Herbal supplements

[JaredR]

I started taking Korean ginseng capsules to help with my energy levels and immune system. I would like to take chamomile capsules as well to help relieve some physical tension and improve my sleep.

Korean ginseng is a stimulant and chamomile is a relaxant, so it seems like they would cancel each other out, but it's my understanding that ginseng is not like caffeine and that it even has calming properties. So would the two go well together?

[Dimond]

I would think it's fine if you take them at separate times of the day, Ginseng in the morning & chamomile at night.

[JaredR]

How long do you have to wait between taking capsules? If I woke up at 5 am and took ginseng and then took some again at 7 am before I went to school, would that be too often? That's 500 mg.

Then I could take chamomile at 3 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. That's 350 mg. Would that be okay?

I'm an herb newbie.

[brandongilbert]

Originally Posted by JaredR

I started taking Korean ginseng capsules to help with my energy levels and immune system. I would like to take chamomile capsules as well to help relieve some physical tension and improve my sleep.

Korean ginseng is a stimulant and chamomile is a relaxant, so it seems like they would cancel each other out, but it's my understanding that ginseng is not like caffeine and that it even has calming properties. So would the two go well together?

Take both of them together if you want and see how it affects you. Sometimes things makes sense logically, yet when you actually do them, its not how you thought.

Or you could just do them on opposite sides of the day.

[funchy]

Originally Posted by JaredR

How long do you have to wait between taking capsules? If I woke up at 5 am and took ginseng and then took some again at 7 am before I went to school, would that be too often? That's 500 mg.

Then I could take chamomile at 3 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. That's 350 mg. Would that be okay

I think there is no answer. Why? Because there is no standard for active ingredient, dosage, or quality control for any herbal products. Tale ginseng for example. We don't know which compound in ginseng is the supposed active ingredient. How do we know how many mg in a 500 mg capsule is the active ingredient ? How do you know Brand A 500 mg ginseng is equivalent to Brand B or C pills of same size?

If herbals are not a drug, then it's an admission they don't do anything. You may as well be taking a placebo.

If they are a drug, then we have to acknowledge we don't have any idea what the active ingredient is, side effects, long-term cautions, or drug interactions. Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's safe.

Sorry but I think your resources are better spent on good diet, good sleep, and managing stress. Just my 2 cents worth.