Several species of ginseng plants are used in medicinal treatments. Panax ginseng is also known as Asian ginseng, according to Medicinal Herb Info. Panax ginseng is sometimes used to control high blood pressure, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine, or USNLM. Before beginning to take panax ginseng for your blood pressure, ask the advice of your health care provider.
High Blood Pressure Explained
Blood pressure is the amount of force your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries. Narrowing of the arteries from plaque buildup or high cholesterol can cause high blood pressure, or hypertension. When it gets high enough, it can cause a number of serious health problems including heart disease and stroke, reports MayoClinic.com. You can have high blood pressure without knowing it, which is why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked often.
Panax Ginseng Uses
According to the USNLM, panax ginseng is used as a treatment for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, as an immune system booster, heart conditions, cancer, aplastic anemia, prevention of cancer, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, Hepatitis B, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, dementia, fatigue, kidney conditions, high cholesterol, liver protection, menopausal symptoms, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, respiratory infections, neurological disorders and to reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. The National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, adds that it's also commonly used as a treatment for hepatitis C.
Research
Several research studies published on PubMed.gov describe research on the effects of ginseng in treating high blood pressure. The results were quite promising. The first is a Korean study performed at the Chungbuk National University in the College of Pharmacy. The results of this study suggest that panax ginseng is helpful in treating high blood pressure and pulmonary vascular obstruction. The second is a Canadian study that was performed at the St. Michael's Hospital Clinical Nutrition & Risk Factor Modification Center in Toronto. This study concluded that panax ginseng treatments were helpful in reducing the stiffness of the arteries, which could help reduce blood pressure. The NCCAM is currently helping to fund several studies to determine the effects of panax ginseng on insulin resistance in diabetics, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Potential Side Effects
Discontinue the use of panax ginseng at least a week before you have surgery, because it may cause excessive bleeding risks, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Some people may experience allergic reactions to ginseng, cautions the USNLM. Watch for signs of hives, rashes or difficulty breathing while taking ginseng. If these occur, stop its use and contact your health care provider. Other than these side effects, taking ginseng is considered to be quite safe. In rare instances, the site reports that some people may get heartburn, heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, fever, dizziness or nausea or vomiting. People with bipolar disorder may get manic episodes from taking ginseng. Pregnant or breast-feeding women are warned to avoid taking ginseng.
Possible Interactions
People who take over-the-counter pain relievers such as naproxen or ibuprofen, blood thinners, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, medications for the heart, sedatives, antipsychotic drugs, medications for erectile dysfunction, caffeine, drugs to lower cholesterol, antiviral medications or cancer drugs are cautioned not to take ginseng due to possible interactions, says the USNLM. If you have questions about how taking panax ginseng might interact with the other medications and supplements you take, talk to your health care provider or your pharmacist.
