Last updated: 17/10/2022

Welcome to our big red ginseng test 2023. Here we present all the ginseng products we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the internet.

We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best red ginseng for you.

You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should be aware of if you want to buy red ginseng.




Summary

  • Red ginseng is of East Asian origin and is one of the best-studied natural remedies in the world.
  • Ginseng has been used in TCM, traditional Chinese medicine, for over 5,000 years and is still irreplaceable there today.
  • Red ginseng contains many important ingredients that help the human body fight off a wide range of diseases.

The Best Red Ginseng: Our Picks

Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying red ginseng

What is red ginseng and how does it differ from white ginseng?

Generally speaking, ginseng, known in medicine as Panax, is a plant that has its origins in northern Korea and north-eastern China. Its root has been used as a remedy in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 5000 years.

The positive effects from the root of red ginseng have been known for over 5,000 years. (Image source: unsplash.com / Min Ling)

The healing herb is said not so much to help against individual diseases, but to actively strongly support the body in resisting a number of many diseases.

Both white and red ginseng come from the same plant. The difference lies in the way the root is treated and in the ripening time of the roots.

In the case of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), the original white root is subjected to a heat treatment of about 130 degrees after six years of maturation, giving it its red colour. The historical background for this at the time was the longer transport of the medicinal plant, as fresh ginseng quickly became unusable.

The heat treatment causes the ginseng to lose certain enzymes, so white ginseng is generally considered more nutritious, but red ginseng is one of the strongest supporters of health even with the loss of some enzymes.

What does red ginseng do and what is red ginseng good for?

Red ginseng basically helps with overall improved health. It strengthens the immune system and makes your body and mind more resistant to stressful and devastating external influences. It also stimulates the metabolism and strengthens overall physical resistance.

Due to its positive effect on performance, the herb is not only used against chronic fatigue and lack of concentration, but also against Alzheimer’s disease.

Red ginseng is considered an all-round remedy that accelerates and improves the immune and healing processes in the human body. Therefore, its consumption is recommended for many diseases.

Ginseng is also very popular as a supplementary food, as it can reduce permanent stress and the risk of cancer.

Its use as a natural sexual enhancer for men and supporter of menopausal symptoms in women also adorns the reputation of the Korean root.

How should red ginseng be dosed?

Basically, the use of ginseng should be considered as a cure.

In Germany, it is recommended to take one to two grams daily, which is equivalent to one measuring spoon of powder or extract and 2 capsules, depending on the type of red ginseng product.

In Korea, the recommendations for the daily dose differ somewhat from those in Germany. Here, depending on the degree of illness, it is recommended to take between 9g and 30g daily.

What does red ginseng cost and what should I look out for?

Good quality ginseng, both red and white, is not cheap. If you want to buy effective and pure ginseng, you should not look for the cheapest variety, as, especially online, many phantom products are traded under the name of ginseng.

Siberian ginseng in particular is often confused with the Korean/Chinese plant. Siberian ginseng, also known as prickly panax, has the same name, but it is a different plant and hardly contains the desired properties.

Depending on the type of product, the prices for red ginseng vary. For a general overview, we have compiled a table of common prices for you:

Product type Price range
Capsules (100-120 pcs.) 18€ – 40€
Pure extract 30€-200€
Powder 20€-100€
Root slices (30g) 50€ – 60€

Are there any possible side effects after taking red ginseng?

Ginseng can generally lead to diarrhoea, nausea and loss of appetite, as well as dizziness or skin irritations and itching in very rare cases.

Red ginseng is particularly suitable for allergy sufferers, as many ingredients that are prone to allergic reactions are lost during the heat treatment.

What alternatives are there to red ginseng?

Basically white ginseng. The differences, as already explained above, are only in the treatment of the roots.

Alternatively, depending on the desired result, there are many possibilities, but not as compact and all-encompassing as with red ginseng.

For example, one mental performance enhancing option would be a healthy diet based on rich carbohydrates and healthy fats that support your brain’s activity.

Drinking plenty of water, taking vitamin C, getting enough exercise and eating a generally balanced diet is the basis for an improved metabolism. However, certain foods can support this, such as certain spices or rich vegetables like artichokes.

Accordingly, there are of course also non-natural helpers for a stronger immune system, but a healthy diet is essential for overall strong and resistant health. Red ginseng can increase and stabilise this condition considerably.

To have all the important information again at a glance, we have an informative video for you here:

Decision: What types of red ginseng are there and which is the right one for you?

Basically, a distinction is made between the way red ginseng is taken. Thus, there are the following possibilities:

  • Red ginseng capsules
  • Red ginseng powder
  • Pure red ginseng extract
  • Red Ginseng Root Slices

In the following sections, we will go into more detail about each type and discuss the respective advantages and disadvantages.

What are the characteristics of red ginseng capsules and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

Red ginseng capsules are usually offered with a dose of 250mg up to 600mg per capsule, whereby the percentage of the contained gensioside often differs.

Capsules are a good option for taking, but you should pay attention to the purity of the content to get the desired effect of the medicinal plant.

Advantages
  • Easy, clear intake
  • Comparatively inexpensive variant
  • Not time-consuming
Disadvantages
  • Purity can be manipulated by combination
  • General intolerance of capsules
  • Danger of phantom products

What are the characteristics of red ginseng powder and what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Red ginseng powder can be mixed with water and drunk, sprinkled over food or taken dry.

The advantage of taking powder is that it is easy to use, especially in combination with food, it is hardly noticeable.

It is possible to take dry powder, but it can be very unpleasant.

Advantages
  • Easy to use with water or in food
  • Easy to take with measuring spoon
  • Comparatively neutral in taste
Disadvantages
  • Under- or overestimation of quantity without measuring spoon
  • Taking dry powder often unpleasant
  • Danger of phantom products

What are the advantages and disadvantages of pure red ginseng extract?

Although pure extract can also be purchased in capsules, it is mostly represented as a tea blend or in liquid form. The preparation of the respective teas is the same as for all other teas. The liquid variation is taken directly, i.e. drunk.

The advantage of this type of red ginseng is the purity of the product, both visibly and in terms of taste. In almost all cases, no additives are used, but the ginseng as a tea extract still has to be prepared, which can be somewhat time-consuming.

Advantages
  • Unambiguous purity
  • Easy to take by drinking
Disadvantages
  • More time-consuming preparation
  • Pure taste (bitter, somewhat soapy)

What are the characteristics of red ginseng root slices and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

The root slices, or alternatively the whole root, is the purest form of red ginseng.

You can make tea from them, for which you need about 3 to 4 grams of root slices. Alternatively, you can boil, fry or even eat the root slices raw.

The biggest advantage for you is clearly the unproduced form of red ginseng, but the root is not to everyone’s taste.

Advantages
  • Red ginseng is not processed
  • Different preparation options
Disadvantages
  • Time-consuming preparation possible
  • Can be more unpleasant in taste

Buying criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate red ginseng

In the following we will show you which aspects you can use to decide on the best choice of red ginseng.

These criteria will help you decide between the large selection of offers:

  • Country of origin
  • Purity
  • Maturity
  • Ginsenoside content
  • Dosage

In the paragraphs below we explain what you should look for in each criterion.

Country of origin

As already mentioned, you should be careful not to confuse Siberian ginseng with Korean or Chinese ginseng.

Siberian ginseng has the same name, but is a different plant species with different effects.

The ginseng described is found in nature only in forest and mountain regions in the north of Korea and China.

Over the years, it has also been cultivated in other regions, such as North America.

Originally, red ginseng was found mainly in the mountains and forests of China and North Korea. (Image source: unsplash.com / Hanson Lu)

Purity

Especially in capsule and powder products of red ginseng, additives may be incorporated. In order to savour the full power of the all-healing plant and if naturalness is important to you, always check the ingredients before purchasing.

Combinations with other health-promoting ingredients are often available in drugstores and can be a good alternative, depending on your needs.

Ripening time

The ripening time of ginseng plays an important role in general, but especially with red ginseng.

The root should always be 6 to 7 years old, because during this time the important branches of the root grow out, which carry a large part of the nutrients.

With white ginseng, the ripening period is usually 2 to 3 years.

Ginsenoside content

The ginsenoside content of red ginseng comes from the many small branches of the root. This is much higher than in white ginseng.

Basically, the red ginseng you buy should have 8% ginsenoside content, 15% is best for health. Anything less than this is not fully grown, pure red ginseng.

Dosage

Red ginseng is not suitable as a permanent food, as it can lose its effect on the body in the long run. However, it should be taken for at least 3 months to enjoy the full effect.

The prescribed dosage depends on the type of product as well as the country. Capsules, powders and extracts should always be taken according to the package leaflet. In Germany, a lower dosage is recommended than in Korea.

The dosage also depends on the reason for your intake. If you want to use red ginseng as a preventive measure, you need to take considerably less than if you feel weak or sickly.

Preventive:

Product type Daily amount Duration
Capsules 2 capsules 90 days
Extract 45g 90 days
Powder 90g 90 days

For weak body feeling:

Product type Daily amount Duration
Capsules 4 capsules 90 days
Extract 90g 90 days
Powder 180g 90 days

Interesting facts about red ginseng

How do I prepare red ginseng correctly?

That depends on what exactly you want to prepare.

For tea, you should steep 3 to 4 grams of thin red ginseng root slices in hot, not boiling, water for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Red ginseng powder can be used in many ways, for example in smoothies, muesli, yoghurt or salads. You can also make a tea with the powder, but this is not recommended because some of the ingredients can be lost in the hot water.

Both the capsules and the extract are usually taken pure.

Are there any recipes with red ginseng?

Red ginseng is very versatile and is therefore very suitable for many dishes. It can be boiled, fried, and even deep-fried.

You can find many delicious recipe ideas online where you can turn red ginseng into a taste sensation.

Can I take red ginseng during pregnancy / breastfeeding?

It is generally not recommended to take any ginseng products with a high concentration.

Especially during the first three months of pregnancy, as embryos can suffer permanent damage during this time. Experts also advise against ginseng during breastfeeding due to its adverse effects on breast milk.

Is red ginseng suitable for children?

Basically, there are no studies on the safety of taking red ginseng for children, but it is advisable to refrain from doing so, especially at a young age.

In older children it can help against concentration problems and severe restlessness.

Does red ginseng help with cancer?

There have been very few studies on cancer, but it has been proven that ginseng can reduce and even prevent the growth of tumour cells. One study has even shown that it causes tumour cells to die.

Basically, red ginseng is a powerful invigorating natural remedy that significantly strengthens the body to heal itself.

Finally, you can see the incredible effect of ginseng in the following video from the 6:53 minute mark, discussed in the talk show Gesundheitslounge Berlin:

Image source: unsplash.com / Sina Katirachi

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