Asian ginseng, like American ginseng, gets its therapeutic power from ginsenosides, active chemical compounds that may promote mental and physical well-being, speed up recovery from illnesses and treat medical conditions, including erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure and menopausal symptoms, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Like most herbal remedies, the benefits of Asian ginseng come with the potential for side effects, too.
Skin Irritation
Using ginseng over a long period of time may cause skin irritation, including rashes, spotting and itching. Medline Plus recommends that people take a break from ginseng use every two to three weeks to minimize the risk. At least one person taking ginseng developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a potentially life-threatening rash, but Medline Plus says the rash might have been caused by contaminants in the ginseng product rather than by the ginseng itself.
Headaches
NCCAM says that headaches are one of the most common side effects of taking ginseng. According to Medline Plus, headache risk increases if you're taking certain types of antidepressants.
Blood Pressure Changes
Taking ginseng can affect your blood pressure levels, both increasing and decreasing blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It's not clear exactly how ginseng affects blood pressure, but some researchers theorize that normal ginseng use raises blood pressure, while very high levels of ginseng in your body can make your blood pressure drop.
Bleeding
More research is needed to definitely connect ginseng with bleeding problems, but Medline Plus says that some people who use ginseng may experience nosebleeds and vaginal bleeding. Asian ginseng is a natural blood thinner and may increase bleeding risk during surgery and interfere with blood-thinning medications.
Lowered Blood Sugar
Asian ginseng can can lower blood sugar, especially for people with diabetes or hypoglycemia, according to Medline Plus. Though ginseng on its own doesn't usually lower blood sugar to dangerous levels, its use can be harmful when combined with blood-sugar-regulating medications or other herbs that lower blood sugar, like bitter melon or fenugreek.
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