A popular herbal medicine, ginseng is known for its many health benefits. It is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, and has been used for centuries to boost strength, blood circulation, and overall life quality.
Ways to take ginseng
Nowadays, ginseng products come in various forms and doses. Examples of what you can get from health suppliers and at health stores are:
- Ginseng root – The roots of the ginseng plant are fleshy and branch out like a fork. They can be of the Asian or American ginseng root variety and are often sold as the whole ginseng root to be boiled and made into soup, tea, and other dishes.
- Ginseng slices – Made by slicing Asian or American ginseng root into small, thin pieces, ginseng slices can also be used as a bite-size ingredient to make a wide range of healthy dishes.
- Ginseng capsules, pills, or tablets – For a quick health boost on a daily basis, there are ginseng supplements available. They can be in capsule, pill, or tablet form, and contain about 200 to 400 milligrams each.
- Ginseng topicals – Because ginseng is loaded with antioxidants, it may be good for the skin. There are ginseng creams, lotions, ointments, and others that may help slow down collagen loss, promote skin elasticity, and reduce the signs of aging.
Potential risks
Various studies have found that ginseng is generally safe to take. However, there have been a few reports of people experiencing negative side effects, such as dizziness, headaches, difficulty sleeping, increased or decreased blood pressure levels, and stomach issues, after consumption. For your safety, it is best that you consult a healthcare professional who can help determine the right dosage for your needs. You should also be aware of the risks of ginseng to certain groups of people, such as:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women – There was an animal study that found that a certain chemical in ginseng caused birth defects in animals. Although further research is needed to know whether or not it is safe to be consumed while pregnant or breastfeeding, health professionals strongly advise not taking it to be safe.
Children – Certain research has found a link between ginseng and fatal poisoning in babies. Until more evidence is collected, it is best to listen to medical experts’ advice and avoid giving children ginseng.
People with heart conditions – Various studies have found that ginseng can affect blood pressure levels and heart rhythm, particularly the first time a person consumes it. If you have a heart condition, you should consult your doctor first.
People with auto-immune diseases – Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus are a few examples of auto-immune diseases. If you have any of these conditions, be warned that your condition may worsen after taking ginseng. According to findings, consuming ginseng seems to cause an increase in the activity of the body’s immune system, something that you would not want to happen if you have an auto-immune disorder.
People with bleeding conditions –If you have hemophilia, blood clots, or some other bleeding disorders, you should know that there have been studies that found that ginseng may inhibit the blood clotting process. For this reason, avoid taking ginseng.
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