korean ginseng

[greenman]

I have read on your website that korean ginseng is very good for erections and I would like try it but when I research it there are things I am cautious about like the possibility of causing increased heart rate, tachycardia, increasing blood pressure and also increasing estrogen levels.  Has anyone used this and did it lead to any of these side effects?  Have there been any positive effects on erections?

[PeakT]

I have read on your website that korean ginseng is very good for erections and I would like try it but when I research it there are things I am cautious about like the possibility of causing increased heart rate, tachycardia, increasing blood pressure and also increasing estrogen levels.  Has anyone used this and did it lead to any of these side effects?  Have there been any positive effects on erections?

I've used it and felt like it was good stuff.  One thing you have to keep in mind is that Korean Ginseng has been used for centuries and is a very heavily used supplement around the world.  Side effects are very minimal compared to virtually any pharmaceutical.

Now, all of that said, if you are on medications or have any existing medical conditions, get it cleared through your doc.

There is one thing to fear with Ginseng:  lead.  Some manufacturers do not make sure that their product is unleaded!  When I was taking it, I used Consumer Labs to help me find a manufacturer that spent those extra dollars to monitor their product.  (I have no affliation with Consumer Labs.)

[phatphish]

I've used it for about a year with no side effects. I use the brand Prince of Peace. It is 518 mg of powered root. Be careful of the liquid extracts, as most of them contain alcohol, some with a high content. Have been very pleased with the results. Started having partial erections after starting to take it. Hadn't had a morning erection in 20 years. See my thread How I got my morning erections back, in the erectal strength forum.

[Peyt]

I have read on your website that korean ginseng is very good for erections and I would like try it but when I research it there are things I am cautious about like the possibility of causing increased heart rate, tachycardia, increasing blood pressure and also increasing estrogen levels.  Has anyone used this and did it lead to any of these side effects?  Have there been any positive effects on erections?

I've used it and felt like it was good stuff.  One thing you have to keep in mind is that Korean Ginseng has been used for centuries and is a very heavily used supplement around the world.  Side effects are very minimal compared to virtually any pharmaceutical.

Now, all of that said, if you are on medications or have any existing medical conditions, get it cleared through your doc.

There is one thing to fear with Ginseng:  lead.  Some manufacturers do not make sure that their product is unleaded!  When I was taking it, I used Consumer Labs to help me find a manufacturer that spent those extra dollars to monitor their product.  (I have no affliation with Consumer Labs.)

Hello PeakT,
May I ask which brand(s) Korean Ginseng have you used that was lead-free?
Thanks

[PeakT]

Well, I used this brand and it was listed as lead free a few years ago in Consumer Labs:

http://www.peaktestosterone.com/Erectile_Dysfunction_Ginseng  (See the bottom of the article.)

I felt it was effective.  However, something hit me later - actually, I think a poster point this out:  it is not red Ginseng, which is what was used in the erectile studies I believe. 

My Consumer Lab subscription expired, but, if I get time, I'll renew it and let you know if I can find a Red Ginseng in their list.

[EH]

ConsumerLab ginsengs that were not approved

Imperial Elixir (lead)
Nature's Plus (lead)
TruNature, Bluebonnet Herbals, NSI (less ginsenosides than claimed)

The only two red ginsengs in their study (both passed tests)

Nature Made Ginseng (using Chinese Red)
Paradise Herbs Panax Red Ginseng (contains other herbs in formula)

[PeakT]

ConsumerLab ginsengs that were not approved

Imperial Elixir (lead)
Nature's Plus (lead)
TruNature, Bluebonnet Herbals, NSI (less ginsenosides than claimed)

The only two red ginsengs in their study (both passed tests)

Nature Made Ginseng (using Chinese Red)
Paradise Herbs Panax Red Ginseng (contains other herbs in formula)

Thanks EH!  I'll try to take time to modify my Ginseng page...

[EH]

Just learned something new...

Ginseng cultivated in Korea is classified into three types, depending on how it is processed: fresh ginseng (less than 4 years old), white ginseng (4–6 years old and dried after peeling), and red ginseng (harvested when 6 years old, steamed and dried)

Apparently red ginseng and white ginseng are the same plant, and age/processing are the only determinants.  So white ginseng may well be effective too.

[PeakT]

Just learned something new...

Ginseng cultivated in Korea is classified into three types, depending on how it is processed: fresh ginseng (less than 4 years old), white ginseng (4–6 years old and dried after peeling), and red ginseng (harvested when 6 years old, steamed and dried)

Apparently red ginseng and white ginseng are the same plant, and age/processing are the only determinants.  So white ginseng may well be effective too.

Yeah, I knew they were off the same plant - I had the idea it was a different part of the plant - so that is int'g...

[JackAndy]

I went down to Korea town and got some korean ginseng drink. I tried it out and didn't really notice much of a difference. I don't know if it's actually possible for my erections to be harder since they've always been the same hardness. Should I try a different one?

[PeakT]

I went down to Korea town and got some korean ginseng drink. I tried it out and didn't really notice much of a difference. I don't know if it's actually possible for my erections to be harder since they've always been the same hardness. Should I try a different one?

I doubt you got enough.  Look at the erectile dysfunction study:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16855773
"Study of the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction."

They took 3 grams.  I like to follow the studies myself if possible and so I'd get the herb - preferably red.  Imo Ginseng takes a couple of days to kick in.  I'm not sure why, because it should help with nitric oxide right away. 

I don't know about stroke risk - I think it would be good since I believe Ginseng thins the blood a bit - but you'd really want to check on that first obviously.

[JackAndy]

I doubt you got enough.  Look at the erectile dysfunction study:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16855773
"Study of the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction."

They took 3 grams.  I like to follow the studies myself if possible and so I'd get the herb - preferably red.  Imo Ginseng takes a couple of days to kick in.  I'm not sure why, because it should help with nitric oxide right away. 

I don't know about stroke risk - I think it would be good since I believe Ginseng thins the blood a bit - but you'd really want to check on that first obviously.

Thanks Peak. I'll try 3 grams next time.