Never posted here before but just wanted to say if you’re in good shape physically, and you’re tired or lack focus, try Panax Ginseng and/or Maca root. I took half the dose of the ginseng yesterday, and half the dose of maca today. The ginseng totally gave me a steady and nice mental focus/energy/alertness/mood boost that lasted all day and actually made it a bit harder to sleep. The maca felt more in the body, energized but grounded, maybe a bit more aggressive as if increasing testosterone. Both made me feel like a teenager again in terms of sharpness/energy and increased libido (from the Maca particularly). For reference I’m a 32 yr old male in good physical shape.
Welcome to the world of adaptogens, the way you describe these two is relatable to my own experience, panax ginseng is more stimulating, American ginseng has a more calming effect.
Maca feels like KB st1 without the intensity, it’s both opening the sexual and emotional channels, relaxing and energizing in a passive way, gives a lot of endurance.
There’s lots of different mushrooms as well, one particular that is my favorite is Lion’s Mane, very powerful cognitive enhancer, it builds new pathways and increases memory, speed of recall of memories, and improves dramatically and accelerates new co-relations (cell communication) in the now based on memories. I experienced the sort of effect from the Limitless movies with this one, massive brain enhancer and improves speech as well indirectly.
Ashwaghanda is an indian root, also called ‘indian ginseng’ very good for endurance and calming the nerves, it strengthens many systems, muscles gain, immune system and more, this one I take everyday twice a day with turmeric and hot water. If you buy this one the KSM66 version is top of the line best most absorbable quality.
Interesting. With Maca what dosage did you take? The pills I have are 750mg, but I dump out half so only took 350mg. For sure, will look into Lion’s Mane. I also have Ginkgo Biloba but haven’t taken it yet. I took Ashwaghanda way back in college but don’t recall the effects (because during that time I was also experimenting with various herbs, like Passionflower, Rhodiola etc.), I’ve also read that it’s good for libido. Also, what herbs/supplements would you say increase libido besides Maca/Ashwaghanda?
I don’t really take maca anymore, I’ve got a bottle of powder and only use it once a week at most, I throw in one teaspoon in my porridge.
Ashwaghanda is my number one, it’s been recommended by my ayurvedic teacher to balance my vata dosha, it’s very calming and grounding and strengthening the whole system as well as build a lot of Ojas which is vital energy.
I mix it in my hot cup of water with the Lion’s Mane and turmeric.
I don’t know any other libido enhancing herbs because I am more interested in building my vitality rather than ejaculate it away on sexy ladys.
What exactly is half of the dose? What type of panax ginseng (how old in years) do you have, fermented, non fermented … ? What is the overall content of ginsenosides?
Regarding Maca, what type of Maca, yellow, red, or black? Raw or gelatinized?
Half the dose of the ginseng was 500mg, half of the maca was 350mg. No idea how old the ginseng is tbh. It says 1% ginsenosides. As for the Maca it doesn’t say. Both are from the brand Nutricost.
I have tried many forms of this one including KSM66, Sensoril, Shoden. The only downside of this herb is Anhedonia and this is not only my take, I read many users came to this. You have no motivation, you are bored, nothing interests you.
Other good ones are Rhodiola (the usual type, which almost every seller offers) or Crenulata. I can not say what the difference between them is, but you can find out for yourself.
Other good ones are Cordyceps, Cistanche.
I tried Maca many times in many forms and in many colors. I am sure it does something but never have had that Wow feeling from it.
Another good one is Eleuthero or Siberian ginseng.
This is not an adaptogen but NMN should cover many bases.
Very good brand for very good quality, they do dual extraction.
Checking out this site, there’s some awesome looking stuff here, thx
You can also find very specific, extraordinary, not usual, or just spectacular stuff over here, including this special version of ginseng.
Yooooo you reminded me I tried this exact ginseng from a brand called Ilhwa many years ago when I lived in New York and it’s the bomb!!! Strongest ginseng I ever tried, super powerful stuff, thanks for the reminder I have to get some!!
If you’re in the US you’ve got to try this
Yes Ilhwa is a very good brand for Panax ginseng, a reputable company. Definitely recommending.
Pomegranate extract has been shown to increase testosterone by up to 24%. Also great for prostate health and an array of other benefits.
It’s also acts as a good antidepressant since it improves serotonin and dopamine signalling in the brain and increases their availability.
I have tried maca and really like the nootropics depot version, which seems to kick in much more if taken with coffee.
Black seed oil has been found to stimulate the secretion of testosterone.
Panax ginseng, maca etc are all band aids. If your constantly feeling tired. Then rather then masking the issue get to the root cause of it.
Get a blood test and a professional to examine it. What i suggest is check the following,
Free and Total Testosterone, SHBG
E2, Prolactin, Progesterone
Cortisol, DHEAS
IGF-1
Liver Function (LFT)
Kidney Function (UEC)
Cholesterol/TG/HDL/LDL
What are you on about, we are just sharing food supplements that help assist with energy, no one on this thread said they were ‘constantly’ feeling tired, there is no issue to mask, maybe you need a check?
Note: Have read that Lion’s Mane and Reishi can reduce libido.
Hmm honestly, that’s not a bad idea
From what I understand, it depends on the extraction. Hot water extracts not so much antiandrogen as the modern alcohol methods. Ancient Chinese used the former, and it was not known then to lower libido.
Lion’s Mane is less prone to this, but it might have a mild effect on hormonal balance.
Just like a mechanic runs diagnostic tests on your car to pinpoint why it’s not functioning properly, a blood test can reveal the underlying cause of your fatigue.