Ginseng 101
You may have heard of ginseng or Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginseng. Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in medicine and treatment for many centuries. The root of Asian ginseng contains active chemical components that are thought to be responsible for the herb's medicinal properties. The root is dried and used to make tablets or capsules, extracts, and teas, as well as creams or other preparations for external use.
What Ginseng Is Used For
Ginseng has been used to support overall health and boost the immune system.
Traditional and modern uses of ginseng includes:
- Improving the health of people recovering from illness
- Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance
- Treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause
- Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure
What the Science Says
Some studies have shown that Asian ginseng may lower blood glucose. Other
studies indicate ginseng's possible beneficial effects on immune function.
To date, research results are not conclusive enough to prove
health claims associated with the herb. Only a handful of large clinical trials
on Asian ginseng have been conducted. Most studies have been small or have had
flaws in design and reporting. Some claims for health benefits have been based
only on studies conducted in animals.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health (NCCAM) supports studies to better understand the use of Asian ginseng. Areas of recent NCCAM-funded research include Asian ginseng's interactions with other herbs and drugs and the herb's potential to treat chronic lung infection, impaired glucose tolerance, and Alzheimer's disease.
Side Effects and Cautions
When taken by mouth, Asian ginseng is usually well tolerated. Some sources
suggest that its use be limited to 3 months because of concerns about the
development of side effects. Side effects may include:
- headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal problems
- allergic reactions
- breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities
- high blood pressure
Ginseng may also lower one's blood sugar levels. This effect may be seen more in people with diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian ginseng, especially if they are using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenugreek, which are also thought to lower blood sugar.
Remember: It is important to inform your health care providers about any herbal or dietary supplement you take, including ginseng. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
For more information, visit: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/asianginseng/
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institutes of Health
