{"id":1919,"date":"2018-08-17T02:05:37","date_gmt":"2018-08-17T02:05:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/?p=1919"},"modified":"2020-08-19T20:42:29","modified_gmt":"2020-08-19T20:42:29","slug":"ginseng-vs-ginger-rhodiola-caffeine-maca-and-ginkgo-biloba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/herbs\/ginseng-vs-ginger-rhodiola-caffeine-maca-and-ginkgo-biloba\/","title":{"rendered":"Ginseng VS Ginger, Rhodiola, Caffeine, Maca and Ginkgo Biloba (Complete Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Ginseng<\/p>\n

Welcome to the second installment of Herb VS Herb, where we pair a single herb with multiple worthy rivals, then scour through the scientific literature to find out which herb is more<\/strong> medicinally beneficial. This is a\u00a0long\u00a0post. I encourage you to use the table of contents below!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

CONTENTS:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Ginseng<\/a>
Everything You Need to Know About Ginseng<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Ginger<\/a>
Ginseng VS Ginger<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Rhodiola<\/a>
Ginseng VS Rhodiola<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"ginseng<\/a>
Ginseng VS Caffeine<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"maca<\/a>
Ginseng VS Maca<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Ginseng<\/a>
Ginseng VS Ginkgo Biloba<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What is Ginseng?<\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/h2>\n

The Simple Version:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Ginseng is a prized root that has been in use as a cash crop and nutritional supplement for thousands of years. <\/span><\/p>\n

Complicated Version:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Ginseng is a term that refers to any root of a plant that is in the genus Panax. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Panax<\/p>\n

There are many non-Panax roots that are mislabeled and sold as Ginseng. A good example is Siberian Ginseng<\/strong> (Eleutherococcus senticosus) – a woody shrub in the Araliaceae family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Siberian
Siberian Ginseng isn’t actually Ginseng! It just kind of looks like Ginseng…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

Chinese emperors use to literally kill for this stuff, and it’s not very difficult to see why:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It can be used as a potent wrinkle cream,<\/a>\u00a0a killer moisturizer,<\/a> a daily supplement<\/a>\u00a0and of course, one of the most nutritious cups of tea<\/a>\u00a0that you’ll ever come across. This is one powerful root! <\/span><\/p>\n

And that power can be harnessed to varying degrees through certain cultivation and preparation methods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Red Ginseng VS White Ginseng<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Red vs White conversation is a controversial one within gardening and herbal circles. One thing to keep in mind is that Red and White Ginseng are both Panax ginseng – the color difference is simply a result of how the Ginseng is prepared.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s start with the basics…<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Red ginseng <\/strong>is produced\u00a0by using the normal, milky-white Panax Ginseng root\u00a0then chopping it up with a giant blade and steaming it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Chopping<\/p>\n

The ginsenosides – powerful antioxidant enabling chemical compounds unique to Ginseng – become more active during long steaming sessions. This is largely why Red Ginseng is considered more valuable than other preparation methods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

White Ginseng<\/strong>\u00a0is created by simply drying fresh Ginseng root in the sun. There is no steaming process, nor any tricky boiling methods. It’s very straightforward!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Red Vs White Ginseng Studies<\/span><\/h3>\n

In 2014, White and Red Ginseng were matched up in what could only be described as the medicinal duel of the century.<\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Researchers took an extensive look at which method of preparation reaped the most benefits for mice with asthma.\u00a0<\/span>They used extracts of White and Red Ginseng and found that b<\/span>oth preparations significantly lowered the overall amount of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar regions while significantly increasing airway responsiveness and making the inflammatory cell infiltration in the mice less severe.<\/span><\/p>\n

The study also showed that the administered Red Ginseng extract was more effective in all tests.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ginseng Benefits<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Ginseng has a long and extensive history of being a medicinal powerhouse in parts of Asia and even Canada and the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"anti-stress<\/p>\n

1.) A 2006\u00a0study<\/a> found that Ginseng’s Ginsenosides (Ginsenosides are Ginseng’s most powerful adaptogenic chemicals) lead to a significant anti-stress and neuroprotective effect in a stressed mouse population.<\/span><\/p>\n

2.) A 2003\u00a0study<\/a>\u00a0published in the Journal of Pharmacological Studies found that Panax ginseng significantly reduces chronic stress in rats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ginseng<\/span><\/p>\n

1.) In combination with Ginkgo biloba, Panax Ginseng was found to significantly improve an\u00a0index of memory quality<\/a> in healthy middle-aged volunteers (this is further explained in the Ginkgo biloba section).<\/span><\/p>\n

2.) A 2007\u00a0study<\/a> found that Ginsenoside Rg2 in Panax Ginseng improves neurological performance and recall ability in rats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ginseng\u00a0<\/span><\/span>1.) A medical review paper<\/a> found that Ginseng possesses a wide range of pharmacological benefits for the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and endocrine secretion system, as well as strengthening vital immune functions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our Top Pick\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>
\n<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"Auragin<\/a>
(As with any of the products that we select for our top picks, we’re completely unaffiliated with the brand – we simply pick our favorite selections!)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although on the pricier side, Auragin’s Korean Red Ginseng is by far our favorite selection. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that Auragin’s Ginseng is the only brand that I’ve been blown away by. After taking 4 tablets a day for roughly a week, I felt considerably more energetic and focused.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Still a Great Choice!<\/span>\"NutraChamps<\/a><\/h2>\n

Similar to Auragin, NutraChamps is a high-quality brand with high-potency products. Although we found this selection to be somewhat underwhelming compared to our top selection, you’ll definitely find it useful for the price point.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s worth noting that many suppliers ‘cut’ their Ginseng with lower quality herbs or completely faux Ginseng altogether; this is definitely not the case with NutraChamps. Take one 100 mg capsule and you’ll find yourself in a fairly relaxed and focused mental state.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ginseng Vs Ginger<\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/h2>\n

\"Ginseng<\/p>\n

Two worthy contenders. Similiar to Ginseng, aristocrats in ancient China consumed Ginger invariably. Imagine an herb that helps with digestion, soothes nausea and is loaded with potent anti-oxidants. That’s the power of Ginger!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ginger Benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n

Luckily for us, researchers have been studying Ginger for quite some time. We now know from decades of research the following medicinal benefits of this healthful herb:\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ginger<\/p>\n

1.) A review of the literature<\/a> surrounding Ginger was published in 2000. Researchers found that Ginger is better than placebo for nausea and vomiting prevention.<\/span><\/p>\n

2.) A 2012 study<\/a> found that Ginger reduces acute chemotherapy-induced nausea.<\/span><\/p>\n

3.) Researchers found that Ginger is effective for postoperative nausea and vomiting in this 2005 study.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

4.) In this<\/a> extremely thorough, double-blind placebo-controlled trial, researchers found that when administered to women who have been experiencing morning sickness daily, Ginger is considerably more effective than placebo.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We can conclude with strong confidence that Ginger has powerful anti-nausea effects.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ginseng<\/p>\n

1.) Researchers looked at the anti-oxidant and total phenolic content in 21 common Asian vegetables in this 2002 study<\/a>. They found that Ginger has amongst the highest phenolic<\/a> contents of all the vegetables, as well as high levels of various antioxidant compounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

2.) A 2010\u00a0study<\/a> found that Ginger accelerates neuro-antioxidant mechanisms in diabetic rats. This actually aided in neuroprotection.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ginger<\/p>\n

1.) In a 2005 review of the literature<\/a>, two researchers concluded that Ginger “inhibits the induction of several genes involved in the inflammatory response”.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2.) Researchers in 2008 found that Ginger extract has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects on\u00a0ethionine-induced hepatoma rats in this study<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

3.) Researchers looked at the most active constituents of Ginger –\u00a0<\/span>[6]-gingerol, [8]-gingerol, [10]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol – and found that they exhibit extremely substantial free radical scavenging\u00a0activities in this 2009 study<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I strongly suggest that you take a look at a few of these studies; they’re truly remarkable and really show how potent Ginger is as a medicinal plant. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ginger<\/p>\n

1.) This 2001 double-blind study<\/a> caught my attention. Researchers looked at two hundred and sixty-one patients with moderate to severe knee pain and found that the percentage of responders with reduced pain that were given Ginger extract was far superior compared to the control group – 63% to 50%.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2.) In a similar study<\/a>, researchers gave massage sessions with ginger and orange oil to a group of elderly people. The placebo control group received olive oil massages, and the control received no massage. The results show that the Ginger aroma massage therapy was the best method for short-term knee pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ginger Chemical Constituents\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Although Ginger has a complex chemical constituency, there are four potent compounds in particular that cause most of the herb’s medicinal benefits:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Gingerols are some of the most pharmacologically interesting chemicals compounds I’ve come across. Along with producing all of the major medicinal benefits listed above, they’re currently being studied for their effects on cancerous tumors within the bowels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ginseng or Ginger?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"ginger<\/p>\n

The literature shows Ginger to be a much better anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory herb. On the other hand, Ginseng is the more potent nootropic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our Top Ginger Selection<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Our<\/a><\/p>\n

Compared to the other five brands that we’ve tried, Anthony’s ground ginger tastes especially fresh and pure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(Ginger and Turmeric are an especially great combination!)<\/span><\/p>\n

Ginseng VS Rhodiola Rosea<\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/h2>\n

\"ginseng<\/p>\n

We detailed the pros and cons of Rhodiola rosea\u00a0compared to Ashwagandha in our last HERB VS HERB post.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A few quick things to note:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Similiar to Ginger and Ginseng, Rhodiola has been used for centuries – mostly in ancient Russia – where peasants and farmers would consume the herb to combat a stressful and dreary life.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Rhodiola is oftentimes lumped into a long list of ‘trendy’ herbs that include Kava Kava<\/a>, Kratom<\/a>, Ashwagandha<\/a> and many others. As you can see from the image below, a sudden spike of Rhodiola rosea search queries in early 2008 and late 2004 came after a bevy of deceitful vendors selling low quality, unpure supplements branded under the name Rhodiola rosea made headlines. We’ll get into brand recommendations later, but it’s worth\u00a0reiterating: high quality well sourced herbal supplements are crucial. Don’t buy from cheap, substandard vendors!\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \"Rhodiola
    Rhodiola Rosea search queries over time<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Rhodiola Rosea Benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n

    \"Rhodiola<\/p>\n

    1.) A remarkable study<\/a> published in 2000 showed that Rhodiola was extremely effective in reducing fatigue in a group of students during an exam period.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Rhodiola<\/p>\n

    2.) After 5 days of Rhodiola supplementation, military cadets working night duties reported significantly reduced symptoms of fatigue in this 2003 study<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    3.) A 2011 review of the literature<\/a> found that Rhodiola rosea may have beneficial effects on physical and mental performance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Rhodiola<\/p>\n

    1.) A 2009 study<\/a>\u00a0found that two 340 mg tablets of Rhodiola rosea a day cause overall levels of depression and insomnia to decrease dramatically.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    2.) A 2015 study<\/a> found that Rhodiola rosea could be a beneficial, non-harmful, herb for those who suffer with mild to moderate depression.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Rhodiola<\/p>\n

    1.)\u00a0After 5 days of Rhodiola supplementation, military cadets working night duties reported significantly reduced symptoms of fatigue and enhanced cognitive abilities in this 2003 study<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    2.) A review of the literature<\/a> published in 2005 found that Rhodiola increases mental performance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Rhodiola Chemical Constituents\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n