Korean Ginseng Review- Does This Weight-Loss Ingredient Work?
By 97% of diet products simply don’t work. Let’s see if Korean ginseng falls into that category. We dug deep into the possible side effects, ingredients, clinical support and customer service. We also chose to read hundreds of reviews to see what real people experienced. Then, we condensed and refined to give you the bottom line.
What is Korean Ginseng?
First off, Korean ginseng is a plant commonly used to promote overall health and wellness. It is sometimes added to diet supplements, possibly to improve mental performance or fight glucose issues. You can take up to two grams daily, but each brand will suggest different intakes. There’s no reason why you can’t use this one on the go.
There are various brands of Korean ginseng. Because this is a generic ingredient, there’s no one company that’s more effective than another. You can buy online for less than $10 a bottle and we had no trouble finding some great reviews, but read on…
Lack of Results – “Does It Really Work?”
The first thing we found with Korean ginseng is that not everyone who used it noticed a difference in health or energy. “No matter how inexpensive a product is, if it doesn’t do anything for you it is a waste of money,” explains our Research Editor.
“While I didn’t experience any negative side effects, even taking 2 at a time did nothing for waking me up. I still had to eventually take caffiene,” was one experience.
Another claimed, ” I have no complaint, no side effects of anything but I can’t feel any difference when taking this supplement.”
We also came across some customers who did feel different when taking Korean ginseng.
“Well lets just say I am not winning any horse races after taking this but they do have a subtle effect on your daily life,” claimed one review.
A customer also shared, “I was surprised by how much to Ginseng improved my mood.”
Scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.
Side Effects – “Feeling a Little Off?”
It surprised us to find that Korean ginseng side effects were an issue some customers had to deal with. “I noticed this supplement made my forearms and hand twitch and be very spastic. Once I stopped taking them, the twitching stopped so this product just did not gel with me,” said a user.
We also read, “I didnt like the way the ginseng made me feel, made me irratable and shaky.”
Not everyone had the same experience with Korean ginseng.
As one review shared, “No side effects or problems taking early in the morning with light breakfast.”
Another said, ” I have not felt any side effects, so it seems to be safe.”
With years of research behind us, we’ve found it takes only a small thing, like negative reviews, to stop any chance of long-term results. If Korean ginseng doesn’t change the way you feel, what’s the sense in spending the time or money trying?
The Science – “Any Proven Benefits?”
Often, Korean ginseng is used to increase energy, clear the mind and fight erectile dysfunction. The ingredient has been the topic of multiple studies, but outcomes have nothing to do with weight-loss, directly. There is some proof it can help control blood glucose levels, which could fight hunger. Other than that, we at DietSpotlight were unable to find any health benefit.
The Bottom Line – Does Korean Ginseng Work?
Have we decided Korean ginseng is a supplement to try? Well, if you are looking to support overall health and wellness, there are less effective options. But, if you want to promote weight-loss, we have reservations about suggesting this ingredient. We found no research that shows any real benefit in this regard.
If you’re ready to lose those extra pounds, we suggest trying out a product that’s clinically tested and shown to have a direct connection with weight-loss.
Among the best products we’ve seen this year is one called Dietspotlight Burn. It’s made with a four-ingredient proprietary blend. Each has been clinically tested and shown to help improve metabolism and boost fat loss. Harmful side effects are not part of the picture and reviews talking about real weight-loss results are all over the web.
Plus, the makers of Dietspotlight Burn are so confident in the formula that they’re offering a Special Trial Offer. Nice touch.
Previous Korean Ginseng Review (Updated September 20, 2013):
What You Should Know
Korean Ginseng, also known as Chinese or Asian ginseng, is a plant that grows throughout Asia and Russia. There are several types of ginseng throughout the world but only the Korean variety (panax ginseng) has shown promise as a health supplement.
Most Korean Ginseng preparations are derived from the dried ground root of the plant. It is available in capsules, tinctures, and teas. Korean ginseng has been used to treat many ailments for centuries including immune deficiencies, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, cancer, attention and focus deficits and weight loss.
Clinical studies on the effectiveness of Korean ginseng have had mixed results over time. The most beneficial effects noted have been psychological not physiological. So, for example, concentration, focus, and sexual pleasure all show beneficial effects, but less so with immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects.
Many products are sold labeled as "ginseng" and it is important to know what you are getting. Only panax ginseng has the potential health benefits and typical dosages are 100 to 600 mg per day.
Ingredients
The only ingredient in Korean ginseng is Korean ginseng.
Product Features
Korean ginseng is included in several weight loss formulations due to its reported ability to boost metabolism. There currently do not appear to be any peer-reviewed studies that support this supposed effect. An increase in metabolism is linked to faster burning of calories and fat. Some people report feeling more alert and focused while taking Korean ginseng, but this does not necessarily equate to a metabolic change. Until more research is done in this area, there is simply not enough information to show that Korean ginseng will help with weight loss. Weight loss products that contain ginseng and caffeine together should be avoided as the combination of the two can cause hypertension.
There are also potential adverse side effects of taking Korean ginseng. Diarrhea, nausea, headaches, blood pressure fluctuations and vaginal bleeding have all been reported. Korean ginseng can also interact with other medications, including warfarin, caffeine, and insulin.
Advantages
- Natural product.
- Long history of use.
Disadvantages
- Clinical research on benefits to weight loss are mixed.
- May cause adverse side effects.
- May not get an effective dose when combined in a weight loss product.
Conclusion
Korean ginseng has been around for hundreds of years and has a long illustrious history in Eastern medicine. While it is attractive to believe that this natural healing botanical can be the "magic pill" for the weight loss industry, clinical research cannot yet back this up with proof. While the occasional cup of ginseng tea may be relaxing and help you to focus, but you may be best to seek proven ingredients in a weight loss product and one manufactured by a company that stands behind its product with clinical research.
Summer Banks, a content strategist at Dietspotlight, has researched over 5000 products in the past 10 years. She has years of nursing training, experience as a manager responsible for 15 supplement brands, and completed coursework on Food and Nutrition from Stanford University. full bio.
Leave a comment or review
Hello. Should Korean ginseng caps be taken: with food; no food;any interactions with other supplements? AM or PM?
Thanks!
Hi Laurie! For detailed product and usage instructions, please refer to the Korean Ginseng official website for more information.
korean Ginseng how it helps for wheight loss
where it causes any adverse effect in any age group? can it is beneficial to increase longivity or boost immunity? I want to know its toxicity? Have it has to be used in which circumstances
Hello. All users are different and can experience different side effects; please make sure to consult with your physician before taking this product.
is it possible to experience visual disturbances with use of korean ginseng tea?
Hello Ann. All users are different and can experience different side effects; please make sure to consult with your physician before taking this product.
re: question 5..there are some visual distubances with the excessive use of Korean ginseng teas. It also may badly interact with medications and/or develop a mild allergice response. Therefore, if your vision is blurred or haloed…d/c the ginseng and talk with your doctor or herbalist.
Does it affect your kidneys or liver in any way if taken for weight loss?
Hi Mary! Please make sure to consult with your physician before starting a new product.
I use to get real Korean Red Ginseng and had to use a saw to cut small pieces from the root. The effects were fantastic after a week or so (have to build it up in your system). So expensive these days!
can you eat the root?