Ginseng

Hello,

As a high-level athlete, I am very intrigued by the potential effects of ginseng. I started researching available supplements. Should I focus solely on Eleutherococcus senticosus or consider others as well? I found two that might be of higher quality. However, one predominantly contains Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) with Siberian ginseng added to enhance effectiveness. This is the Viridian Organic Ashwagandha Extract product. As a second option, I found ELEUTEROKOK root BIO ground from the company Nutrisslim. Do you have personal experience with these products or these companies, or would you recommend another supplement? Additionally, I would like to know how long ginseng can be used. I assume it shouldn't be for long-term continuous use.

Thank you.

When considering ginseng, think in the following direction:

1. Each type of ginseng provides slightly different adaptogenic effects. In this regard, it is necessary to choose not only based on recommendations from literature but above all personal experience - it is therefore advantageous to gradually try different types in VARIOUS situations, as this will provide you with the best possible feedback.

2. Each type of ginseng exerts its adaptogenic influence based on the content of specific compounds. If you want to influence metabolism effectively with these herbs, it is necessary to look for supplements that guarantee standardized amounts of these nutrients, which is very problematic because the vast majority of manufacturers do not provide this information. Moreover, due to regulations in the EU, this information is suppressed, so it is optimal to seek products on the American market, which offers much better access and quality. If you do not want to go (organizationally more demanding) this route, you can use ginseng in the form of teas and macerates - but here too, there is a problem with guaranteeing quality, which is generally true for all herbs used in this way.

3. Ginsengs can be used short-term in the form of cycles, or also long-term. It always depends on what you aim to achieve with their intake. In elite sports, I would personally focus on cycles corresponding to training loads.

4. If you desire the adaptogenic effect of herbs with a stimulating impact, consider a combination of Rhodiola rosea and maca, which will provide a very interesting effect.

Good day,
I would like to ask for details regarding the negative effects of ginseng. Unfortunately, I managed to combine it with caffeine before I learned about them. The result was high blood pressure, increased heart rate, insomnia,... Are similar impacts true for a combination with theine or mateine, or potentially B complex vitamins? Fear prevents me from testing it on myself. I am generally very sensitive to stimulants. Coffee later than three o'clock in the afternoon means almost an entire night without sleep for me. Could there be any connection with this intolerance? And if I experienced such effects, wouldn't it be better to avoid ginseng altogether?
Thank you for your response.

The effect of individual substances on a person's metabolism and overall behavior depends on many factors, one of which is the level of sensitivity (= the way the effect of the substance is perceived). If you know that you are more sensitive to stimulatory substances, it is unwise to use them in higher amounts while simultaneously trying to enhance their effects by combining them with others. In such cases, I would definitely avoid any sources of caffeine and focus attention on one selected adaptogen. Keep in mind that the goal is to support vitality while also striving to avoid overdosing, which manifests through a range of unpleasant symptoms.

The combination of adaptogens and B-complex vitamins is safe, but always use only natural sources of B-complex and avoid unnecessarily high doses.

Hello,

I am interested in the interaction of supplements with medications for high blood pressure. For example, with Coenzyme Q10, ginseng...

Thank you.

Coenzyme Q10 is generally recommended to be combined with antihypertensive drugs, as it reduces their side effects and improves their tolerance. Ginsengs exhibit antihypertensive effects, with the added advantage that they are practically non-toxic in terms of overdose. They are commonly combined with antihypertensives, but it is always advisable for this combination to be approved by the attending physician.

Hello,

Is it permissible to use ginseng or other adaptogens in the case of autoimmune diseases? I assume probably not, when immunosuppressants are being used, but what if the disease is kept in remission and the person is not on medication?

Thank you.

This is a complex topic. The choice of phytotherapy always depends on which autoimmune disease you want to address based on which tissue or cell group is affected:

- Skin and mucous membranes (lupus, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis),
- Joints and cartilage (rheumatoid arthritis),
- Digestive system (Crohn's disease),
- Endocrine glands (autoimmune diabetes, Hashimoto's thyroiditis),
- Nervous system (myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis).

Since autoimmune processes lead to the development of inflammation, it is further necessary to determine whether the herb should serve a more immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory function. Adaptogens are not sufficiently immunosuppressive on their own to halt the autoimmune process, which is why they are commonly used in alternative medicine. In our conditions, the most commonly used are ashwagandha and true ginseng (often as a supplement to regular medication), which can also be combined.

Hello,
is ginseng considered more as an adaptogen or as a nootropic, and therefore does the six-month usage limit apply to it?

The group of adaptogens fulfills both functions, with each herb having a different ratio. Therefore, the system of use in practice must be adapted not only to the given situation but also to the plant's ability to influence certain processes in the body. Some adaptogens can be used long-term, while for typically stimulating herbs (e.g., Rhodiola, maca...), short-term use (ranging from days to weeks) is more appropriate.