, edema, pruritis, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, colitis, fever, hangover and bleeding disorders.
Research Proof for Ginseng Tablets
The popular uses for ginseng tablets are based on traditional medicine practices and anecdotal reports of efficacy.
Little reliable human research has been completed concerning the therapeutic effects of ginseng. Most of the research completed to date has involved animal subjects and laboratory models.
While the evidence from historical use does suggest some medicinally beneficial properties, these results need to be confirmed by research. Large, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind human trials are necessary to validate many of the purported effects of ginseng pills.
Ginseng Tablets Side Effects
Both American and Asian ginseng tablets are known to be well tolerated in most healthy adults. Side effects are possible, but are generally rare when this supplement is used appropriately.
The main side effect experienced with Asian ginseng capsules is insomnia. Other adverse effects may include headache, changes in blood pressure, dizziness, menstrual irregularities, fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite, rose spots, euphoria, or mania.
American ginseng tablets have been reported to cause headaches in some cases. There has been significantly less research into the effects and side effects of American ginseng compared to Asian ginseng. However, the side effect profiles are considered to be similar since these herbs contain similar active compounds.
Ginseng Medicine Interactions
Asian and American ginseng tablets affect multiple body systems at the same time. There are possibilities for negative interactions between ginseng and certain medicines or other supplements.
Using Ginseng products is not recommended for those with pre-existing health conditions including autoimmune conditions, cardiac conditions, bleeding disorders, diabetes, hormone-sensitive cancers, insomnia and/or schizophrenia.
Be cautious about combining ginseng tablets with certain pharmaceuticals. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist about mixing ginseng supplements with antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antiplatelet, anticoagulant, cytochrome P450 substrate, estrogen, immunosuppressant, MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) and other medications you may use.
Best way to Take Ginseng Tablets
The Natural Medicines database rates both Asian and American ginseng as likely safe for short-term oral usage in appropriate amounts.
Asian ginseng has been used safely for up to 6 months. American ginseng has been used in doses between 100 and 300 mg daily for 12 weeks without causing any adverse effects.
When selecting a Ginseng supplement to buy online, note that different products may contain different concentrations of extracts. For this reason, recommended dosages may vary depending on the manufacturer of the product you are using.
Speak to your doctor to decide on the best dosage of Ginseng tablets to take per day. It is also recommended to consume daily dosages earlier in the day to prevent sleep disruptions if consumed late in the evening.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment